GEORGE TOWN: It is not often you can get a wholesome meal for RM3.20. But Pak Wan Chik, 38, who runs Cafe Indah inside Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) Minden campus here has made this possible.
A set of rice with mixed vegetables and a crunchy fried chicken piece will satisfy the appetite of customers making a beeline to Cafe Indah during lunch hour.
Pak Wan, who has been running the cafe for the past 16 years, said he prioritised his customers’ satisfaction over profit.
“Making a small profit is not an issue as long as my customers are satisfied and able to save money,” said the cafe owner, who offers the budget meals.
Pak Wan does not hold back on the ingredients either.
“I get the raw ingredients directly from wholesalers and that helps me maintain the low price,” he told the New Straits Times yesterday.
The increase in the cost of living had never prevented him from serving his best budget meals to his customers.
“I ensure the meals offered are reasonably priced as it is better to gain continuous business, even if it means I only make a small profit.
“It is no use making a huge profit for a business that is unsustainable.”
Due to overwhelming response, Pak Wan prepares more than 30 dishes a day.
Among them are a variety of vegetables, chicken and fish dishes, squid, tofu, soup, eggs and beef.
About 200 customers patronise Pak Wan’s outlet daily from USM alone.
He plans to expand his business if response remains good.
Pak Wan, who took over his mother’s business in 2000, said that gaining customers’ satisfaction was the secret to a successful business.
Cafe Indah is open to the public from Sundays to Fridays, from 9am to 4pm.