How nasi kandar found its way to Phu Quoc

Malaysian businessman Nash Ramesh has introduced nasi kandar to Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island. The 52-year-old, who has lived in Vietnam for a decade, opened Mina Nasi Kandar Halal Restaurant with a friend from Langkawi. The duo aimed to provide halal dining options for tourists and those familiar with Malaysian cuisine. Nash returns to Malaysia regularly to source ingredients unavailable in Vietnam, such as belacan for sambal, while his Vietnamese wife contributes local recipes.

The menu features Malaysian staples like nasi lemak, roti canai, and teh tarik alongside Vietnamese favorites such as pho and banh mi. The restaurant's popularity has also increased awareness of nasi kandar among international visitors. Halal meat and poultry are sourced from reliable suppliers, ensuring the authentic flavors of Malaysian homesick Nash's cherished culinary memories.