WHEN it comes to yam rice, most hawkers would simply name their stalls ‘BM (Bukit Mertajam) yam rice’ as the town is famous for the dish.

Chong Lian Shin, 66, who opened Bukit Mertajam’s first yam rice stall in Jalan Murthy in 1983, said he tweaked the recipe from a similar dish which he enjoyed very much when he was in Singapore.

“I started my business in a small wooden house about 35 years ago, and I shifted to my present bigger premises about 11 years ago.

“I’m expecting my business to double a few days before polling day on May 9 as many locals will be returning home to cast their votes,” he said when met on Saturday.

Chong added that he was prepared for it and would rope in additional family members to help.

Besides anticipating to sell more than 1,000 bowls of rice on that day, he has also reserved additional pork from his supplier to cope with the demand as yam rice is often served with salted vegetable pork soup or soy sauce pork trotters.

Hui Hui (squatting) explaining the process of preparing their famous yam rice.

“My meat is supplied daily to ensure they are tender and fresh. My charcoal stoves will also be ‘working’ overtime to keep up with orders on polling day.

“I’m assisted by my three daughters, who will eventually take over the business,” said Chong, who was surprised when Penang MCA chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng visited his shop.

Tan reminded Penangites to return home and vote, and drop by the shop for a taste of yam rice.

The shop, BM Yam Rice Kopitiam, is open daily from 9am to 3pm, except on Wednesdays.