By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Oct 3: There are many ways for a family to preserve their legacy, and for 62-year-old Then Ming Ted—who goes by Ah Fatt—that takes the form of his late mother’s ‘Pak Lo’ duck recipe.
If you’re travelling along the Pan Borneo Highway toward central Sarawak, make sure to stop by Mui Fah Cafe in Sungai Tenggang—a hidden gem tucked within a small commercial township that’s well worth the visit.
At this humble cafe, you can savour what many consider the tastiest and most succulent ‘Pak Lo’ duck, a five-spice braised delicacy prepared daily by Then.
For Then, the dish is more than just a meal—it’s a cherished family recipe passed down from his late mother, whose culinary legacy he proudly continues every day
“Even though she passed away a few years ago, we want the taste to live on as an unbroken thread, so that our customers, especially the regulars who knew her, will always remember those familiar flavours,” he told DayakDaily in an interview.
“For those who’ve never tried it before, we warmly invite them to taste what we’ve been serving for years — and hope they’ll return for more.
“Our Pak Lo dishes are prepared fresh every day, and over time, we’ve built a strong reputation for specialising in them,” he said with pride.
Then shared that his cafe is a local favourite, drawing customers from the surrounding areas. In addition to his signature braised duck, he also serves fried stuffed bean curd with minced pork—another crowd favourite.
“Customers frequently request the fried, stuffed bean curd to be served in broth dishes or consumed on its own. It remains a popular item among regular patrons. The fried, stuffed bean curd is also enjoyable when savoured on its own with our signature dipping sauce,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to customers who order take-out, as it helps spread the word and lets them share the food with their families, who enjoy it.
As a member of the Hakka Chinese community, he noted that their Pak Lo duck is prepared according to traditional Hakka methods, which may differ from other regional variations.
“Most importantly, we’ve been serving these signature dishes for five decades, and the fact that people keep coming back means they hold a special place in their hearts. It’s definitely a must-try for anyone passing through,” he said.
He also shared that he once ran the cafe with his brother, but after his brother pursued other ventures, he has been managing it on his own ever since.
“All my children have established themselves in their own careers, except for my youngest daughter, who has culinary training and experience. Maybe one day, she’ll take over and carry on our culinary legacy,” he said with a smile.
Mui Fah Cafe, located in Sungai Tenggang Town along the Pan Borneo Highway, is open daily from 6am to 5pm. For enquiries, call 012-852 3362. — DayakDaily
