By Wilfred Pilo
The mouth-watering Mee Goreng Mamak prepared by husband-and-wife duo Mohd Khairul Anam and Nurul Syafiqah Akiap has been a consistent crowd favourite at their stall at Pearl Park Food Centre, Mile 10 Bazaar, for the past seven years.
They offer five popular savoury dishes that continue to draw regular customers, making their stall one of the go-to spots at the bustling bazaar.
With more than two decades of combined experience, the couple’s journey into the culinary world seemed destined. Mohd Khairul is a trained chef, while Nurul Syafiqah previously worked at a well-known chicken rice fast-food chain in the city.
Preparing and serving delicious food was, therefore, second nature to the young culinary entrepreneurs. Their dedication to quality and consistency has earned them the trust and respect of the local community.
“Since 2012, we have been in the culinary trade. I graduated from a renowned culinary college in the city, while my wife worked as an assistant manager at a chicken rice fast-food chain restaurant in Kota Sentosa,” Mohd Khairul told DayakDaily.
“After graduation, I worked as a chef at an eatery in Kota Sentosa, but it closed after a year. I then moved on to various food establishments in the city,” he said.
He added that their culinary partnership strengthened over time and, after several years of courtship, they made the bold decision in 2016 to get married and open their first stall at an eatery along Jalan Wan Alwi.
“We operated there for three years before moving to our current location at Mile 10 Bazaar in 2019,” he said.
Today, the couple is best known for five signature dishes at their stall, Mee Goreng Mamak, Bee Hoon Goreng Putih, Kolok Mee Goreng, Nasi Goreng Kampung and Nasi Goreng Ayam.
“Although we have about 20 menu items, these five dishes suit the local palate best and have become our must-try favourites,” Mohd Khairul said.
He noted that many regulars prefer hearty, savoury meals, and the couple has successfully tailored their offerings to meet customers’ tastes.
Nurul Syafiqah added that one of the highlights of their stall is their homemade spicy sauce, which has become popular among customers.
“When we stopped making the sauce for a while, our regulars kept asking for it. Because of the demand, we decided to bring it back,” she said with a chuckle.
“The sauce is our own guarded recipe, and it pairs well with our dishes, enhancing their flavour. Customers often ask for extra, and we’re happy to oblige.”
She also emphasised the importance of customer feedback in maintaining quality.
“I always ask customers about their food. From my previous work experience, I learned that quality and standards matter, even in a small stall. Thankfully, the feedback has been positive, and that motivates us to keep improving,” she said.
Looking ahead, the couple hopes to open a small café with a more extensive menu.
“With support from family and friends, we are working towards making that dream a reality. Until then, we will continue serving good food to our customers,” Mohd Khairul said.
Their stall, Muslim Stall, is located at Pearl Park Food Centre, Mile 10 Bazaar, Kuching. They are open daily from 6am to 11.30am. For more information, call 013-871 0343. — DayakDaily
