By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Feb 12: For 17 years, Mak Siti Jia Jia, the warm and familiar face of Jia Jia Court, has been winning hearts with her local Malay dishes, especially her signature Mee Jawa.
Her Mee Jawa is a generous serving presented in a round, flat bowl, featuring egg noodles, a tender chicken thigh, and a halved boiled egg, all bathed in a rich, golden, thick gravy. The sauce, slightly sweet, savoury, and mildly spicy, is crafted from her own secret blend of sweet potato, prawn stock, and meat stock, a recipe that has kept customers coming back for nearly two decades.
Mak Siti revealed that she is now the sole Malay stall operator serving Muslim-style dishes at the eatery, as others have moved on to different establishments.
“The eatery has become my base. The proprietor gave me the chance to operate here, and it allowed me to make a living and become the person I am today,” she shared with DayakDaily.
She added, “My regulars know what I serve and are familiar with my dishes. My Mee Jawa, Mee Kolok, and Bee Hoon Goreng are popular breakfast choices. For lunch, favourites include Ayam Masak Merah, Ikan Tongkol Masak Kari, and other meat and vegetable dishes, usually served with rice.”
Hailing from Kampung Landeh, 10th Mile, Mak Siti, a mother of five, honed her culinary skills through years of trial and error.
“I’ve loved Malay flavours since I was young, and cooking has always been my passion. Before coming to Jia Jia Court, I ran a small roadside stall selling food and kuih in the Kota Sentosa area. The proprietor noticed my skills and offered me this wonderful opportunity,” she recalled.
With over three decades of experience in the kitchen, Mak Siti considers her role at the eatery a true “rezeki” (blessing). She is devoted to providing her best to ensure customers leave satisfied and return time and again.
“I’ve captivated patrons with the taste of my Mee Jawa and other dishes. I believe in loyalty to those who gave me an opportunity, that’s how blessings come,” she said.
She added with a chuckle, “I try to instill this philosophy in my children, though none of them have followed in my footsteps. It’s their world, and I hope they find opportunities in their own paths.”
Mak Siti never imagined her Mee Jawa would become such a hit, but after 17 years, she takes pride in the role her dishes play in giving Jia Jia Court a competitive edge.
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I don’t dream of opening another stall. I just want my regulars to keep coming, enjoying their favorite Mee Jawa and other local dishes, the flavours we all know and love,” she said with a warm smile.
Mak Siti’s stall is located at Jia Jia Court, RH Plaza. It is open daily from 6am to 2pm, except Sundays. For inquiries, call 019-484 7009. — DayakDaily
