By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Nov 4: Chicken rice vendor Chong Kok Kiong’s life philosophy is that if you cannot continue doing the profession you are good at anymore, then do something that you can handle.
Known as ‘Uncle Ayam’ among his customers, 60-year-old Chong moved from estate management to serving one of Kuching’s most well-known chicken rice dishes.
Hailing from Kuala Lumpur, he told DayakDaily he left his job at a plantation in Lundu after working for 14 years due to the stress of the job.
“I decided to stay in Sarawak as I like it here and to earn a decent living, I became a chicken rice vendor in this eatery 11 years ago,” he chuckled.
“Kuching is ideal for me as it’s less stressful than Kuala Lumpur. After spending 14 years in a secluded plantation in Lundu, it can be nice to live a quiet life, and Kuching offers that.”
Chong, who is not married, said his friends helped him in his chicken rice venture and prepared the chicken, which is served either roasted or steamed.
To prepare the dishes, Chong said he wakes up as early as 5am so that he could be at the eatery by 7am.
Thankfully, Chong said he already had a headstart in the business as before he came to Sarawak, he had worked in eateries in Kuala Lumpur that served chicken rice.
“That is where I got the idea, and it’s easy for me. Preparing the chicken came naturally to me because I had done it many times.
“What’s important to me is that customers love the dishes and I am happy that many netizens gave their support for my stall. I appreciate their efforts.
“My stall is in the bustling area of Padungan Commercial Centre and there are many people who patronise the shops and offices here. The location is good for me, no complaints,” he said.
Chong’s chicken rice stall is at Chuan Xi Cafe at Jalan Song Thian Cheok. It operates daily from 7am to 3pm except on Sundays. For more information, call 012 858 7405. — DayakDaily
