Keunikan Kerabu Beronok: Permata Tersembunyi dalam Landskap Gastronomi Langkawi (The Uniqueness of Kerabu Beronok: A Hidden Gem in Langkawi’s Gastronomic Landscape)

Abstract

Abstrak: Langkawi, yang dikenali sebagai "Permata Kedah," menawarkan keunikan gastronomi melalui hidangan tradisional seperti Kerabu Beronok. Namun, makanan tradisional ini kurang mendapat pendedahan dalam industri pelancongan, sekali gus mengancam kelangsungan warisan gastronomi tempatan. Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk meneliti keunikan Kerabu Beronok sebagai permata tersembunyi dalam landskap gastronomi Langkawi dengan memberi tumpuan kepada nilai budaya, pemuliharaan sumber, dan potensinya sebagai daya tarikan pelancongan. Pendekatan kualitatif melalui analisis kandungan digunakan bagi meneliti data sekunder daripada wawancara rakaman video dokumentari YouTube Destinasi TV serta kajian literatur. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa Kerabu Beronok melambangkan warisan gastronomi Melayu Langkawi yang kaya dengan kreativiti dan kebijaksanaan tradisional serta mempunyai nilai pemakanan seimbang yang sangat baik. Kombinasi bahan seperti beronok, mangga muda, daun pucuk gajus, belacan, bawang merah, dan limau nipis memberikan manfaat kesihatan yang signifikan. Walau bagaimanapun, isu eksploitasi berlebihan sumber beronok serta kurangnya strategi pemasaran berkesan menjadi cabaran utama dalam memastikan kelestariannya. Implikasi kajian ini menegaskan bahawa Kerabu Beronok berpotensi dimanfaatkan sebagai ikon pelancongan gastronomi Langkawi menerusi pelan pemuliharaan yang lestari serta strategi promosi yang lebih komprehensif. Kajian ini menyumbang kepada usaha memperkukuhkan identiti makanan tradisional Melayu sebagai aset budaya dan ekonomi yang boleh diketengahkan di peringkat global.

Abstract: Langkawi, known as the "Jewel of Kedah," offers a unique gastronomic experience through traditional dishes such as Kerabu Beronok. However, this traditional dish receives limited exposure in the tourism industry, posing a threat to the sustainability of local gastronomic heritage. Therefore, this study aims to explore the uniqueness of Kerabu Beronok as a hidden gem in Langkawi’s gastronomic landscape by focusing on its cultural value, resource conservation, and potential as a tourism attraction. A qualitative approach through content analysis was employed to examine secondary data from documentary interviews on YouTube's Destinasi TV and literature review. Findings indicate that Kerabu Beronok symbolizes the rich Malay gastronomic heritage of Langkawi, showcasing traditional creativity and wisdom while offering well-balanced nutritional value. The combination of ingredients such as beronok, young mango, cashew leaves, shrimp paste, shallots, and lime provides significant health benefits. However, issues such as excessive exploitation of beronok resources and the lack of effective marketing strategies pose major challenges to its sustainability. The implications of this study emphasize that Kerabu Beronok has the potential to be leveraged as a gastronomic tourism icon in Langkawi through sustainable conservation plans and more comprehensive promotional strategies. This study contributes to strengthening the identity of traditional Malay cuisine as a cultural and economic asset that can be highlighted on a global scale.

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