Burhan (left) and Nizam at the brand’s SS2 outlet in Petaling Jaya, where the anniversary celebration will take place on Dec 7. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
Eatery marks golden jubilee in grand style, welcomes diners to enjoy free nasi kandar
NASI kandar restaurateur Burhan Mohamed needs no introduction in the Klang Valley as he is also known as the “King of Nasi Kandar” in this region.
He is owner and managing director of Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar, a chain of restaurants serving the popular northern Malaysian dish from Penang.
Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar will turn 50 years old this year.
Burhan will be celebrating it in grand style at the brand’s SS2 restaurant in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, on Dec 7.
It includes free servings of nasi kandar from 7.30pm to 11pm.
Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin will be gracing the event, alongside Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and other personalities.
It comes as no surprise that at the SS2 restaurant, diners can have their meal and suddenly see a royalty, a minister, a top official or a celebrity walking in casually.
The journey for Burhan started in 1974 in SS2 when he was helping his father at the former Chow Yang coffeeshop, where his eatery is now located.
His father used to work at the now defunct Dawood Restaurant in Queen Street, Penang, during the 1960s, before he moved to Petaling Jaya to sell mee goreng on a pushcart but eventually moved on to selling nasi kandar.
Not many are aware that his uncle used to have a stall at the present Restoran New Seaview coffeeshop at Paramount Garden, Petaling Jaya in the 1970s, where Burhan also had to help.
“Eventually, my father started a stall in Chow Yang. We didn’t even bother to give a name as it was just a stall,” said Burhan.
“The coffeeshop was usually packed, and the owner was often annoyed that our plates were not collected in time for fresh customers who wanted to occupy the tables.
“Sometimes he would literally just throw away our plates because he was a short-tempered person.
“Soon, he began calling me ‘kayu’ (the Malay word for wood or someone dim-witted). The name stuck.”
Burhan added that the “kayu” nickname had nothing to do with the kandar stick that was used to carry two baskets filled with curries and dishes on the shoulders, as it was done in the 1950s by nasi kandar sellers.
But as luck would have it, he eventually took over the Chow Yang coffeeshop in 2003, where the Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar is located.
The brand has become hugely popular in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya as it now has a total of nine eateries in the Klang Valley, but there are those who complain that its food is pricey.
Burhan said he was aware of such complaints but said the difference between his and that of other shops was that he used quality food items, especially seafood such as fish and squid.
“I have never compromised on quality. We are also particular about cleanliness as we want to maintain our integrity and hygiene,’’ said the 62-year-old businessman, adding that the Petaling Jaya City Council will also be recognising his SS2 restaurant with a Clean Food Premises award on Dec 20.
Burhan regarded himself as a lucky person as he had acquired much business knowledge from his suppliers, supporters and friends.
“I have worked from the bottom to the top because I was willing to get my hands dirty,’’ he said, adding that he has been training his son Mohd Nizam Burhan, to take over his business.
Nizam said his father had tasked him with various duties in running the family business, starting off as a cashier and waiter.
“He is very strict about me carrying out my duties and insists that no special privilege should be given to me. I must serve, like everyone else, at the restaurant,” he said.
Burhan’s two daughters, Dr Azareena and Dr Zafrina, are both serving as family doctors in Dublin, Ireland, and Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, respectively.
Burhan has asked his supporters to celebrate with him as that is the only way to express his appreciation.
“Without my loyal customers, I am nothing. The Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar belongs to them.
“I apologise for my shortcomings during the last 50 years but rest assured, the quality will always be maintained,’’ he added.
