By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Dec 15: At just 24, pâtissier Jacky Tan has embarked on a sweet venture that he hopes will capture the hearts and taste buds of dessert enthusiasts across Kuching.
Driven by a bold ambition to satisfy local sweet-toothed customers, Tan has developed his own version of stirred yoghurt under the name Crémo, offering what he describes as a creamy, rich and exquisite dessert experience.
His culinary journey began at 19, when he set out to create delicious food that would keep locals coming back for more.
That path took him to Japan, where he immersed himself in the country’s renowned cuisine.
“I landed in Japan a few years back and worked there to learn their cuisine. I really appreciated and mastered it,” Tan told DayakDaily when met at a vendor event in the city.
Despite briefly exploring the corporate world with a nine-to-five banking job to understand the financial sector, Tan’s heart remained firmly rooted in the culinary arts.
“My true passion is still in culinary arts and providing the best to satisfy customers’ palates,” he said.
Armed with culinary research and experimentation, Tan spent months developing yoghurt flavours he believed would resonate with customers. The result was Crémo; an exquisite stirred yoghurt dessert that he crafted to be creamy, mild and original.
What sets his product apart is its clean ingredient list.
“I made this irresistible yoghurt without preservatives, added sugar, pork or lard, so everyone could have a taste of my creations,” he enthused.
Standing firmly beside Tan in this venture is his 23-year-old girlfriend, Yeo Kai Xun, who actively supports his vision of bringing Crémo to customers’ plates across the city.
Yeo said she believes in Tan’s philosophy and energy, ensuring their genuine flavours reach those seeking a satisfying dessert experience.
She noted that Tan comes from a family well-known in the culinary world for their bakkwa (dried pork), and that he shares the same passion for his own creations.
So far, Tan has created four flavours: mango, passion fruit, strawberry and mixed berries, all of which have been instant hits with customers since the couple opened their stall to the public.
“We are proud that his products have an audience, and this is a big moment for us at this vendor market since we have had these products for about half a year,” Yeo said.
She describes both herself and Tan as bold young entrepreneurs eager to expand into a bigger playing field. While their entrepreneurial journey is still in its infancy, she believes they have already achieved significant milestones towards their dream.
“We know in our hearts that we want to work hard and ensure that our stirred yoghurt is competitive and loved. And I will be there for him,” she said with a chuckle.
The couple harbours hopes that Crémo will one day become a household name for dessert in Sarawak and beyond.
Beyond yoghurt, they also offer bagel crisps and creamy cupcakes designed to woo customers with diverse tastes.
For now, they can be found at The Podium Street Mall during the Woo Woo Whimsy event. Those interested in trying Crémo’s offerings can reach them at 011-25023015 or follow them on Instagram at @cremo_kch. — DayakDaily
