Padang (ANTARA) - Balado chips business, which is a typical souvenir of the Minangkabau, has begun to produce again during the transition to a new normal era in Padang, W Sumatra.

"At present we have started to produce Balado chips , but only at Christine Hakim Idea Park (CHIP) shop, on Jalan Adinegoro, Padang Sarai, Koto Tangah District, Padang," said Owner of  Balado Chip Business, Christine Hakim in Padang on Thursday.

According to her all of her employees will work again using the COVID-19 health protocol in the form of wearing masks. Then employees in the kitchen use face shields.

Furthermore, she said since the COVID-19 pandemic, three months more his shop did not produce balado chips.

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"Since February 2020 we have decided not to produce balado chips, due to lack of orders," she said.

He also said that some of her employees had to be laid off. However, their salaries are still paid even though only half and some other employees continue to work as usual.

Furthermore, she added, the souvenirs usually sold for Rp45 thousand per package weighing 500 grams.

"Before the COVID-19 pandemic, enthusiasts of balado chips increased. Especially during the holidays, because many tourists visited Padang and ordered balado chips as souvenirs," she explained.

She said that usually before the pandemic she was able to produce balado chips up to 150 kilograms per day or about 10 bags of cassava.

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She added the advantages of her Balado chips are using selected coconut oil that has existed since the Dutch era, using good cassava, and choosing quality chili.

"So that makes balado chips become tasty and durable. Even these chips last for 6 to 8 months, so it can still be consumed," she continued.

She further stated that the balado chips business had started 30 years ago. Initially she only helped her siblings  and finally decided to open her own business.

Then, in addition to balado chips she also produces rendang, which began since 10 years ago. Beef Shredded Rendang is sold for Rp65 thousand per package and beef rendang Rp60 thousand per package weighing 300 grams.

Transleted by: Mutiara Ramadhani

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