KUCHING: More than just a food haven, the Meditel Ramadan Bazaar featuring 33 stalls including food trucks this year has evolved into a vibrant marketplace where both culinary delights and innovative local products come together.
One of the food vendors at the bazaar is Mawi Shawarma, owned by Mohammad Asmawi. For over two decades, Asmawi has been serving up his signature Middle Eastern-inspired delights. What started as a humble stall under a simple canopy in 2001 has now grown into a full-fledged food truck operation, attracting a loyal following every Ramadan season.
Asmawi’s journey in the food business began with nothing more than a grill, a few ingredients, and a passion for good food. Over the years, his dedication and perseverance paid off, allowing him to upgrade to a food truck just two years ago.
“The transition from a canopy stall to a food truck was a game-changer for us. Not only did it allow us to serve our customers more efficiently, but it also gave us the mobility to expand our reach beyond the Ramadan bazaar,” Asmawi shared.
Mawi Shawarma is known for its generous portions, homemade sauces, and authentic flavours that keep customers coming back for more. Regular patrons appreciate the consistency in taste and the friendly service that has remained unchanged since the early days of the business.
Asmawi shared that Mawi Shawarma operates every fourth week of the month for a week in SGH and specialises in various dishes such as Shawarma, Kebab Ayam, Kebab Daging, Shawarma Daging, and Roti John. However, their specialties remain Shawarma Ayam and Shawarma Daging. During the Meditel Ramadan bazaar, the food truck opens from 1.30 pm to 7pm throughout Ramadan.
Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with Asmawi recalling how a loyal customer eagerly awaited their return.
“Before this, my wife was selling in SGH (Sarawak General Hospital), and customers were looking for us to come back. They had to wait a month just to buy our shawarma, so we made sure to return,” he said.
With two decades of experience under his belt, Asmawi hopes to further expand his business while maintaining the quality and authenticity that Mawi Shawarma is known for.
“Our goal has always been to serve good food with heart. We are grateful for the support of our customers over the years, and we look forward to many more Ramadans together,” he added.
Beyond food, the Meditel Ramadan Bazaar also serves as a platform for local entrepreneurs to introduce their innovative products to the public. One such entrepreneur is UNIMAS PhD student, Siti Nur Aqilah Makshut, the founder of WAMB Malaysia. Represented by Beatrice Claire Matthew at the bazaar, WAMB Malaysia offers natural skincare products and health solutions inspired by Sarawak’s rich natural resources.
Founded in 2019, WAMB Malaysia stands for ‘When Artisan Meets Beauty’.
At the WAMB Malaysia booth, handcrafted soaps, essential oils, and skincare products made from ginger huma rice from Lundu, engkabang butter from Kanowit, Bario salt, and Lundu-grown ginger are on display. Beatrice explained how these natural elements can help with eczema and sensitive skin.
“Siti started this during her studies, and during the pandemic, she made most of the products herself. Now, she hopes to grow this into something bigger,” Beatrice shared.
Another unique product drawing attention is the Borneo Apong Golden Syrup, a healthier sugar alternative produced by the Borneo Apong Community in Kampung Tambirat, Kota Samarahan. This syrup, with only 39 kilocalories per serving and a low glycaemic index, is perfect for those managing diabetes or looking to cut down on sugar.
“This syrup is an energy booster, especially for the fasting month. It’s made by our local communities, and every purchase helps improve their livelihoods,” she said.
From delicious shawarma to unique skincare, the Meditel Ramadan bazaar is a lively place where different products come together for everyone to enjoy. It is a place where flavours and entrepreneurship come together, providing visitors with a diverse shopping experience.
