By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Nov 27: Cheerful and jovial 45-year-old pork noodle soup operator Alan Sze is known for his hearty dishes and good sense of humor.
Drawing inspiration from his stall’s visible location, Sze named it ‘Lozuko’, meaning ‘the cheeky pig’ in Chinese, as a playful nod to his signature pork-based broths.
Sze, a former salesman who worked in Singapore, explained his thought process behind the quirky name.
“I wanted something that would catch people’s attention and connect with the dishes I sell. I like to serve hearty, soupy meals that make customers happy and warm before they go about their day. I learned this trade from my elder brother.”
Before venturing into the food business, Sze spent six months refining his culinary skills under the guidance of his elder brother, who operates a fish head noodle stall in Kuching.
“My brother always encouraged and motivated me until I felt confident to start my own stall,” Sze told DayakDaily.
The name ‘Lozuko’ and Sze’s determination marked the beginning of his venture nine years ago.
“I decided to call it ‘Lozuko—the cheeky pig.’ That’s how it all began,” he chuckled.
After working in Singapore for five years, Sze returned to Kuching jobless. His brother suggested he start a pork noodle soup business, a relatively niche offering at the time.
“We did well working together, but he wanted me to have my own source of income. He thought pork noodle soup would stand out since not many were selling it,” Sze shared.
Sze credited his elder brother as a self-taught culinary expert who instilled a love for cooking in him.
“None of our family was in the culinary trade, but my brother, the second eldest of us three siblings, was passionate about cooking. He perfected his skills through practice and taught me everything I know about broth dishes.”
While his brother continues to operate several fish head noodle stalls in Kuching, Sze focuses on his Lozuko stall, where he takes pride in serving his signature pork noodle soup.
A former SMK Batu Lintang student, Sze admitted he never imagined running his own kitchen. However, with encouragement from friends, he turned his dream into reality.
Following the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sze expressed happiness at his stall’s recovery and the bustling activity among fellow operators at the café.
“It’s a good sign that everyone is doing well. Business has picked up, and I’m grateful,” he said.
Sze remains committed to perfecting his recipes and enhancing his broth.
“Pork noodle soup is all about how the broth is prepared and cooked. It takes time, but that’s what makes it soothing,” he explained.
The dish, served with various noodles or rice, typically includes pork slices, minced pork, fish balls, meatballs, offal, and vegetables, all in a comforting hot broth.
Sze described broth-based dishes as “comfort food” and emphasized his meticulous approach to preparation.
“When I’m cooking, I focus completely to ensure everything is perfect. My friends joke that I look stern while cooking, but it’s because I want every dish to be just right,” he said with a laugh.
He added that cooking is an ongoing learning process.
“Every day is a learning curve. I love this profession and want to keep improving so I can serve my customers the best pork noodle soup,” Sze said with a smile.
Sze’s Lozuko Pork Noodles Soup stall is located at Sing Garden Cafe, Lorong 3, Hui Sing Garden.
It operates daily from 6am to 2pm, except on Mondays.
For inquiries, call 012-597 2468. — DayakDaily.
