Suriani Nasi Kukus a new experience

KOTA BARU: In addition to serving a delicious menu with a variety of side dishes, the Suriani Nasi Kukus restaurant here has been gearing towards customer comfort and with an uniqueness.

Adopting the concept of an open-air restaurant, the restaurant in Jalan Stadium features dining tables that are made from old sewing machines.

Its owner, Suriani Che Ngah, 44, said the idea of using an old sewing machine as a dining table came about few months ago and had its own meaning.

“It symbolises my business venture involving Nasi Kukus and is akin to a piece of old cloth being turned into a pair of new clothes.

“Many of my customers are attracted with this unique decor.”

Suriani said she bought traditional sewing machines from the scrap metal shop and individuals for RM80 to RM150 per unit.

“I own 60 such tables, half of which are placed at the nearby Tempayan Bakery,” she said, adding that business started at 12 noon daily.

Suriani said she began the Nasi Kukus venture with her husband, Azman Awang, in 2004 at a stall before opening a restaurant.

“The idea of selling Nasi Kukus came about as my husband worked in a restaurant and decided to venture on his own.

“Starting small from our stall, we saved enough money and a few years later, we opened a shop as customers started increasing in numbers.”

PIX BY NIK ABDULLAH NIK OMAR Suriani Che Ngah (third from right) with her husband Azman Awang (fourth from right) and son Muhammad Azrol Hisyam Azman (left), as well as employees at the Suriani Nasi Kukus restaurant in Jalan Stadium. (Inset) Old sewing machines are used as dining tables at the eatery.