Still others are cashing in on the craze of otak-otak, selling the frozen version of this delicacy to be thawed and enjoyed at home.
Many of these businesses have been in operation for decades. Among them is MRS Kasia Pillai, which opened in 1939 and has earned a reputation for selling high-quality Indian spices and medicinal herbs.
Located a few doors away from the famous Muar 434 coffee shop, this spice shop looks like any other grocery store from the outside. However, once inside, you’ll be hit with the overpowering smell of Indian spices in all its glory.
Their range of spices is as wide as it is colourful – hot paprika powder, cloves, saffron, black cumin, green pepper, red pepper and lots more – all essentials in any Indian or Asian kitchen.
Apart from spices, this shop also sells a wide selection of Indian medicinal herbs like sandalwood, ginger, wild turmeric, haritaki powder and senna leaves.
The current owner of the shop is Amiruddin Shaik Alaudin, whose parents, Aishan Nachia and Shaik Alaudin, once ran the business together.
Speaking with FMT, Amiruddin said most of the spices sold here are imported from India, the United States, Sri Lanka, and Ukraine.
They also package their own curry powder mixes for fish, prawn, chicken and mutton dishes, in addition to spice mixes for chicken sambal, grilled chicken satay, and even simple soups.
All the spice mixes are blended at their in-house factory, then packaged to be sold at the shop and online via food delivery platforms.
There is also a spice mill on the premises, where clunky, old machines – once used during Amiruddin’s parents’ time over 50 years ago – are still in operation, grinding cumin seeds, coriander seeds, black pepper, dried chillies, as well as curry leaves into a fine powder.
“We’ve retained the traditional method to grind and blend the spices as we take pride in making sure the spices are well blended, and release a fragrance during the cooking process,” Amiruddin said.
He added that many of his older customers who come to his shop often reminisce about the old times where they bought herbs and spices here.
“Many who come to my shop are simply hit by a wave of nostalgia as they tell me that their grandparents used to buy these herbs to cure certain ailments. Now, everyone just goes to the pharmacy to get their medication.
“Not every customer will appreciate my shop, but I’m glad when someone tells me that it reminds them of yesteryear,” he said with a smile.
Apart from the spices and medicinal herbs, the shop also stocks everyday products sourced from India such as oil, rice, flour, and various hair and body products.
MRS Kasia Pillai
126-127, Jalan Maharani
Taman Sri Emas
84000 Muar, Johor
Contact: 06-951 9149
Business hours: 7am-7pm daily