This Content Is Only For Subscribers
By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Aug 10: After a fair share of adventure in the region, 61-year-old Iban man Melvin Juan decides to hang up his boots and put on an apron instead.
The fry station of Morris Cafe in Sri Aman is where he discovered his true talent in culinary after casually accepting his friend’s invitation to run a cafe together.
Today, Melvin serves one of the most popular and tastiest Cantonese-style fried kueh teow in Sri Aman.
“It is strange to hear an Iban cooking dishes predominantly prepared by the Chinese community.
“I suppose this is Sarawak, where unity among races also included food and how others could prepare and serve it,” he told DayakDaily recently when met at his stall.
Melvin said he loves good noodle dishes and it was hard to find well-cooked savoury dishes like Cantonese-style fried kueh teow in Sri Aman.
“So, I tried cooking it myself. Surprisingly, it turned out the way I like it. Since I have a stall and fry station, I put all my heart into it,” he said.
Now that his children are all grown-up, he said he finds solace and friendship managing his stall, other than it being a source of income at his retirement age.
While Melvin also serves other dishes, the Cantonese-style fried kueh teow is the favourite among his patrons.
When asked about his recipe, he said there are no secret ingredients in his Cantonese-style fried kueh teow, only years of practice and consistency.
“I charge RM8 per plate of my Cantonese fried kueh teow, and I think it is very reasonable.”
Melvin’s stall operates daily from 7am to 4pm, except Sunday. For inquiries, please call Melvin at 014-705 1873. — DayakDaily
