A culinary journey: From humble beginnings to community staple

Amid the vibrant tapestry of Batu Kawa, Kuching, lies a culinary gem that has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike. Run by Rasyiqqin Then bin Rosrazi, 28, and his brother Rafiqin, 25, 28 Street Food, located next to their home, offers a variety of delicious food from 5pm to 10pm.

The brothers’ efforts in opening a food business stand as a testament to their desire to transform themselves, striving for increased resilience, passion, and a stronger sense of community spirit. Their journey is an inspiring tale of humble beginnings blossoming into a culinary haven that epitomises the essence of Malaysian cuisine and hospitality.

The genesis of a culinary dream

The story of 28 Street Food originated from a simple yet profound aspiration.

“My mum was the one who inspired me to start this business. This is because she enjoys cooking and does it as a hobby,” Rasyiqqin said, adding that since secondary school, they did not want to rely on their mother for pocket money.

Their initial source of income came from making and selling simple food and drinks at school. After completing secondary school, they began to consider opening a food stall near their home. Along with their family, the brothers exchanged ideas and suggestions about the kind of food they would like to sell.

They only offered burgers at the time, but as their regular customers began to seek different types of food, they gradually added them. Despite their challenges during the early days, including a lack of customers and financial limitations, the brothers remained steadfast in their pursuit.

“I tried not to give up and kept serving our customers delicious burgers,” Rasyiqqin said.

Rafiqin prepares burgers for customers.

Reopening with renewed strength, more menu options

During the fight against COVID-19, the brothers faced numerous financial and emotional challenges as a result of the government’s Movement Control Order (MCO). Because of the lockdown, they lacked confidence in continuing their business, and they could not do anything about it.

Because most food establishments have limited opening hours, the brothers considered working as food delivery riders.

“At least our income didn’t just depend on the sale of burgers. The extra money was to help us survive and save throughout the difficult time we were going through,” Rasyiqqin said.

Now, in addition to burgers, the brothers offer Nasi Goreng Kampung, and a range of other foods, including drinks.

Leveraging social media, embracing cashless payments.

A burger that is about to be served to a customer.

Nasi Goreng Kampung.

Recognising the power of digital engagement, the brothers took full advantage of social media. They used social media platforms as a marketing strategy for engaging with customers, and they shared their menu with everyone in Kuching. At that time, using this cashless payment method allowed you to avoid interaction with the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In addition to employing it as a precautionary measure, we started using cashless payment methods to make it easier and more convenient for all of our customers to make purchases at our stall without having to bring large amounts of cash,” Rasyiqqin said.

Valuing customer feedback, continuous improvement

“Customers who have visited our stall have left positive feedback, praising the taste of the burgers and Nasi Goreng Kampung recommending that others try them. This is said to be because we do not use seasoning or MSG, which helps the food taste better, but we try to use soy sauce as the main component in the fried rice,” Rasyiqqin said.

He also said that their burgers are unique because they use a special sauce that is only available at their stall. In addition, the brothers received other suggestions for foods other than burgers, such as Sup Daging and Mee Kolok.

28 Street Food’s menu.

Remaining humble, recognising community support

Despite their impressive success, the brothers remained grounded and humble. They recognised that their achievements were not solely their own but a testament to the unwavering support of their community, their loyal customers, and the inspiration they drew from their mother’s passion for cooking.

Russell (centre), a student from the Faculty of Education, Language, and Communication, UNIMAS, finally wrapping up an interview with Rafiqin (left) and Rasyiqqin.

They were deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve their community and share their love for food. Their commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience went beyond the food itself. It was about creating a welcoming atmosphere where people could gather, connect, and enjoy a taste of Malaysian hospitality.

28 Street Food stands as a shining example of the extraordinary potential in the hearts of passionate individuals. Their unwavering dedication to their craft, ability to adapt to the challenges, and commitment to serving their community have transformed their humble beginnings into a culinary haven cherished by locals and visitors alike. Their story is a powerful reminder that with perseverance, passion, and a genuine love for what you do, even the most modest dreams can blossom into something truly remarkable.

• This article was written by a student from the Strategic Communication Programme at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, UNIMAS.