Three-generation Spice Business Remains A Favourite In Kepala Batas

By Erma Idayu Mohd Yusop

KEPALA BATAS, March 9 (Bernama) -- In a modest shop in the old town of Kepala Batas, the fragrant aroma of spices greets visitors at the door, evoking memories of traditional kitchens filled with rich, comforting flavours.

Using recipes passed down through generations and quality raw ingredients specially sourced from India, the mixed-spice shop — now run by the family’s third generation — continues to attract loyal customers, particularly during Ramadan and ahead of Aidilfitri.

Shop owner Shahul Hameed Siddiq Mohamad, 44, said the business, inherited from his grandfather and father, has been operating since the 1970s and remains relevant today by preserving the authenticity of its flavours and the quality of its spice blends.

“This is a third-generation business. My grandfather started it, then it was continued by my father, and now I am carrying on the legacy of this mixed-spice shop. Its uniqueness lies in our own blend recipes, which have become the shop’s identity,” he told Bernama recently.

He said key raw ingredients such as cumin, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, garam masala and various others are sourced directly from India before being blended at the shop according to the family’s secret measurements.

He said Kedai Rempah Shahul Hameed offers about 40 types of spice blends, including fish curry, meat curry, fried chicken, onion chicken, as well as special blends for nasi Arab, mandy and beriani.

In addition, spices for popular dishes such as martabak, roti john, nasi daging and bubur kanji are also in high demand, especially among Ramadan bazaar traders.

According to Shahul Hameed, during the month of Ramadan the shop is capable of selling up to 150 kilogrammes of various spices daily, with customers coming not only from Penang but also from other states.

Apart from cooking spices, the shop also provides ingredients for traditional beverages, including a special akar sarbat blend.

He said that although imported raw ingredients are used, the prices remain affordable so that people from all walks of life can enjoy them.

“The cheapest ready-mixed spice we sell is priced at RM3 for every 120 grammes, and we also sell according to customers’ needs, from small quantities up to one kg.

“I also share cooking recipes with customers based on the spices they buy to ensure their dishes turn out more flavourful and suit their tastes,” he said.

Shahul Hameed said the shop’s customers come from various backgrounds, including homemakers, catering operators and nasi kandar traders.

For him, continuing the family business is not merely about making a profit, but also a responsibility to preserve a heritage of flavours that has become part of the local community’s identity.

-- BERNAMA