ALOR SETAR: 'Nasi Lemak Ice-Cream' does sound strange and awkward but Melissa Tan Chia Hui, 25, has succeeded in creating this innovative product - nasi lemak flavoured ice-cream.

Melissa a graduate of Middlesex University, London is determined to leave her graphic design career in Penang to concentrate on her products, which are marketed under the brand name 'Skream Softserve'.

A nasi lemak lover, Melissa said she came up with the idea to give a new dimension to this traditional Malay dish, which is very much loved by all races in the country.

"This is not a gimmick and I am not a hipster trying to seek attention.

"My aim is to produce something delicious, get people to like it and finally agree that this really is nasi lemak ice-cream," she said.

"Although there is no rice served, the main nasi lemak condiments such as peanuts, anchovies, 'sambal', quail eggs and cucumber will be sprinkled over the nasi lemak ice-cream," she told Bernama when met at Diem Cafe at Jalan Penjara, Pekan Cina here.

Melissa said lemongrass and coconut milk were used as ingredients for the ice-cream to make it taste just like nasi lemak.

"All the ingredients are fresh and free of preservatives and chemicals," said Melissa adding that it took three months of research before she came up with the perfect nasi lemak flavour.

According to Melissa on the first day she managed to sell 30 cups but yesterday she sold 144 cups which were priced at RM10 per cup.

"I received a lot of negative comments over social media.

"To those who say that I am crazy and my product is disgusting, why not have a taste of it before judging," she added. - Bernama