By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Sept 5: The Taoist symbol printed on his beverage menu serves as a constant reminder for 64-year-old street hawker Chan Poh Chai of the beliefs that have guided him over the past four decades.
Chan, once a kolo mee maker, is now renowned for his ABC Cendol at Kueh Siak Hong Hawker Centre in Sekama.
Despite his success, he remains modest about his popular icy treat.
Speaking with DayakDaily, Chan explained how Taoist philosophy has helped him focus on simplicity and humility.
“Simplicity in life has allowed me to continue making my signature sweet mixed dessert—cendol, cincau, and red bean—for my customers for 35 years,” he said.
He added that the Taoist principle of balance, symbolized by the Yin and Yang, has guided his approach to work and life.
“The Taoist belief in simplicity and harmony is reflected in everything we do. The black and white colors of Yin and Yang represent balance, and I believe that focusing on balance helps us do things right.”
Chan shared that he initially started as a kolo mee maker at the hawker center but took over the ABC business after the passing of his elder brother, who had originally served the dessert.
“My elder brother made ABC here before me, and after his passing, I took over the business. I’ve been making ABC ever since. I followed the Taoist principle — do the right thing and honor his legacy,” he said.
Chan also noted that the hawker center, named after Kueh Siak Hong, has been around for five decades.
Chan, who grew up in Sekama, reminisced about the area’s once-bustling Lumba Kuda racecourse and how the recent facelift by Kuching City South Council (MBKS) has revitalised the center.
“The facelift has given the center and its hawkers a new lease on life. It could bring locals back to support us. It’s a balance — just like Yin and Yang. We’re grateful to MBKS for helping us thrive again.”
He praised the council’s efforts, saying they were “doing the right thing” by supporting the hawkers and customers.
Although some of the tenants at the center are new, Chan acknowledged their popularity and emphasised the diversity of food options, including halal stalls.
“People of all races can come and enjoy the food and drinks here,” he said.
Assisted by his 56-year-old wife, Lau Swee Kim, Chan hopes the rejuvenated center will allow them to continue serving customers their beloved ABC Cendol.
In addition to ABC, Chan offers 14 other nostalgic local drinks and desserts, such as ‘Cin-Cau C’, ‘Laici Kang’, Longan, Red Bean Ice, Jagung Ice, Methahon, ‘Special ABC’, ‘White Lady’, Plum Juice, Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, Cincau Sarsi, and Soya Bean Milk.
He also serves ‘lok-lok’ snacks, including fried bean curd, fish balls, prawns, sweet potato fritters, and fried sausages.
“These snacks are perfect with my ABC and drinks, and they can be enjoyed any time of the day,” he said.
Despite being of retirement age, Chan has no plans to stop anytime soon.
“Meeting and greeting people, and serving them; it’s what keeps me going at this age. Over the years, you get to know your regular customers, and you know what they want, which makes things easier.”
However, Chan acknowledged that rising costs have forced hawkers like him to increase prices.
“My ABC Cendol used to cost RM1.70 when I started, but now it’s RM3.50. It’s the same story for many outlets serving the same dessert.”
He reassured customers that, despite the price hikes, the taste and quality remain unchanged.
“We hawkers hope to maintain the same taste and flavor even though some ingredients aren’t what they used to be. People who know the traditional taste of ABC Cendol understand, and most don’t mind.”
Chan believes the renovated hawker center will continue to draw nostalgic customers who grew up enjoying ABC Cendol.
Chan’s stall is located at No 7 Kueh Siak Hong Hawker Centre, Sekama, and operates daily from 9.30am to 6pm.
For more information, call 016-866-2128. — DayakDaily
