By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Jan 10: If you’re familiar with Mummy Patz Dayak Café, then you know it’s a go-to spot for those craving authentic Dayak cuisine.
Patrila Augustine, affectionately known as Mummy Patz by her regulars, has a talent for serving Dayak dishes that captures the essence of traditional longhouse cooking.
For some, Mummy Patz’s dishes evoke the nostalgic flavours of a home-cooked meal made with love. It’s simple but executed perfectly. Mummy Patz is like that beloved aunt who always made sure you were well-fed.
During an interview, Patrila told DayakDaily she has been proudly serving authentic Dayak food since 2011.
“I began my business by selling at a food stall in Da-Light Food Court, King Centre. I was 45-years-old at that time.
“Following the closure of Da-Light Food Court, I relocated to a nearby kopitiam situated near Giant Hypermarket (now Emart Tabuan Jaya). Later on, a ‘tauke’ from Rumah Asap Tabuan Dayak approached me with a request to open another branch at his location.
“Then, if I’m not mistaken, in 2018 or 2019, I finally opened my eatery, Mummy Patz Dayak Café, at Uni Central Commercial Centre in Kota Samarahan,” the 58-year-old said.
Patrila, originally from Betong, bravely decided to pursue her passion for selling authentic Dayak dishes in 2011. As a housewife, she took a leap of faith and embarked on this new venture.
“I feel extremely blessed to have reached this point in my journey and to have a loyal following of customers.
“Every day, I receive messages from my customers eagerly inquiring about the menu of the day, and it never fails to fill me with excitement. It’s such a delightful sensation.
“My customers would also share their positive experiences with their friends and families, and I am truly grateful for their support.”
When asked about her ingredients, she said: “The ingredients I have I make sure to source them fresh every day from local sellers. I avoid using ingredients that have been stored for too long in the fridge. The freshness has disappeared.
“Every day, I will seek out the sellers and gather the necessary ingredients for my carefully curated menu for the following day.”
The humble businesswoman further expressed her surprise that the majority of her regular customers are Chinese.
Additionally, Patrila emphasised her goal of preserving authentic Dayak flavours in her dishes, allowing people to truly experience the taste of traditional longhouse cooking.
“I strive for continuous improvement, constantly seeking to enhance my skills and always planning ahead. Preparing the dishes with love is of utmost importance,” she added.
Follow Mummy Patz Dayak Café on Facebook to keep track of Patrila’s daily menu and other announcements. Patrila may also be reached at 016-864 4763.
Mummy Patz Dayak Café operates from Monday to Saturday, from 10.30am to 3pm daily. The eatery is closed on Sunday. — DayakDaily
