Chef Showcases Langkawi Delicacies At AMM Welcoming Dinner

By Linda Khoo

LANGKAWI, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- For Rozaina Rohimi, preparing Kerabu Bronok and Latok for Saturday's ASEAN Foreign Ministers' (AMM) Retreat welcoming dinner is more than just cooking; it’s about sharing a taste of her heritage with the foreign delegations.

The 50-year-old Rozaina is part of the culinary team at a resort hotel here, preparing exotic local delicacies that offer a true taste of Langkawi for the foreign ministers and delegates. 

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“I am very happy and proud to be part of the culinary team showcasing the exotic dishes of Langkawi to the foreign guests.

“My preparations will include the careful selection of ingredients to ensure that the dignitaries and delegations taste the authentic flavours of these delicacies,” she told Bernama.

Kerabu Bronok is a unique Langkawi dish made with the sea cucumber species Acaudina molpadioides, while Latok, also known as Caulerpa lentillifera, is a type of seaweed typically enjoyed as a salad or side dish.

Meanwhile, the hotel's executive sous chef, Elleiry Eddy, said they sourced 10 kilogrammes (kg) of Bronok and 8.0 kg of Latok from local suppliers for the welcoming dinner. 

“Bronok is a species of sea cucumber found only in Langkawi. Kerabu Bronok, a dish made with it, is like Malaysian sushi. We would like to introduce the local delicacies to our foreign guests to showcase Malaysian gastronomy,” he said.

Eddy explained that preparing Kerabu Bronok is a time-consuming process, as the sea cucumber needs to be properly cut and cleansed, including with tamarind. 

“This meticulous preparation makes the dish special and unique for the guests,” he said. 

He added that Latok is a popular appetiser, traditionally served with sambal kerisik.

“There are 25 of us preparing for Saturday’s welcoming dinner,” he said.

As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is welcoming more than 200 delegates to the AMM Retreat this weekend.

The two-day AMM Retreat, starting Saturday, will be attended by foreign ministers and representatives of the 10 ASEAN member states.

Timor-Leste's Foreign Minister will attend as an observer.

To be held at the Langkawi International Convention Centre, the AMM Retreat will mark the first major meeting under Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, setting the stage for a busy and significant year ahead.

Malaysia has previously chaired ASEAN in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.

-- BERNAMA