By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Sept 3: Jubilee Restaurant, a cornerstone of India Street’s rich history, continues to thrive under the stewardship of 78-year-old proprietress Sadiah Su’ut.
Her culinary journey began unexpectedly when she married her late husband, Abdul Wahab Ghani, former State Director of the Post Office (now Pos Malaysia) Sarawak, and took over the family business in 1989.
Sadiah shared with DayakDaily that her involvement in the restaurant was unforeseen, as her father-in-law, the late Daud Ghani, initially ran a textile business before transitioning into the food industry in 1974.
After his passing, Sadiah took the helm, carrying on the legacy that started over five decades ago.
“My father-in-law taught me the culinary trade before he passed, and I’ve kept the food as it has always been, with some slight adjustments to suit the local palate,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Sadiah recalled meeting her husband in the 1960s while they were both students in Kuching.
After marrying, she followed her husband, a civil servant, around the country before settling back in Kuching and taking over the restaurant.
For the past 70 years, the restaurant has been a fixture on India Street, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Muslim-Indian community in the area.
“There used to be many eateries here, but now we are the last one left,” Sadiah chuckled, expressing pride in being the final bastion of traditional eateries in the area.
Sadiah’s daughter, 58-year-old Fazariah Abdul Wahab, is poised to continue the family legacy. Having grown up in the culinary environment, she is now the third generation to carry on the business.
“We prepare 20 dishes daily, ensuring the taste remains consistent. Our food is a fusion of Indian and Malay flavors, reflecting our mixed heritage,” she said.
While her other siblings have pursued different careers, Fazariah remains dedicated to the restaurant.
Her 22-year-old nephew, Danish Altamisy, is also involved, managing the café’s noodle and ‘rojak’ station.
“I’m proud to be the fourth generation serving customers with our family dishes,” Danish said.
Jubilee Restaurant is renowned for its delectable ‘Rojak’ and savory Mee Curry, offering a taste of tradition in the bustling India Street Pedestrian Mall.
Open daily from 5am to 5pm, the restaurant remains a beloved fixture in the community.
For more information, call 082-245 626. — DayakDaily
