By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 5: Walking into Sung Huat Cafe/Soon Fatt Cafe, one is immediately enveloped by the warm and inviting aroma of sizzling woks and simmering broths.
For nearly three decades, this quaint eatery has been a sanctuary for those seeking the comforting flavours of Foochow dishes, expertly crafted by Lew and his family.
Lew, the 58-year-old owner of Sung Huat Cafe, has been serving the community for 26 years. His journey in Kuching began in 1998, but his story is rooted in a time long before that.
“Sibu is where I grew up. In 1992, I became involved in the culinary industry in Sibu. Before that, I was in the woodworking industry in Sandakan, Sabah. I had no background in cooking or running an establishment,” Lew told DayakDaily in an exclusive interview today.
However, in 1997, an unforeseen change occurred as a result of the economic crisis. It was a turning point for many, including Lew.
“Jobs were scarce, and I needed to find a new path. That’s when my family and I came to this city,” he recalled. “The roads from Sibu to Kuching were not as developed as they are now, just stone roads. It was a challenging time.”
What started as a small stall at Sung Huat Cafe has grown into a popular eatery, but the journey was filled with learning and adaptation.
“We learned by eating out and observing how others cooked. It was a lot of trial and error,” Lew shared with a chuckle. “My wife and I would experiment with recipes in the kitchen. Slowly, we perfected our dishes.”
Among the eatery’s renowned offerings, a few standout dishes have earned a special place in the hearts of patrons, including Big Prawn Mee, Foochow Mee, Zao Cai Hong Ngan, Foochow Kampua, and Red Wine Egg Soup.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing dishes at Sung Huat Cafe is the Red Wine Egg Soup. This traditional Foochow dish is a comforting concoction made with red rice wine, ginger, and eggs. It’s a dish that not only warms the body but also the soul.
Over the years, Sung Huat Cafe has become more than just a place to eat; it’s a community hub where relationships are built over shared meals. “Many of our customers, both local and international, have been coming here for years. They know us well,” Lew said with a sense of pride.
For those who have yet to experience the culinary delights of Sung Huat Cafe, a visit is a must. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Foochow dishes or curious to try something new, Lew and his family are ready to welcome you with open arms and a delicious meal.
Sung Huat Cafe is located at Lot 150, Jalan Petanak here. The operating hours are as follows: Monday to Friday from 6am to 2pm and 6pm to 11pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 6am to 2pm. For more information, visit Sung Huat Cafe’s Facebook page. — DayakDaily
