Indonesian food critic Mas Rio, popularly known as @riomakan on social media, has come to the defense of Malaysia's iconic nasi kandar following controversial comments made by MasterChef Indonesia Season 5 winner, Chef Stephanie Horison.
Chef Stephanie sparked debate with her remarks about the beloved dish, leading to a flurry of responses from food lovers in both Malaysia and Indonesia. In response, Mas Rio decided to take matters into his own hands by visiting the oldest nasi kandar establishment in Malaysia, Hameediyah Nasi Kandar, in Penang, to try the dish for himself.
After tasting the traditional nasi kandar, Mas Rio highlighted the major differences between the authentic version served at Hameediyah and Chef Stephanie's interpretation. He praised the complexity of flavors, the rich variety of curries, and the unique combination of spices that make nasi kandar a timeless favorite, urging others to try the original dish before forming an opinion.
Mas Rio's support for Malaysia's culinary heritage has been warmly received by his followers, with many applauding his effort to promote cross-cultural understanding through food.
