By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Dec 12: For 66-year-old Teochew porridge connoisseur Sim Kheng Luan, her belief in the auspicious nature of the number ‘6’ has guided her business hours for the past seven years.
Operating daily from 6am to 6pm, Sim firmly believes that this schedule brings her luck while catering to her customers’ preference for lighter meals during these times.
Sim explained that while her belief in feng shui plays a role, practical experience over her 48 years in the culinary trade has shown her that these hours are when patrons most enjoy dishes like porridge.
“Dishes like porridge are mostly consumed during breakfast or as a light meal throughout the day. Besides, I need the evening to rest and prepare for the next day,” Sim shared during an interview with DayakDaily.
Her journey in the food industry began at the young age of 14 when she started helping her relatives in their food business.
Over the years, she honed her skills, working as far as Simanggang before striking out on her own.
“I used to sell ‘Kueh Chap’ in a café in the city before deciding to focus on Teochew porridge seven years ago,” she said.
Sim’s life has been one of resilience and determination.
As a single mother, she worked tirelessly to provide for her only son, 21-year-old Danny Sim, who has since graduated and now assists her at the stall.
“I was determined to give him a better future. Education is so important, as I didn’t have the chance to pursue it myself. I’m proud of his achievements, and it’s the best thing that has happened for us,” she said.
Despite her son’s success, Sim continues to work hard at her stall, which has become popular among regulars.
Apart from Teochew porridge, she also serves pork porridge and fast food, offering customers a selection of eight to ten dishes daily.
“My son is my hope, and I’m glad that our business provided extra income during his studies. Now, I hope he can carry on and succeed even more,” she added.
Danny, a software engineer working remotely for a multinational company in Singapore, credits his mother for his work ethic and shares her passion for food.
“I’ve inherited my mother’s culinary skills and enjoy baking. I have plans to expand her Teochew porridge business, and these ideas are in the pipeline,” he revealed.
He also reflected on the sacrifices his mother made for him, recalling the difficult times when he worked at a funeral parlor to support his education.
“That’s the past, and now it’s my turn to give her a comfortable life. I hope to get us our own home and continue to build on what she started,” he said with a smile.
Sim’s Teochew Porridge stall is located at 46 Kenyalang Food Centre. It operates daily from 6am to 6pm, except on Saturdays and Sundays.
For inquiries, she can be reached at 018-986 1126. — DayakDaily
