By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Oct 15: A friendly culinary rivalry among siblings inspired 46-year-old food stall operator Fan Shaw Choon to turn his passion for cooking into a profession more than a decade ago.
Fan, fondly known as Ah Kim among his peers, shared that he and his six siblings, one of whom is a professional chef, often whip up mouthwatering dishes during family gatherings.
“As time went by, my culinary skills improved, and I gained more confidence in creating delicious, creative dishes. Without hesitation, I decided to invest in my own food stall,” he told DayakDaily.
Now, after more than 10 years in the trade, Fan has carved a niche for himself, specialising not only in noodles but also in hearty Hakka-style comfort food served with rice.
“In the early morning, most customers come for my noodles, especially for breakfast. But by mid-morning, many start ordering my rice dishes instead. Here, it’s quite common for locals to have rice early. It’s part of our culture to enjoy a hefty meal,” he explained.
Fan believes that offering customers a variety of dishes, including those based on his family’s traditional recipes, helps him craft flavours that resonate deeply with his patrons.
“My chef brother often helps me refine my dishes and cooking techniques. His guidance not only improves my food but also boosts my confidence. That’s how I’ve built strong rapport with my customers,” he said.
When Fan first opened his stall at a previous café, his menu focused solely on noodle dishes. But he soon realised that not everyone preferred noodles in the morning.
“So, when I moved to my current location six years ago, I expanded the menu to include 13 dishes, both noodles and rice. The decision has paid off ever since,” he said with a smile.
Apart from his signature noodles, Fan’s non-noodle offerings, such as ‘black’ pork rice, minced pork rice, and mushroom chicken rice, have become popular favourites among his customers.
“These rice dishes are real hits, and I always recommend them to new patrons,” he said with a chuckle.
Priced between RM6 and RM12, Fan considers his food affordable and accessible.
“I don’t think local street food should ever be too expensive. More importantly, I love sharing my family’s recipes and flavours. Serving good comfort food to people makes me truly happy,” he said.
Looking ahead, Fan hopes that his Hakka-inspired dishes will continue to be enjoyed by future generations, keeping his family’s culinary traditions alive.
“I take pride in our healthy sibling rivalry, it keeps us creative and ensures that the authentic taste of Hakka cuisine endures,” he added with a laugh.
Fan’s stall, SC Twin Kolo Mee & Claypot Mee, is located at Expert Food Court, RH Plaza. It operates daily from 6am to 1pm, except on Thursdays. For more information, contact 016-800 5700. — DayakDaily
