KOTA BARU (Bernama): Few would have imagined there were this many deep-fried grasshopper lovers in the country.

       Yet the demand has led sisters Emi Zuhaida, 35, and Emi Zuhaika Husain, 25, to start a business supplying not just customers in Kelantan, but Johor, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Pahang as well.

       Emi Zuhaida said a producer of the exotic snack in Pasir Puteh sends them a batch of 100gm jars of the insects every two days or so, which she sells for RM16 each.

       She said the crunchy turmeric or spiced preparations have a special place in the hearts of Kelantan folk, with “some customers buying it as a present for their parents and family members because it used to be a favourite food, and others to give it a try”.

       She said when she started promoting the insects, foodies told her deep-fried grasshoppers are delicious but hard to find.

       Emi Zuhaida, who works as a private nurse, told reporters during an interview in Kok Lanas that the side business she runs with her sister (and with the help of her husband Badrul Othman, 47) brings back memories of learning to cook grasshoppers from her mother, Mek Yah Hamat, 64.

       “Spiced grasshoppers are a particular favourite and paling dirindui (missed the most) because of the seasoning, their sweet-salty and rich coconut milk taste, as well as the crunch,” she said.

       Emi Zuhaika, a homemaker, said that due to the high demand, they have opted for a cash-on-delivery (COD) business model.

       “Our pay-on-delivery locations include Kota Baru, Kubang Kerian, Melor and Kok Lanas.

       "Many fans of deep-fried grasshopper are excited when they receive our product. They say it’s very nice and buy over and over again,” she said. – Bernama