Being a 'Cook' while Studying Abroad, Delicious Menu from Madamehiang Can Cure Homesickness

Kapanlagi.com - Indonesian foods are truly one of a kind. They taste nostalgic, especially when you haven't had them for a long time. This often happens when you're living away from home. The signature dishes from your hometown that are sometimes hard to find become one of the things you miss the most.

When this happens, cooking becomes one of the solutions. Just like Belinda Etenia's story when she was living in Jakarta. Who would have thought that her habit of cooking during college would now become one of her sources of income by opening Madamehiang. Belinda shared her story with ManisdanSedap.com.

Missing Home Food While Living Away

This woman from Medan shared that she often cooked homemade food with her fellow students in Jakarta. Those who came from the same hometown would chip in to buy the ingredients and then cook together.

"We are all away from home, so we definitely miss homemade food. That's why I took the initiative to cook and eat together with friends who wanted to join. We would pool our money to buy the ingredients, so it's also cost-effective," said Belinda, who is studying music, specifically piano.

She realized that her cooking skills at the time were not at an expert level. However, the food she cooked suited her friends' taste buds. Some even suggested that she start selling her dishes.

"I don't know if I can be considered an expert, but those who ate my food said it was delicious and asked why I didn't start selling it," she recalled.

Cooking as a Stress Reliever

However, at that time, Belinda had to focus on her studies. Moreover, she had to practice music regularly. As a result, the idea from her friends had to be postponed. Nevertheless, she admitted that cooking became an activity to relieve stress. She cooked various homemade dishes using recipes she found on YouTube and also her grandmother's recipes.

"I really enjoy cooking, so when I'm stressed, I find solace in cooking." Formerly, I often cooked Hainanese chicken, steamed eggs, chicken medicine soup, or stir-fried vegetables," said someone who is currently pursuing a Master's degree.

Daring to Open Madamehiang at the Beginning of the Pandemic

Entering 2020, Belinda's lectures began to be conducted online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, the idea of starting a culinary business emerged. The name Madamehiang was chosen as the name of the business, which uses the name of her grandmother.

Belinda started making frozen food to sell because it is practical for consumers. The majority of the dishes available at Madamehiang use recipes from her grandmother. There are some menu items that are made into frozen food, but there are also some that are not.

Pak Cam Kee (Boiled Chicken) Madamehiang has become a favorite among consumers in Medan. Meanwhile, Samcan Cabe Ijo is another favorite frozen food menu.

"We use natural spices and of course, it is very hygienic because we always clean each packaging beforehand. As for the Cabe Ijo menu, we use spices that are very distinctive and different from the usual green chili," said Belinda.

Not only those two menus, Tahu Shimeji Madamehiang is also delicious for lunch. A combination of spinach, tofu, poileng vegetables, and Shimeji toppings with a sweet sauce that makes your taste buds dance.

Order directly at ManisdanSedap.com

Madamehiang's frozen food menu can be delivered throughout Indonesia. Starting from Pork Cabe Ijo, Pork Rendang, and Sambal Cabe Ijo. Meanwhile, other menus can only be ordered around the city of Medan. Those mouth-watering menus can be ordered directly through ManisdanSedap.com. You just need to choose the menu you want and you will be connected with Madamehiang.

Culinary enthusiasts can find other delicious menus directly from sellers through ManisdanSedap.com, which is part of KapanLagi Youniverse (KLY). As a Digital Media Network, KLY oversees other media such as Liputan6.com, Merdeka.com, Kapanlagi.com, Fimela.com, Dream.co.id, Brilio.id, Bola.com, Bola.net, and Otosia.com.

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Author: Dini A.Tyas

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(kpl/jef)