Queen personally prepares four dishes for Lahad Datu folk

BY: Patrick Beech

It was truly a treat to cherish for folks from Lahad Datu in Sabah.

Our queen, Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah recently prepared four dishes - ikan bilis masak kicap, ikan bilis masak asam, udang berlada and bubur lambuk - for the people of Lahad Datu.

Her Majesty prepared the dishes during her visit there for hundreds of residents who wanted to see for themselves Tunku Azizah's well-known culinary expertise.

"An abundance of anchovies here, so I prepared dishes made of anchovies - ikan bilis masak kicap and ikan bilis masak asam,” Her Majesty said, while busy slicing garlic, onion and red chillies.

Tunku Azizah prepared the dish with the help of the staff of Istana Negara and members of the Association of Wives of Civil Servants and Women Civil Servants (Puspanita).

The queen was there in conjunction with the "Kembara Kenali Borneo" tour.

A resident of Kampung Sri Aman, Ain Balkisyah Mat, 23, said that she was mesmerised by Tunku Azizah's style and way of cooking, besides being an expert in handling kitchen tools.

"I am honoured to be able to see for myself how the Raja Permaisuri Agong prepared meals in the crowded place. Before this, I had seen Tunku Azizah cooking, and read news about her hobby (cooking) and now I can see Her Majesty preparing the meals and I get to taste them too!” she said.