Every now and then, food businesses come up with new dishes to offer their customers, though some may be ridiculous in concept or price.
In Malaysia, the popular food stall Niase Street Food recently drew criticism for selling three pieces of its new offering, the Lumpia Creamy Tomyam, for RM18.90 (S$6).
Source: @daniasadek on TikTok
The dish was initially introduced as a limited-time offering that’s only available during the stall’s “mega tour” at different locations across the country.
However, last week, the business announced that it is now offering the controversial dish at its Ipoh Night Market location, which is open daily.
A TikTok video posted by the business owner, Dania Sadek, on 31 Jan explained that the price of the Lumpia Creamy Tomyam includes Sales and Service Tax (SST).
She said that the dish contains Buna-shimeji mushrooms, jicama, mozzarella cheese, and chicken or beef.
It is also topped with Parmesan cheese and a sprig of coriander.
Source: @daniasadek on TikTok
According to The Rakyat Post, the business owner is known for introducing “premium-priced” food at her stall.
In a later TikTok post, the business stated that its food offerings are worth every penny.
The caption wrote: “From the selection of raw ingredients, the preparation process to the dishes that reach the customers, we have always prioritised quality and taste.”
The dish’s price drew criticism from netizens, many of whom felt it was too expensive.
Some questioned why the dish needed to be topped with coriander as well as Parmesan cheese, which is not even melted.
Translation: What’s the purpose of Parmesan cheese 😭, it doesn’t even melt
Source: TikTok
One user noted that Buna-shimeji mushrooms only cost RM2 (S$0.65) at the local grocery store.
Translation: Just for info, bunashimeji mushroom is only RM2 a pack at Lotus
Source: TikTok
Meanwhile, a netizen quipped whether the owner can lower the price to RM10 (S$3.23) if customers choose not to include the Parmesan cheese and coriander toppings.
Translation: If we don’t want cheese with coriander leaves, is RM10 okay, sis?
Source: TikTok
On the other hand, some nitpicked the name of the dish.
One user asked why the dish was given the foreign term lumpia instead of the local name popiah.
A fellow TikTok user jokingly replied that this was done to justify the dish’s premium pricing.
Translation: Are you really ashamed to use our own Malay language? Why do you have to use words from another language? Malaysia calls it popia, not lumpia. Wait a minute, if fyp reaches there, it will start to get rowdy, saying Malaysia claims. Please just use Malay. Why do you want to follow the language of another country? / So that it sounds a little different, if you put the name popia, people will say it’s not premium
Source: TikTok
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Featured image adapted from @daniasadek on TikTok.