Botok-botok - a popular giveaway, souvenir in Pulai by-election

 

"Botok-botok," a traditional Javanese dish made from steamed fish and a blend of aromatic herbs, has gained popularity in Johor and is often offered to guests. -NSTP file pic

JOHOR BARU: "Botok-botok," a traditional Javanese dish made from steamed fish and a blend of aromatic herbs, has gained popularity in Johor and is often offered to guests.

It also serves as a sought-after souvenir for visitors, even during the ongoing campaign period for the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jerai state by-elections.

Owner of "Botok-botok Ibunda" restaurant, Haleza Mohammad, 57, said botok-botok is consistently in demand, not only among the people of Johor but also from residents of other states.

"Alhamdulillah, there is a constant demand for botok-botok. Visitors come throughout the year, not just during these by-elections, to savour this traditional delicacy.

"We also offer frozen botok-botok for visitors to take home. These frozen portions can last for up to three months," she explained when discussing the availability of botok-botoks as souvenirs that can maintain their quality for an extended period.

She told Bernama this during an interview at Taman Orkid, Tampoi, today.

Haleza said she has been in the botok-botok business for three years and offers six variations of this delicacy to her customers. These options include varieties made from ikan tenggiri and ikan kembung, as well as using the fish roe of ikan tenggiri.

Additionally, her customers have the option to request botok-botok prepared with redfish, chicken, squid, and prawn, with prices ranging from RM15 to RM48 for a set.

"There are still many people who are unfamiliar with this delicacy. It involves slices of fish, chicken, squid, or prawn layered with herbs and tapioca or yam plant shoots, mengkudu, berbuas, semangkuk, kadok, pucuk betik, and tea leaves.

"A special sauce made from ground spices is poured over these ingredients, after which everything is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed for a duration of 40 minutes to an hour to ensure even cooking.

"Botok-botok can be eaten with rice or on its own," she added.

The Election Commission has set Sept 9 as polling day for the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections with early voting on Sept 5.

The by-elections were called following the death of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub last July 23 due to a brain haemorrhage.

The Amanah deputy president and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister was the elected representative for both seats. -- BERNAMA