By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Dec 8: Despite being around in the food and beverage scene for a while now, traditional handmade steamed buns (bao) and meat dumplings (sio bee) are slowly becoming more popular.
Chuan Phin Café operator Chrison Nah Chee Cen said the idea of serving traditional Chinese snacks came from his father and grandfather, who wanted to serve them fresh for customers patronising their café.
The 33-year-old added that his 64-year-old father, Nah Kheng Ang, the proprietor, is now responsible for making the snacks and being its quality controller.
Nah said patrons who usually come to their café liked the steamed buns and dumplings, but it is often sold out by a specific time, so his father solved the issue by making his own.
“He wanted it fresh and tasty, so he handled making the buns and dumplings as he had learned recipes from my grandfather, who had culinary skills.
“My task is to manage the daily operations of the café,” he told DayakDaily when interviewed.
Nah disclosed that they make about 500 buns and 1,000 meat dumplings daily using traditional methods as they believe it tastes better.
Nah added that they also sell frozen buns and meat dumplings for customers who want to consume them later.
“We started selling frozen buns and dumplings in 2020 during the pandemic. At the time, people could not eat in the café. So, we decided to adapt to the situation. It tastes just as good as when served in the café, but it must be prepared correctly,” he said.
Nah said it was convenient for customers and allowed them to expand their business — something they continue to do as he wants to include food trucks in their services.
“I am applying for my license from the council to operate it soon,” he said.
Nah shared they served bak bao, char siew bao, curry chicken bao, chicken bao, vegetable bao, peanut and coconut bao, kaya bao, tau sa bao, butter bao, pork siaw bee, chicken siaw bee, hot dog bao, and siaw bee bao.
He recommended his char siew bao and bak bao, which are sold at RM3 per bun.
“We also serve kolok mee, handmade noodles, herbal tea, soya milk, and many more,” he said.
Chuan Phin Cafe at BDC Commercial Centre operates daily from 6.30am to 7pm and is closed every Monday.
For any inquiries, call 016-899 6494. — DayakDaily
