Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin signs a golden plaque to commemorate the restaurant's 50th aniversary. Beside her are Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar owner and managing director Burhan Mohamed (left) and his wife, Rozan Begam (right). — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
PETALING JAYA: It's impossible to say no to a delicious plate of freshly made nasi kandar, what's more when it's free.
That was exactly what was on offer at the Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar in SS2 and it drew in a large crowd, all eager to enjoy a plate of fresh nasi kandar.
The restaurant is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and gave back to its loyal patrons with a free flow of nasi kandar from 7.30pmto 11pm on Saturday (Nov 7) evening.
By 7pm, the crowd had started to build, with a queue snaking from the front of the shop to the back.
The event was graced by Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, who signed a golden plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary of the restaurant.
The signing was followed by celebratory fireworks.
Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin receiving a momento from Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar owner and managing director Burhan Mohamed and his wife, Rozan Begam. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar owner and managing director Burhan Mohamed and his wife, Rozan Begam, also presented a memento to Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin.
His daughter, Zafrina Buruhan, said that the anniversary will not be possible without the support of their loyal customers and employees.
“I am confident that the nasi kandar dishes at Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar have become deeply ingrained in the hearts of Malaysians since 1974 and passed down through generations,” she said in her speech.
Among the eager patrons who were at the celebration was self-employed Kasturi Subramanian, 49, who said that she was excited to have the opportunity to see Royalty in person.
"I have only seen Tengku Permaisuri on TV and I am so glad to see her today, it is quite an experience," she said.
She added that she started coming to the restaurant in her childhood and still returns often when she craves nasi kambing and roti tissue.
Another frequent customer who wished to be known as Priya had come together with her family members.
“We come here at least once a week for breakfast and I am glad to have the food free today.
“I hope to have nasi briyani and maybe catch sight of the royal guest of honour today,” she said.
A senior executive who only wanted to be known as Chan said he walked to the restaurant from his home together with his two children and wife to enjoy the food.
“We walked over here to try the food,” he said, adding that he knew about the event after seeing the shop’s banners many times.
The renowned chain has its humble roots as a small stall in SS2 started by Burhan's late father in the 1970s.
The name "Kayu" was actually Burhan's nickname as a child, but has now become synonymous with nasi kandar.
Also present at the 50th anniversary celebration were Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan and other personalities.
Crowds gather at Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar for a delicious and free plate of nasi kandar. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
