MERSING, Sept 22 — The power of social media in influencing society is undeniable, and through this platform, a local eatery known for its signature lontong darat has become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.
Lontong darat, also known as lontong kering, is a version of lontong, a traditional Javanese dish (compressed rice cakes), but eaten without the lodeh gravy (vegetables cooked in coconut milk). Lontong darat is served dry, with a selection of side dishes such as chicken or beef rendang and serunding (meat floss).
The eatery owner Suriani Hassan, 36, said most foreign tourists who visit her food outlet are eager to satisfy their curiosity about a dish rarely found elsewhere.
“Many visitors, both local and foreign, come because our lontong darat went viral on social media. We’ve had tourists from Sweden, Brunei and Indonesia who came to experience the unique taste of this dish for themselves,” she told Bernama.
Suriani said she took over the restaurant from her in-laws in 2010 and introduced lontong darat eight years ago, at a time when not many food outlets were offering diverse lontong-based menus.
The mother of two, who is assisted by six staff, said customers can choose from four lontong darat sets — with one, two or three side dishes, or a special set that comes with four dishes.
She added that during school holidays, their restaurant is usually packed with customers.
“It can be overwhelming… if food runs out early, we would top up because we don’t want to disappoint our customers who come from afar. Many of them found out about our lontong darat after one of our videos went viral on TikTok’s FYP (For You Page).”
She also said motorcycle convoys and road users passing through Mersing to go to the east coast also patronise her eatery.
“We also receive orders (for the delicacy) from government agencies, private companies and even the palace,” she said.
The eatery, which operates daily from 7am to 12.30pm except Fridays, also serves nasi lemak berlauk, which ranks as another bestseller after lontong darat, as well as noodle soup, seafood lontong, roti canai and assorted traditional kuih.
Suriani said she also plans to add more Johor specialities to the menu. — Bernama
