By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Nov 24: After his employer who ran a popular bak kut teh stall passed away a year ago, 26-year-old Tung Jing Wee or Ah Wee to his peers, took over operating the stall which has a 31-year history.
The stall, located at Siang Man Lo Cafe at BDC Commercial Centre, is well known for its version of the tasty herbal broth.
Tung revealed that his late former employer, known as Ah Soon, passed away last year at the age of 67 due to a terminal illness. Since Ah Soon was unmarried and had no family, the stall was left to Tung and management of Siang Man Lo Cafe, to carry on.
He told DayakDaily that his late former employer’s wish was for him to continue making the dishes he taught him and to carry on his legacy.
The stall is now managed by the cafe’s management and Tung is under their payroll.
“My father, who was his (Ah Soon’s) friend, and the cafe management supported his wish for me to continue his legacy and not disappoint the regular patrons he had served at the cafe for 31 years,” Tung revealed.
He felt that it was only right for him to fulfil his late former employer’s wish as Ah Soon had no one and was a good employer to him.
“It was my father who introduced me to Ah Soon. He was my father’s friend and was looking for someone to help him at his stall. That is how it all started for me, here.
“I worked for him for six years before his passing and have helmed the stall for a year with the cafe management’s team.”
Tung expressed sadness over Ah Soon’s passing as he lost a good employer and friend.
He is glad Ah Soon had taught him enough to ensure he could preserve the taste of the recipes as how Ah Soon had made them.
“I don’t have the academic qualifications, but my late employer gave me a job, a legacy and a livelihood. For the moment, I am happy, and it is enough for me.”
Tung said not many people knew the person making the bak kut teh at the cafe as Ah Soon was an introvert who focused on his work.
“His dish’s popularity just spiraled up over the years, especially due to netizens. One of his trademarks is the savoury rice served with the dish.
“I urge people to order the rice if they come here for their bak kut teh and only then judge it for themselves,” he suggested.
The friendly and jovial Tung who loves what he serves said he could not reveal the recipe, but said the herbs used to make the dish have medicinal value in rejuvenating.
“Just try the bak kut teh if you have not tried it. I am no food expert but this is one dish locals love,” he said.
He also revealed that the broth for Ah Soon’s bak kut teh is the highlight for many customers.
“Some regular customers bring their pre-cooked meat and ask us to add the broth only.
“For our bak kut teh, the pre-cooked meat and broth are heated for a few minutes before serving. We charge those who bring their own pre-cooked meat differently,” he further revealed.
To ensure the smooth operation of the stall, 57-year-old Ah Ping who oversees the management of Siang Man Lo Cafe revealed that they got involved because Tung couldn’t handle the stall alone.
“So now the stall is under us. Now, we are fortunate to have Tung, well-trained by his former employer to carry out his legacy. We all work together now to carry on Ah Soon’s legacy and we don’t want one person to shoulder the responsibility alone.
“Ah Soon was a good tenant and his passing was devastating to us as he was the one that made the cafe a popular spot for bak kut teh in BDC Commercial Centre,” he added.
“We lost a good friend whom we knew for 31 years. We did send him off with a good farewell at his funeral but his legacy continues with Tung now.”
Ah Ping hoped the cafe can continue to share Ah Soon’s popular dish with the public.
“Many patrons who knew him, appreciated the food he served and we hope they will continue to return to our cafe to eat the dish. It is the same but prepared by his protégé,” he said.
Ah Soon’s Bak Kut Teh is located at Siang Man Lo Cafe, BDC Commercial Centre. It operates daily 8.30am to 7.30pm. For more information, call 010 972 7374. — DayakDaily
