I REFER to “Customers unconvinced by OLDTOWN’s reaction to its stinging butter & ‘kaya’ toast stunner” (Focus Malaysia, May 12).
Recently, a customer placed his usual order for butter and kaya toast at an outlet of a popular coffee restaurant chain.
Before taking the first bite, he looked at the contents sandwiched in between and was shocked to find only tiny strips of butter, unlike what he was normally served.
He immediately took photos and later shared his frustration via his Facebook page which has since gone viral.
Interestingly, the comments section included the words “Warong tepi jalan (roadside stalls) much more butter” and a photograph of several toasts with butter thicker than the bread!
But are they actually butter – or a hybrid – which is a combination of butter and margarine?
Such hybrids are made from butter blended with vegetable oils. They may look, taste and feel like butter. When refrigerated and sliced, they could easily be mistaken as ordinary butter and are probably served in many coffee shops and stalls.
A few days ago, I went to check out prices at a supermarket. On that day, three brands of butter were priced at RM14.55, RM14.60 and RM19.60. For the hybrid version, their prices were RM5.29, RM6.49 and RM6.99 (see pics).
So, many consumers may not get the real thing when served with a generous slice of butter. On the other hand, guests having buffet breakfasts at hotels picked up real butter that comes in mini packs with brand names. – May 17, 2023
YS Chan
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
