Prize Giving Ceremony PERADUAN SELFIE BABA’S cu~bits and Culinary series leaves a lasting ripple in local dining culture

When a TV series comes to an end, it's quite normal for loyal fans to feel a myriad of emotions. Whether it's the satisfaction at learning the conclusion or devastation from that hole that's now in our routines, what's certain however is that well before the enthusiasm dies down, the chatter subsides and the last tears have dried, we'll be shopping for our next interest. That recent object of our fancy relegated to the Halls of Vague Memories, only to be stirred by a chance mention or the playing of a memorable theme.

While it is a fate plagued by most TV shows, it's probably more apparent in the genre of cookshows. Forgotten are the mouth-watering recipes you drooled over and it's association with a particular show or chef. The chef's off working on his next project with more recipes to tantalize your fancy for another fleeting moment, or throwing out all the stops in the next Reality TV series - in search of the person who might steal his limelight.

So, the thought of having a cookshow introduce a new dining culture was a bit hopeful, but that's exactly what BABA'S set out to do with the BABA'S cu~bits series!

This, the latest in a long list of self-produced highly successful cooking series was truly developed on feedback from it loyal fans and customers, who were calling for more original, simple to follow and quick recipes that had all the tastes and flavors of traditional cooking.... but none of the post meal guilt normally associated with it!

Chef Kamarul and his wife Yati Rahman

Garnering a regular following of over 1 million viewers each episode, the 1st 26-episode season featuring BABA'S stalwart Chef Kamarul was soon followed by a 2nd season, which reunited the team of Kamarul and his wife Yati Rahman, 9 years afterthey were first introduced to us on; the show that started it all, Cabaran 1001 Rasa BABA'S 2004!

Sticking to it's 'series of 3' policy, a 3rd season followed that saw BABA'S pay due homage to some of the most prominent culinary professionals, lecturers and celebrity chefs in the country, paring 17 of them alongside Chef Kamarul. If the challenge of working a production schedule around the packed schedules of these sifus was not enough, the recipes too had to be taken to the next level - in line with the caliber of its presenters.

In total, BABA'S cu~bits featured a total of 234 original recipes!
It gave loyal BABA'S customers more value for money with greater variety using the same regular house hold favorites that were already in their drawers. It also educated and introduced a new generation to the diversity of the BABA'S range of curry mixes, spices, ready mixes and flours, thru recipes that they could relate too and could take pride in trying - and posting!

In fact one of the biggest impacts of the series has been its appeal to the food blogger in most Malaysian, many of whom have developed cu~bits concepts of their own. This very quickly evolved into a trend and before long hotels, restaurants and even sidewalk cafes were serving their variations of cu~bits too.

The show has left a ripple in the food TV genre too, as many shows seem to be more willing to take greater risks with their production techniques and treatment, and if you look closely its not hard to realize the point of revolution. Undoubtedly however the legacy of BABA'S cu~bits will be the phenomenon of the trend that it started....that will live on long after the show has been locked away in memory.

BABA'S cu~bits 3rd Season Winners, let's find out who are the winners.
PERADUAN SELFIE BABA’S cu~bits MUSIM KETIGA (AKHIR) 6 PEMENANG

HADIAH UTAMA RM 10,000
Raja Nooraini binti Raja Mohd Noor


TEMPAT KEDUA RM 5,000
Khairuddin Bin Muhammad


TEMPAT KETIGA RM 1,000
Morjhan Bin Mohamad
Shahida Binti Samsuri
Sia Ling Eng



PERADUAN SELFIE BABA’S cu~bits MUSIM KETIGA (AKHIR) SAGUHATI RM100 X 20 PEMENANG
1. Hazimah Md Sidik, Batu Caves, Selangor
2. Umieyy Nor Diana, Tumpat, Kelantan 3. Siew Har Fong, Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang.
4. Hasnulfikri Mahbot, Sekinchan,Selangor
5. Maz Liena, Putrajaya
6. Purnama Indra Purnama, Kuala Terengganu,Terengganu. 7. Lizawati Binti Bakri Sg. Buloh, Selangor
8. Joan Tian, Kuala Lumpur.
9. Siew Lin Fong Georgetown, Pulau Pinang.
10. Che Azyumi Aziz Kota Bharu, Kelantan
11. Suzana Abd Manan Kajang, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
12. Apple Ting, Sibu, Sarawak
13. Amin Hadarih, Pekan, Pahang
14. Hanisaf Hassan, Kota Bharu, Kelantan
15. Linda Linz Batu Pahat, Johor
16. Wee Choo Neo, Kajang, Selangor
17. Hanani Maksum, Gemencheh, Negeri Sembilan
18. Jemius Gmapol@Nazrie, Bandar Baru Bangi
19. Banu Chinapan, Kluang, Johor
20. Azlyn Lyn, Malim Nawar, Perak

Once again, congratulations to the winners.
Photos above credit to Ayu.