By Siti Fauziah Hasan
SEREMBAN, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- As early as 6 am, Kedai Makanan dan Minuman Ikhbal in Lobak here is already bustling with customers, drawn by the tempting aroma of nasi lemak, a favourite among people of various racial backgrounds.
For the past 25 years, the eatery has been more than just a place to enjoy a meal, becoming a familiar spot where families, friends and regulars from different backgrounds come together.
Its owner, Ikhbal Ahmad, 66, said the eatery serves nearly 1,000 customers a day, many of whom are regulars he has known for years.
“Our customers keep coming back. Every day, we see the same familiar faces, so we have become quite close to them. They are not only from Negeri Sembilan, but also from Johor, Kuala Lumpur and other states.
“One of the things I enjoy most about running this business is seeing people from different backgrounds coming here,” he told Bernama.
AFFORDABLE PRICES, WIDE APPEAL
The father of four said the affordable prices have also made his eatery a popular choice among low and middle income groups, providing a relaxed setting for people of all races to enjoy breakfast, with nasi lemak selling for RM1 and sweet and savoury kuih starting from 50 sen.
“Malay, Chinese and Indian customers all come here. When we sit down and eat together, we do not see any differences between us. Everyone just comes to eat and have a chat,” he said.
Ikhbal said customers had become so comfortable with the atmosphere at the eatery that they had no problem sitting next to or sharing a table with people of other races.
“Food can bring people together. When we sit down together to eat, we are happy and do not think about our differences,” said Ikhbal, who was born in Ampangan.
Kedai Makanan dan Minuman Ikhbal is open daily from 6 to 11.30 am, serving a wide variety of breakfast dishes such as nasi lemak, kuetiau, bihun goreng, roti canai and kuih at affordable prices.
WHEN CUSTOMERS BECOME FRIENDS
Ikhbal said one of the things he cherished most was the close relationship he had built with customers over the past 25 years, with some having become like friends to him, his staff and family.
He said one of his four children also helped run the eatery, which was supported by nine workers, including local residents, who helped keep the business running each day.
“We also have workers who have been with us for many years. The oldest is already in his 80s. We respect our customers, and they respect us too. After so many years, some customers have become like friends. They come here not just to eat, but also to have a chat,” he said.
He added that the strong bond with his customers was one of the main reasons he had remained in the business for 25 years.
Ikhbal said the eatery sold around 1,200 to 1,300 packets of nasi lemak on a normal day, while sales could reach about 1,700 packets during weekends and public holidays.
“Alhamdulillah, customers are still coming, and we hope they will continue to support us. Sundays are usually very busy, with many people coming early in the morning. There are so many customers that some have to wait for a table, while many come early to buy food for takeaway,” he said.
SHARING A MEAL, SHARING A BOND
As the country celebrates National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM), Ikhbal said unity did not always need a big event, as it could be seen in simple moments, such as people of different races sitting together and sharing a meal.
Meanwhile, private sector worker Syafiq Abdullah, 63, from Bangi, Selangor, said the eatery was among his must-visit spots whenever he was in Negeri Sembilan, not only for its clean surroundings and reasonable prices, but also for its kampung atmosphere and the way people of different races could sit and eat together.
“When people of different races sit together and enjoy breakfast, some even sharing a table, you can really feel the joy of it. That is what Malaysia is all about,” he said.
Delivery rider M Talayan, 24, said he kept returning to the eatery not only for its affordable prices, but also for its relaxed atmosphere and diverse mix of customers.
“I always come here. The food is cheap, and I like that people from different races can sit together and eat. It doesn’t feel awkward at all,” he said.
Pang Woo Waan, 82, from Seremban 2, said he and his wife visited the eatery about three times a week for its delicious and affordable nasi lemak.
He said the atmosphere at the eatery also reminded him of the old days, when neighbours of different races knew each other well and lived together without seeing one another as strangers.
“These days, people tend to keep to themselves. You don’t always see this kind of atmosphere anymore. But here, we can greet each other like old friends,” he said.
--BERNAMA
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