By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Oct 1: Embracing the spirit of his half-Iban heritage, 40-year-old food vendor Chai Li Han embarked on his culinary journey in 2018, taking over a Western food business.
Drawing on his extensive hospitality experience, Li Han’s venture faced an unexpected challenge during the global Covid-19 pandemic, which brought his aspirations to a temporary halt.
During an interview with DayakDaily, Li Han recalled how the movement control order greatly impacted his business.
Despite the adversity, he refused to give up.
“I don’t want to be one of those who quit. I am optimistic that I will stay and move on, serving good Western food to people,” he said with determination.
Li Han’s culinary journey began after completing his hospitality management studies in 2009. He spent nine years in the hospitality and food and beverage (F&B) industry, working in Kuala Lumpur and later in a five-star hotel in Singapore.
This experience ignited his passion for opening his own Western eatery.
“The six years in hospitality and F&B triggered sparks of having my Western eatery,” he shared.
His exposure to different cuisines while living in Ipoh and working in various establishments fueled his dream of starting his own culinary venture.
In 2018, Li Han finally took the plunge and acquired the eatery from an Austrian owner, marking the beginning of his culinary journey in Kuching.
Over the past six years, his eatery has served as a training ground, allowing him to hone his culinary skills and refine his customer service.
“My Western eatery here has been a training ground and where it all started,” he reflected.
Li Han aspires to share his culinary journey on social media to reach a broader audience.
“People have many types of taste buds, so we have to update ourselves on the palatable needs,” he chuckled.
His stall, ‘Let’s Pork Is Here 4U’, offers a variety of affordable Western dishes, including popular options like Chicken Chop, Pork Chop, Lamb Chop, Ribs and Roast Combo, and Mixed Grills.
As he looks ahead, Li Han remains humble yet ambitious.
“I’m not one of those famous chefs like Gordon Ramsay or Jamie Oliver. But I’m Chai Li Han, and I believe my culinary journey is just getting started. I will continue to learn and walk with the right shoes to scale the culinary world one step at a time.”
Li Han’s ‘Let’s Pork Is Here 4U’ operates at Expert Food Court RH Plaza daily from 5pm to 10.20pm, except on Mondays.
For more information, contact 013-483 1940. — DayakDaily
