By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Nov 26: At 54, Chan Kai Shoon proves that it’s never too late to follow a new culinary passion.
With more than three decades of experience in the fast-food industry, Chan took a bold step six years ago, venturing into the world of beef noodles; a move that has paid off as today, his stall at the Stutong Community Market food court has become a favourite destination for food lovers across Kuching.
Known for its rich, savoury broth and tender slices of beef, the stall draws a steady stream of customers eager to sample the dishes that have turned Chan into a local culinary favourite.
“Before this, all I wanted to do was cook delicious food,” Chan recalled, with a smile. “Even though my late father often advise that I should venture into beef noodles.”
Looking back, he sometimes wonders whether he might have gained recognition sooner if he had started a decade earlier.
“Would I have been better known for my beef noodles had I started a decade ago, creating these delightful dishes that are now a hit here?” he mused.
Yet, Chan quickly laughs at the thought. “But in the end, it was never too late. Today, my beef noodles have their own following, and I am truly grateful to my late father for his encouragement,” he told DayakDaily with a warm chuckle.
Chan revealed that after finishing secondary school, he followed in his father’s footsteps, stepping into the culinary world with the aim of making it his profession.
“I noticed that my late father was always focused and hardworking, and he genuinely enjoyed his work serving food at his eatery. I thought it was a fair and honest profession,” Chan recalled.
“Over time, I observed that every profession demands hard work and dedication. Being a food operator, our experience is no different, and I have always found satisfaction in it.”
On beef noodles, Chan said, “Making them is surprisingly fast, actually quicker than many fast-food. It’s because the process allows for movement, which means we can serve it up super quick!”
Despite his ability to serve the dish quickly, Chan emphasised that he never compromises on quality.
“There is still the preparation, the ingredients, the texture, and the garnishing, et cetera; it still needs the culinary touch, as you are not serving only one or two people during the operation hours.”
To add more variety to his stall’s menu, Chan also serves mutton noodles, catering to customers who enjoy a heartier option.
“My beef noodle is still the signature dish, but I like to give customers choices,” he said.
Acknowledging the need for innovation in the food business, Chan has also expanded his menu to include flat rice noodles such as kueh tiaw, as well as bee hoon with either beef or mutton.
Being single, Chan relies on family support to run the stall. His sister helps out and knows how to prepare the noodles at home, while his mother pitches in to keep busy.
“We also have a helper so that we can serve customers more quickly, especially during peak hours,” he added.
When asked what the future holds for his business, Chan doesn’t dwell too much on it, but he hopes to continue serving his dishes for as long as he can.
“I am optimistic about my culinary profession and can see myself and my sister continuing this, but there will be a time to stop.
“We cannot know the future, but for now, I am happy to serve my beef noodles. It has been a blessed six years, and another six years, or even more, would be good too,” he smiled.
Chan’s beef noodle stall is located at No. 54, Stutong Community Market, Kuching.
The stall is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 6.30am to 10am. For inquiries, call 018-9449989. – DayakDaily
