How nasi kandar found its way to Phu Quoc

Malaysian businessman Nash Ramesh, originally from Taiping, opened Mina Nasi Kandar Halal Restaurant in Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island. The 52-year-old had lived in Vietnam for the past 12 years and wanted to provide more halal food options for tourists and locals alike. After spending time on the island, Nash and his friend realized the limited food choices and decided to bring Malaysian cuisine to the Vietnamese island.

The restaurant offers familiar Malaysian flavors such as nasi kandar, which features mixed curries, fried cabbage, and honey chicken, alongside other dishes like nasi lemak, roti canai, and teh tarik. Nash travels to Malaysia every few months to source ingredients, including belacan for sambal, that are harder to find in Vietnam.

His Vietnamese wife, Van Anh, has also contributed by learning some Malaysian recipes over their 15-year marriage. Along with Malaysian favorites, the menu includes Vietnamese staples like pho and banh mi. The restaurant has not only introduced nasi kandar to other countries but has also made it more familiar to local diners. Popular choices include soy sauce chicken, honey chicken, and spiced chicken, with drinks such as teh tarik and limau ais complementing each meal.

The establishment provides Nash with a connection to home, easing his longing to interact with Malaysians.