“Aminah Mahmood” Wows Judges at Cooking Competition with Her Fruit Acar — Turns Out to Be the Queen of Pahang

That’s exactly what happened to 74-year-old Siti Rokiah Lebai Rahmat, who was stunned to learn that the contestant behind the winning dish at a fruit pickle (acar) cooking competition was none other than Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah — the Queen of Pahang herself.

Siti Rokiah, a respected former culinary instructor with 39 years of judging experience, was part of the panel that selected a fruit acar made by a contestant known only as “Aminah Mahmood” as the winner.

According to the New Straits Times (NST), neither she nor the other judges and participants knew that “Aminah Mahmood” was a pseudonym used by Her Majesty to conceal her identity.

“All contestants were given the same instructions. They were required to prepare their dishes at home and present them for judging based solely on taste and creativity,” she said.

“Aminah Mahmood’s” fruit acar triumphed over 10 other entries, impressing the judges with its exceptional flavour and perfectly balanced ingredients.

“The fruit acar wasn’t oily, and the gravy was rich with fruit and spices. It’s the first time I’ve tasted a fruit acar that’s so flavorful, balanced, and complete,” she added.