CASEY NG chats with its owner, former badminton ace Mohd Rothi Razali.

THE best nasi kandar isn't necessarily found in or near Penang. That sold at Mat Perak's in Ulu Kinta in Perak will give Penang nasi kandar a run for its money.

Ask for directions to Mat Perak's nasi kandar and most locals in Ulu Kinta will point the way to a humble shack near the Ulu Kinta Teacher's Training College. There, you'll get a wholesome meal of Penang-style curry dishes and rice.

Opened in 2005, it has been attracting scores of locals who throng the place between 11am and 5pm for its specialties such as Ayam Wang Geh, Ayam Pelita and Kambing Masak Madras.

On a normal day, the eatery sells 25-30 chickens to hungry diners, mostly residents living in and around the college and Briged Utara Police Training Complex.

Food And Badminton

Mohd Rothi was the State badminton ace in the mid 70s.

But it was not food that first put Mat Perak owner Mohd Rothi Razali, 57, in the limelight. Rather, it was badminton!
A popular player in the mid 70s, he was in the same league as Punch Gunalan and the then rising badminton star Misbun Sidek.

Fans gave him the nickname Mat Perak as Mohd Rothi comes from that State. But he suffered an injury and had to abandon his career. He then settled down in Penang, working for the island's Port Authority.

There, he became friends with a colleague, Mamak Samsudin, who taught him everything about nasi kandar cuisine.

Upon retirement, Mohd Rothi returned home to Ulu Kinta and, together with his son Mohd Raymi, 26, they went into the nasi kandar business.

"Occasionally, we get other Penang nasi kandar food operators coming here to sample my food," says Mohd Rothi, laughing. "It always ends with them wanting to partner us to open big restaurants in town areas."

But Mohd Rothi is not eager to return to the stress of city life. After all, he has settled down nicely and business is thriving.

How To Get There

To get to Ulu Kinta from Ipoh, go via Tambun Road. When you reach Ulu Kinta town, keep an eye out for the right turn junction that leads to Ulu Kinta Teacher's Training College. Mat Perak's roadside eatery is located near the junction.