TRADITIONALLY, during the fasting month, Malaysians always go for murtabak, roti john, tepung pelita and other delicacies as their side foods.
It is widely known that every annual Ramadan bazaar showcases vendors selling similar food, with murtabak and roti john being the popular choices.
At the Seberang Jaya Ramadan Bazaar, King Roti John was a hit with many visitors, especially Muslims about to break fast.
King Roti John was established by a couple, Amirul Nizar Rozal, 30, and Norsyahirah Ashri, 30.
Norsyahirah’s younger brother, Syahril Anwar Ashri, 27, said their business has expanded to three branches in Penang: BKE Corner Bertam, BKE Corner Kubang Semang, and BKE Corner Batu Maung.
“For the past five years, King Roti John has only operated during the fasting month. This year, the response from the community has been particularly overwhelming compared to previous years.
“This year, we have established four King Roti John sites for the fasting month: Seberang Jaya Ramadan Bazaar, Bayan Lepas Ramadan Baazar, Kubang Semang Ramadan Baazar, and in front of the BKE Corner Batu Maung branch,” he said.
He also mentioned that over the five years at the Seberang Jaya Ramadan Bazaar, sales averaged between 900 and 1,000 loaves of bread per day. Meanwhile, the branch at the Bayan Lepas Ramadan Bazaar, operating for only three years, has also shown promising sales.
“There’s no price difference between chicken or meat options unless the buyer opts to add cheese.
“The price of King Roti John has increased by RM1 this year, from RM8 to RM9, and with cheese, from RM13 to RM15. This increase is due to higher raw material costs.
“Due to the sudden increase in the price of goods, King Roti John had to adjust its prices to ensure a return on capital and profit.
“Furthermore, we use high-quality Anchor brand Mozzarella cheese to ensure good quality of the roti john,” he added.
Syahril also noted that based on reviews on social media platforms like Facebook and their TikTok page, they are grateful that everyone seems satisfied.
Muhammad Muizzuddin Syahiran Mohd Basri, 29, one of the regular customers, said he has been purchasing King Roti John since last year during fasting month at Bayan Lepas Ramadan Bazaar.
“Since last year, it’s been a must for me to buy King Roti John because it’s truly incomparable to other roti johns available. Compared to others that I have tried, King Roti John stands out with its generous filling and rich flavour.
“Even with the price increase, I still prefer buying King Roti John with meat and cheese because the ample portion makes it worth every penny,” said Syahiran.
Nuranisah Hani Azmy, 23, expressed that while RM15 may be a bit pricey for her, given the consistent quantity and taste, she doesn’t mind making the purchase again.
“I once bought roti john at another bazaar for RM12 with chicken and cheese, but I was disappointed. There was very little chicken inside, and the cheese tasted cheap.
“Every year, at least once or twice, I will rush to the Seberang Jaya Ramadan Bazaar right after work, eager to join the queue as early as 4.30pm.
“Additionally, the service is quite efficient, minimising waiting times for customers,” Hani added.
Story by Nur Syakirah Mohd Basri
Pix by Nur Syakirah Mohd Basri and Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis