IMC Exhibition: Mr. 23 Bakso brings an Indonesian delicacy to Gombak

By, Wafa Ahdella & Abdol Hamid Maridam

GOMBAK, 29 May 2024: For the purpose of promoting local entrepreneurs in Gombak, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) held an exhibition – the Exhibition on Empowering Local Entrepreneurs in Gombak, today. The delicious dishes and dedication to regional culinary traditions in Indonesia made Mr. 23 Bakso stand out among the assortment of booths. The entrepreneurship spirit that was felt in the exhibition was also emphasized by the booth – emphasising on the rich flavors of Indonesian food. 

When initially establishing a business venture in the bakso industry, the proprietor gained the inspiration and guidance of a supplier named Mr. 23 Bakso. By doing so, they were able to source fresh ingredients from the market as well as acquire significant information about the industry that was crucial to them in their business venture in the bakso industry. The Indonesian origin of the proprietor also enhanced the aspect of its cultural value since they can fully understand the challenges of preparing bakso dishes and use their experience in presenting the taste of Indonesia.

Quality is a priority for Mr. 23 Bakso. It adheres to a strict high standard by using fresh ingredients and cooking using a timer.

The owner gave out samples of the bakso at the booth so that there would be more customers. This clearly worked as a very successful strategy because there were people who could have just been staring and perhaps even moving away from the booth but they ended up buying the frozen and cooked bakso products because they were convinced by the samples. The consumer interaction method allowed for individuals to be convinced by the brand’s good tastes before committing themselves to purchase.

One of the most difficult obstacles that Mr. 23 Bakso must overcome is the initial uncertainty of getting customers. There are a lot of people who are unfamiliar with bakso yet are willing to try something new. The free samples on the other hand can manage to overcome this hurdle, where people can try the bakso and experience its amazing taste. The elimination of these obstacles is achieved by Mr. 23 Bakso through this opportunity, which allows the clients to be introduced to new culinary experiences.

Plans to physically grow are not on the table right now, but Mr. 23 Bakso has a plan for the future. They want to passively promote Bakso, expanding its prominence and instilling a passion for this Indonesian food among the Malaysian population. In the hopes of making bakso a popular culinary option in both Malaysia and Indonesia, they are working to introduce people to the distinctive tastes that bakso has.

Not only does Mr. 23 Bakso provide a wonderful meal, but it also provides the opportunity to engage in cultural activities. Their commitment to using only fresh products, perfecting their culinary skills, and actively engaging with their customers makes them an absolute necessity for anybody who is looking to get a taste of Indonesia. Don’t pass up the chance to delve into the delightful world of Bakso by paying a visit to Mr. 23 Bakso in Kampung Kerdas, Gombak.

Bakso, an Indonesian meatball dish, is a beloved street food known for its savory taste and comforting broth. At the exhibition, Mr. 23 Bakso provided visitors with a taste of the authentic bakso, prepared with high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques. The booth attracted a significant number of visitors, eager to experience the flavors and learn more about the dish.

To recreate the delicious Bakso served at Mr. Bakso’s booth, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

– 500g ground beef or a mix of beef and chicken

– 50g tapioca flour

– 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon white pepper powder

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1 egg

– 100ml ice-cold water

For the Broth:

– 2 liters of water

– 500g beef bones

– 4-5 cloves of garlic, crushed

– 1 onion, halved

– 1 teaspoon white pepper

– Salt to taste

For garnish:

– Fried shallots

– Chopped spring onions

– Bok choy or Chinese cabbage

– Vermicelli noodles

Mr. 23 Bakso’s participation in the IIUM exhibition highlighted the vital role entrepreneurs in Gombak play in preserving and promoting culinary traditions. By sharing the delicious taste of bakso and the secrets to its preparation, Not only does Mr. 23 Bakso provide a wonderful meal, but also provides the opportunity to experience an Indonesian delicacy. Its commitment to using only fresh products, perfecting their culinary skills, and actively engaging with their customers makes them an absolute necessity for anybody who wants to experience the authentic taste of Indonesia. Don’t pass up the chance to delve into the delightful world of bakso by paying a visit to Mr. 23 Bakso.***

(This article was written as a class activity for COMM2312: Basics of Writing.)