Sugarbun Borneo Asian Food launches SABASCO which is a homegrown range of hot sauce with key ingredient Momporok Chilli from Kunak, Sabah.

Locally inspired by everyday hot sauce commonly known as ‘Lada” in Sabah. 

Lada is a solid member of every table and a staple condiment with every meal in Sabah. It’s thick, tangy, and most importantly, spicy!

Taking over five years to research, develop and perfect, Sabasco’s  journey began with a search for the elusive small and fiery Momporok Chilli.

To learn more about this mutually beneficial relationship between these two species of Nature, SugarBun put together a Research & Development team to seek out other places where this symbiosis occurs.

And that is when they discovered small chilli plantations in Kunak.Kunak is located on the East Coast of Sabah, and is best known for its nutrient rich soil due to ncient volcanic activity dating back over millions of years just as the island of Borneo was forming. It is also home to an abundance of birds, and in particular, the Bulbul bird.

Through the years, Momporok Chilli continues to be cultivated by Kunak farmers with minimal interventions to spurt and quicken its growth.

This traditional method of farming differs from the methods used for Hybrid chillis grown in Lahad Datu. And results in a slower growing chilli fruit, but a harvest that is spicier, more flavourful and aromatic.

Due to how it is grown naturally, Momporok Chilli can be susceptible to the weather and changes in season, threatening its steady supply.

Momporok is a native Dusun word for Bulbul birds, which are very fond of eating these chillis and dispersing its seed. The birds are attracted to these wild-growing chilli just as it ripens to a bright red colour. Making them easy to spot and even easier to eat as it stands upright against the rest of the chilli bush.

Working directly with plantations and farmers, SugarBun plans to provide support that goes beyond securing a successful harvest. This includes future long term supply agreements to increase job prospects and security within the industry, boosting the Agricultural sector in Kunak and exhibit Sabah as a hothouse for the best chillis in Malaysia and South-East Asia.

SUGARBUN pivots to adapt to changing times

Datuk Joseph Ambrose Lee, Director of SB Supplies & Logistics Sdn Bhd was excited to finally launch Sabasco after five years of research, development and efforts to perfect the Sabasco’s recipe.

Amidst the Covid-19 landscape rocking the food and service industry everywhere, SugarBun adapts by implementing new business strategies to focus on expanding its home consumer market with the launch of Sabasco Hot Sauce.

With over 40 years of shared meals and memories throughout SugarBun Malaysia outlets, SugarBun is now ready to be a part of your home meal with Sabasco.

Available in both Original and Sweet & Spicy, Sabasco Hot Sauce is now available for purchase at all SugarBun and Pezzo outlets in Malaysia, online via Shopee or directly from their webstore at www.sabasco.com