Alam’s ‘Moo Ku Teh’ Offers a Beefy Spin on a National Heritage Dish

A New Twist on a Classic Recipe

Located in Setapak, Alam’s Kitchen serves several Chinese dishes, including the novel ‘moo ku teh’.

KUALA LUMPUR: One Muslim convert in Setapak here has innovatively reimagined the traditional Chinese dish bak kut teh to ensure it can be enjoyed by people of all races and religions, especially those who prioritize halal food.

A Beefy Alternative

Called “moo ku teh”, Alam Abdullah’s version of the dish uses beef as its main ingredient, making it a Muslim-friendly option for those who wish to savor the rich flavors of this traditional Chinese recipe.

“‘Bak’ means meat while ‘moo bak’ refers to beef,” he told FMT. “I initially wanted to simply call it ‘halal bak kut teh’ since I’m Muslim, and I use beef, which is halal.”

A Recipe Rooted in Tradition

Alam’s recipe for moo ku teh uses beef cooked with 12 types of herbs for over 12 hours. The father of four stressed that the uniqueness of his dish lies in its fully halal ingredients, while maintaining the authenticity of traditional Chinese cooking methods, which he learnt from a restaurant owner in Ipoh nearly 20 years ago.

A Journey of Faith and Cuisine

Having started his business in September, Alam admitted it was initially challenging to convince Muslim customers that his dishes were halal.

“Indeed, some questioned whether Muslims could eat it. I told them they were welcome to visit my home to see for themselves how I prepare the dish and what ingredients I use,” he said.

Having embraced Islam around 18 years ago, Alam places great importance on the intricacies of halal food preparation, ensuring every aspect of his business adheres to Islamic principles.

Halal Certification and Cleanliness

In addition, he has attended-halal certification courses organized by the Selangor Islamic religious council to guarantee the safety of his food for Muslim customers.

“People think halal only refers to pork or dogs. In reality, it also involves cleanliness, like using fresh ingredients and ensuring proper food preparation.

“Cleanliness and correct cooking methods are vital,” he explained.

A Growing Customer Base

Alam’s dedication has paid off: his stall attracts a growing number of customers of all races and backgrounds, all eager to enjoy his version of this popular Chinese dish.

“Most of my customers here are Malay. Thank God, they have embraced it,” said Alam, who dreams of someday opening a full-fledged restaurant selling Chinese cuisine.

Alam’s Kitchen Details

Rampai Business Park,

Jalan Rampai Niaga 5,

Taman Sri Rampai, Kuala Lumpur

Conclusion

Alam’s innovative approach to bak kut teh has not only won over Muslim customers but also shown that traditional Chinese cuisine can be adapted to meet the dietary requirements of all. His dedication to halal food preparation and commitment to cleanliness have earned him a loyal customer base, and it will be interesting to see where his culinary journey takes him in the future.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between bak kut teh and moo ku teh?

A: Moo ku teh is a beef-based version of bak kut teh, which is typically made with pork.

Q: Is moo ku teh halal?

A: Yes, moo ku teh is halal, as it uses beef and does not contain any pork or non-halal ingredients.

Q: Can non-Muslims eat moo ku teh?

A: Yes, moo ku teh is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds, as long as they respect the halal principles of the dish.