Fook Ngian BBQ: 41 years of roast tradition rooted in family, fire and nostalgic flavours

Rice served with Chin's assorted succulent barbecued meat dishes.

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, May 9: Established in 1985, the well-known Fook Ngian BBQ stall, operated by the Chin family, has been serving a wide selection of succulent barbecued meats, including pork, duck, and chicken, at Thompson Cafe for 41 years.

Since 2007, 42-year-old Chin Chiah How has carried forward the legacy of his father, Chin Chee Foo, continuing to delight customers with signature barbecue dishes served with savoury rice after taking over the business.

Chin said that although he has been running the stall at the same location for nearly two decades, his 73-year-old father still plays an active role in preparing much of the roasted meat ingredients.

“My father still helps out, especially during busy weekends or festive periods when the crowd is bigger. But after finishing the daily meat preparation, he prefers to relax, read the newspaper, or spend time with his grandchildren,” he told DayakDaily.

Fook Ngian BBQ has been serving delicious barbecued meats since 1985 at Thompson Cafe, Jalan Nanas.

He shared that the family’s journey in the barbecue business began when his father learned the craft from a well-known eatery in Padungan.

“My grandparents were duck farmers supplying meat to that eatery. The owner encouraged my father to learn the art of roasting meats.

“Following that advice, he completed a three-year apprenticeship before gaining confidence in the trade. When Thompson Cafe opened in 1985, just a year after I was born, he seized the opportunity to start his own stall. It was his ‘nasib’ (luck), and he turned it into a livelihood,” he added with a smile.

Chin said he eventually took over the stall in 2007 after being persuaded by his late grandfather, especially as his siblings were not involved in the culinary field. At the time, he had already left his job at an eatery in the city.

“My grandfather felt it would be a waste if the stall was not continued, since it was already established and my father was planning to retire. They encouraged me to take over and stay in the trade,” he said.

He noted that the transition was smooth, as he already had experience in the food industry.

“Before taking over from my father, I worked in a bakery and also at a well-known restaurant. So I was already familiar with the kitchen environment. I’m glad I continued the family legacy,” he said.

After nearly four decades in business, Chin said he is content with the stall’s long-standing presence at the popular eatery, despite changes in cafe ownership over the years. He is also proud to remain one of its longest-serving tenants.

“I’m grateful that many well-known food operators and even public figures have visited my stall. For me, it’s also a form of recognition of my cooking,” he said.

He added that the eatery carries a strong sense of nostalgia, with many former customers who have left the city returning just for the barbecue dishes and even asking about his father.

“I never expected customers to still remember him too,” he said with a smile.

Chin explained that the name Fook Ngian reflects his ancestral roots, with the family originally from an area near Jalan Benggang, close to Boulevard Shopping Centre.

“My family still lives there, and I hope this stall continues to reflect my ancestors’ contribution to the local culinary heritage,” he said.

He also emphasised that he has no plans to expand into multiple outlets, as he values personal connections with customers.

“My approach is to maintain a personal touch. Customers come back because they know who is serving them. That relationship is very important,” he said.

Fook Ngian BBQ is located at Thompson Cafe, Jalan Nanas, and operates daily from 8am to 2pm. For enquiries, contact 016-855 6635. — DayakDaily