01/10/2025

WEDNESDAY | OCT 1, 2025

6

Local cuisine shines in New Zealand

o M’sian-owned eatery serves classic dishes including rendang , roti canai and nasi lemak

“We want customers to relive their childhood days, because these were the cartoon characters we waited to watch on TV. Even when living abroad, we must hold on to our ‘village soul,’” said Azli. To complete the experience, traditional music and songs by Asean artistes, especially Malaysians such as Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, are played as background ambience. Despite not running large marketing campaigns, Desa Corner continues to attract customers, including Malaysian public figures. During the writer’s visit, actress-director Erma Fatima, her sister Umi Aida, actor Bell Ngasri and actress Nora Danish were seen dining there with a production crew while filming a movie. “We do not have the budget for big marketing but people still find us, because when they are satisfied with the food and our service, they share it on (social media).” With space for up to 100 customers, Azli has also introduced a “sharing dish” concept suitable for office functions or large gatherings. “If you come in a big group, order a 10-person set menu. We lay out the food in the middle of the table so everyone can taste,” he said, adding that he strives to keep prices reasonable. As the conversation drew to a close, he shared a message for other entrepreneurs: “Courtesy matters. Customers appreciate sincere service.”

THERE was a time when most Westerners shied away from spicy food. Today, dishes such as rendang and curry are some of their favourites, a reality clearly visible at Desa Corner, a restaurant in Central Auckland owned by two Malaysians. Although barely two years old, the eatery has made a name for itself and built a loyal following among both locals and members of the Malaysian diaspora. “Those from the West are not like before. These days they come in already knowing what they want to order. Malaysian roti canai is number one, and they must have it with rendang or curry,” said co-owner Azli Musa, 48, in a recent interview with Bernama. Azli, who hails from Simpang Renggam in Johor, has called New Zealand home since 2007. His journey reflects the resilience of starting over in a foreign land and building something from scratch. As the old saying goes, a good seed thrown into the sea becomes an island, cast into the sky becomes a star and flung into the forest becomes a mountain. Now settled with his family, he shared how he worked his way up before founding Desa Corner. “I started from the bottom. After

arriving here, I worked in the hospitality industry. I gained experience in that field for eight years,”he said, adding that he later switched to carpentry. “I did all kinds of work, cutting wood, building cabinets, installing walls, constructing kitchens and repairing houses, for nearly nine years. I saved up slowly, because I always wanted to open an eatery.” That dream first came true in 2018 when he opened the Dapur Johor stall at the Wellington Food Court. But Covid-19 struck, and the stall, which had begun to gain popularity, was forced to close. “When the lockdowns started, we could not continue. That period was extremely challenging for me.” Circumstances then reunited him with a fellow Malaysian friend, a chef with more than 20 years of experience. “We have known each other for a long time, but we lost touch. So when we met again and he suggested opening a restaurant together, I thought this was my second chance. We didn’t just pool our capital, we also planned the menu and operations together.” As a result, in November 2023, Desa Corner officially opened its doors. Azli manages the daily

The murals in the restaurant were painted by Azli’s (inset) friend Fitri, who spent two months recreating popular Malaysian characters such as Keluang Man, Usop Sontorian, Mat Despatch and others. – BERNAMAPIC

her bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Auckland. Among the regulars is 72-year-old Nancy Wrigley, who was born in Kuala Lumpur but has lived in New Zealand for more than 35 years. She said she loves not only the food but also the atmosphere. “The ambience here reminds me of home and when I’m here I feel like I’m back in Malaysia,” said Nancy, who favours the nasi lemak. The murals in the restaurant were painted by Azli’s friend Fitri, who spent two months recreating popular Malaysian characters such as Keluang Man, Usop Sontorian, Mat Despatch, Upin & Ipin, Didi & Friends, as well as iconic characters by cartoonist Datuk Lat.

running of the business, while his partner, who prefers not to be named, focuses on the kitchen. Centred around Johor-Malay cuisine, the restaurant also serves popular dishes from Thailand and Indonesia. It now employs seven staff, most of them Malaysian students working part-time. Marsya Maisarah Zainudin, 23, from Kuching, said the experience of studying and working abroad has taught her independence while giving her hands-on knowledge of the hospitality field. “We are trained to treat customers like family. It is not just work, we learn about respect, service and culture,” said Marsya, who recently completed

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