One of the uniquely pleasant experiences many Malaysians will have had growing up would be the sheer cavalcade of public holidays brought to us by the numerous festivals celebrated in Malaysia. Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Vaisakhi, Hari Gawai, Hari Kaamatan – you name it, we’ve got a festival for it.
This year, however, celebrations are slightly different. Yes, with social distancing and Movement Control Orders, a lot of our favourite things about being a multi-cultural country have taken a hard hit (I miss you mamak shop *sobs*); none more so than our range of small entrepreneurs. While most of us look forward to these bazaars and pasars to get our festival treat fix, the need to control large gatherings in public and avoid too much interaction have limited our chances to purchase them – severely affecting the livelihoods of these entrepreneurs as a result.
Oh pasar malam, how we miss you!
Here’s a chance for us to live up to our name (more than usual, anyways) and be the bearer of Good News, literally! We’ve rounded up some entrepreneurs who bake and create the oh-so delicious goodies we crave during the festive season to ask about their favourite festival memories…AND how to contact them! So, read on, dear reader, and see how you can #sapotlokal this Deepavali!
Treat Maker No. 1: Neesha
(Let Them Eat Cake: Neesha, alongside some of her gorgeous creations.)
- What does Deepavali mean to you?
Deepavali to me is family, friends and food, all under one roof.
- How do you usually celebrate Deepavali?
We celebrate Christmas at home but since most of our friends and relatives celebrate Deepavali, it’s always fun visiting one another, playing firecrackers and making phone calls across states wishing family and friends every year without fail.
- What did you do to try mitigating the effects of the pandemic?
I came up with smaller packaging for cakes and cookies. That way, people get to enjoy my baked goods at a much affordable rate without added burden brought by this pandemic. They’re even sending these goods to their friends and family, reminding them to stay strong and safe.
- What are your plans for Deepavali this year?
To spread joy with my baked good, bless some underprivileged families with some goodies and of course, to stay safe at all times.
- What inspired you to start making these treats?
I started baking at a very young age. My mom went for classes and learnt to bake since I loved cakes. Growing up, we used to bake together. Some time, while pursuing my degree, I started baking for family and friends generating a good source of pocket money.
- Is this a seasonal business or a year-round venture?
We’re open for orders all year-round but orders need to be placed as early as 5-7 days prior to your event.
- What would you say are your best-sellers?
Classic Rich Butter Cake with the old school Butter Icing.
- Can you give us a rough idea of your prices?
We start with RM55 for a 650g butter cake with basic icing. However, prices vary depending on complexity of design, filling options and size of cake.
- How can potential customers contact you if they’d like to place orders?
They can browse through some of my work on Instagram or Facebook. There’s a link in Instagram directing you to my WhatsApp or they can leave me a message on Instagram: @BakeWithNeesha
- What was your favourite memory of Deepavali as a child / growing up?
Loved the school holiday, first thing first. Then comes the visits to my late grandparents’ home, on Deepavali it was always the angpau, tonnes of Indian sweets and homemade cookies and delicacies.
Treat Maker No.2: Kavitha
(Crunch and Munch: Some of the delicious goodies up for grabs @ grandmaras_krupkrap!)
- What does Deepavali mean to you?
Scrumptious delicious food and the sweet cookies that just melts in your mouth. #notworryingaboutthecalories
- How do you usually celebrate Deepavali?
With my family, performing the Diwali traditional rites and then offering prayers to seek blessings.
- Has the pandemic/CMCO affected your business? If so, how?
I actually started this business during the pandemic. It keeps me occupied and gave me a chance to spend time together with my family as it is a family venture.
- What did you do to try mitigating the effects of the pandemic?
I started promoting our kuih guntingand ghee cookies on social media. Friends and family were my biggest support. Please follow our page in Instagram: @grandmaras_krupkrap
- What will you miss most about Deepavali this year?
Of course, visiting relatives as we decided to practice strict social distancing.
- What are your plans for Deepavali this year?
Dress up, Eat, Chill and Relax. #forgetallyourdiets
- What inspired you to start making these treats?
Our Grandma Ras Kuih Gunting is my late grandmother’s secret recipe, and these days we hardly get the crunchy delicious kuih gunting, therefore we decided to make it a seasonal business. Ghee cookies are my personal favourite. And sometimes when I purchase it from outside it’s either too sweet or too hard and it just didn’t go along with my taste buds, therefore I decided to make it on my own. And tadaaaa…after much trial and error we finally came out with our Grandma Ras Ghee Cookies.
- What would you say are your best-sellers?
Grandma Ras Kuih Gunting& Grandma Ras Ghee Cookies
- Can you give us a rough idea of your prices?
- Kuih Gunting –RM 10 per bottle
- Ghee Cookies –RM 25 per bottle (50 pieces)
- How can potential customers contact you if they’d like to place orders?
Contact us via Whatsapp – Ms Kavita: 016-9049398
- What’s your favourite memory of Deepavali as a child/growing up?
When the festive mood just kicks in, from cleaning the house and getting the murukkus done. And planning my outfit is my biggest challenge 😉
Treat Maker No.3: Abigail
(Fruit Cake Special: Abigail and her scrumptiously crisp cakes!)
- What does Deepavali mean to you?
It’s a time for holiday, good food, beautiful clothing and wonderful gathering of friends. I hold Deepavali close to heart because a lot of my close friends are Indian and I feel as if I’m part of the festivities.
- How do you usually celebrate Deepavali? I’ll go to my friend’s open house or sometimes gate crash my BFF’s house. And I celebrate with eating lots of murukku and pineapple tarts.
- What will you miss most about Deepavali this year?
The open house. I won’t be able to see all of my friends this year as there are SOPs in place which restricts the number of people in a single venue. I will miss gathering with my university mates of all different races.
- What are your plans for Deepavali this year? Just video-calling my friends and maybe send a cake or two to my BFF in KL.
- What inspired you to start making these treats?
I have always been an avid Baker since I was a teenager. And since I had just graduated, I’d figure to make some pocket money while filling people’s tummies. The year 2020 is a hard year for everyone, and on top of that, this year’s Deepavali celebrations will be really quiet due to the SOPs in place. Hence, I just wish these sweet cakes can bring some joy and sweetness during the festival in this trying time.
- What would you say are your best-sellers?
RUM infused Fruitcake! And it is my only product.
- Can you give us a rough idea of your prices?
- 0.5kg – RM 55
- 1.0kg – RM 105
- 2.0kg – RM 200
(Excluding postage)
- How can potential customers contact you if they’d like to place orders?
They can call me or WhatsApp me @ 0166688481
- What’s your favourite memory of Deepavali as a child/growing up?
When I was in high-school, I went to my first open house. It was eye opening and fun. There was so much food and excitement; And, not forgetting, the fireworks that we got to play after makan.
Well, what are you waiting for guys? Give them a buzz and get your Deepavali goodie fix! Happy Deepavali to all celebrating (and Happy Public Holiday to all Malaysians)!
*Note to our readers: We will be searching for more small entrepreneurs to pin to our GoodNews Instagram page highlights. Know anyone who is in the biz and needs more customers? Send us their details – we’re here to help, and we’d love to hear from you guys!
