Thousands of packets of traditional Kelantanese dishes are being transported daily from the east coast to customers across the Klang Valley, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and more recently, to Terengganu and Pahang. This logistical network is primarily driven by Nasi Berlauk Kelate Express (NBK Express), a delivery service operated by Mohd Syafrini Azmi, 38.
Since its inception about a decade ago, NBK Express has expanded significantly. What began as a delivery of around 200 packets per trip has grown to more than 3,000 packets dispatched to the Klang Valley alone. The service gathers food items from over 20 suppliers and vendors located in various parts of Kelantan, including Tumpat, Wakaf Che Yeh, and Machang.
Mohd Syafrini explained that the initial concept for the delivery service originated from a suggestion by his friend Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff. The idea aimed to cater to the substantial Kelantanese population living outside the state, especially in the Klang Valley. While NBK Express initially focused solely on delivering nasi berlauk Air Dingin, the menu has since been broadened to feature an array of Kelantan specialities. These include rice with chicken, fish, and beef dishes from well-known providers such as Kak Chik, Tengku Noor, Depey Tanggo, Kakak Aisyah, and Nasi Kerabu Paloh. The service also transports traditional Kelantanese kuih and delicacies like tepung bungkus, lompat tikam, nasi tumpang, and nasi kapit sambal.
The nightly journey starts around 10 p.m. in Tumpat, as the delivery van collects food packets before making stops at other collection points within Kelantan. The van then travels to Gombak, Selangor, where the packets are distributed to more than 80 agents and runners. These agents subsequently distribute the food to restaurants and food sellers in the Klang Valley, Negeri Sembilan, and Melaka. Two months ago, NBK Express expanded its route to include Terengganu and Pahang, delivering approximately 2,000 packets per trip to several towns such as Setiu, Kuala Terengganu, Paka, Kuantan, and Rompin.
Mohd Syafrini, who resides in Selangor, highlighted that the business not only meets customer demand but also supports income for multiple suppliers and delivery personnel. He is exploring the possibility of extending service routes to Johor, pending logistical feasibility.
Feedback from vendors illustrates strong demand for the delivered cuisine. Datuk Azri Che Zan, owner of Stesen Bukuh restaurant in Puchong, Selangor, began selling NBK Express’s Kelantan food packets on September 12. He reported selling up to 2,000 packets in a single day, with supplies selling out within three hours at peak. Most customers are Kelantanese seeking the familiar flavors of their home state, with nasi kapit sambal and Kak Chik dishes among the top-selling items.