JOHOR BARU: Known for his cooking skills, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, often whips up an array of Malay and Chinese dishes, says his personal chef.
Hamdan Dollah (pic), 57, who has been serving His Majesty since 2012, said Sultan Ibrahim is very skilled in the kitchen and can cook a variety of dishes, including Western and Chinese cuisines.
“The King also likes to cook in large quantities to share with the palace staff,” he said, adding that His Majesty has a personal doctor who advises him on the nutritional aspects of food.
“Sultan Ibrahim is sensitive to the taste of food; there needs to be a balance of salty, sour and sweet. If His Majesty decides to cook, I will prepare all the ingredients,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama here recently.
The King, said Hamdan, is not particular about his meals but prefers dishes with a hint of spiciness and not overly sweet.
His Majesty enjoys traditional Malay kampung dishes such as asam pedas, gulai nenas ikan kering, ulam with sambal belacan, siput sedut, and boiled clams.
“The food preferences of the King and Her Majesty the Queen, Raja Zarith Sofiah, are not much different, as both enjoy village-style food.
“Sometimes, if Sultan Ibrahim wants a change in taste, he will instruct me to prepare other cuisines,” Hamdan said.
In his 12 years serving Sultan Ibrahim, Hamdan said His Majesty always emphasises cleanliness, neatness and discipline among palace staff and often shares jokes with them.
“Sultan Ibrahim is not too strict with the workers, and we find it very easy to work for His Majesty; we are happy,” said Hamdan, who has 21 years’ experience working in hotels.
On how he landed the job as Sultan Ibrahim’s personal chef, Hamdan said it all began when His Majesty frequently visited Pengerang, Johor, where he once worked, and then offered him the role at the palace.
“When His Majesty asked if I wished to work at the palace, I was momentarily stunned before accepting the offer.
“Why did I accept? Because I considered it a blessing, especially when Sultan Ibrahim himself extended the offer. It’s all Allah’s plan; I am grateful,” he said.
