Johor couple gives traditional ‘kuih bakar’ a twist with durian, beef, and sardine – and Singaporeans are loving it

JOHOR BARU, July 13 — A Johor couple is putting a bold twist on the traditional kuih bakar, offering savoury flavours like durian, beef, and sardine — and Singaporean customers can’t seem to get enough.

Shahrilnizam Mohamed, 54, and his wife Mahanum Abdul Rahman, 52, have reimagined the classic pandan-based recipe handed down from Shahrilnizam’s mother, infusing it with modern and unconventional tastes.

“We want to challenge the idea that kuih bakar has to be sweet. It can also be savoury and full of variety,” said Shahrilnizam, adding that the sardine-flavoured version was inspired by the couple’s shared love for sardine dishes.

Since launching their business at Larkin Sentral in December last year with a startup capital of RM70,000, the couple now offers five flavours, from the traditional pandan (RM8) to premium durian (RM15).

Baking each kuih takes between 45 minutes and an hour, but that hasn’t stopped eager customers — especially those from Singapore — from patiently waiting for their favourites, particularly the durian and sardine options.

During peak holiday periods, sales can surge to as many as 450 pieces per day, compared to an average of 200 on regular days — proof that creativity and innovation can breathe new life into beloved Malaysian heritage foods.

One regular customer, 54-year-old Singaporean Siti Kamalaila Zulkeplie, considers it a staple every time her family visits Malaysia on weekends.

“Whenever we’re at Larkin Sentral, this is a must-buy. Kuih bakar usually only comes in pandan or corn, so these new flavours like beef and sardine are something totally different — and they taste amazing,” she said. — Bernama