YM Ungku Balkis Ungku Abdul Hamid is the picture of elegance and poise – her perfect comportment never wavering, even though everything around her is pure chaos. She is in the home of her younger sister YM Ungku Murhamah, better known as Shireen – a house she pops into frequently as this is where her mother, 81-year-old family matriarch Esah Ahmad typically stays. Shireen’s family home is a busy hive of activity – she has five young children who dart in and out of the kitchen, their eyes and hands perpetually wandering to the dining table, which has been heaped with all the family’s favourite Hari Raya meals. “Pleease can I have some of this?” begs 11-year-old Mohd Ian Shafiq, pointing in the direction of Balkis’ signature cempedak kek lapis. Although he has been promised some after lunch, he returns repeatedly to try his luck until Balkis finally relents and lets him have a small piece before his meal. He leaves, a satisfied smile on his face. In Balkis’ family, every Hari ... » Learn More about Johor royal family member shares her 100-year-old opor ayam recipe and authentic laksa Johor