There’s a bunch of recent desserts obtainable these days, from icy bingsu to creamy gelato.
However to me, nothing hits the identical nearly as good previous tong sui. Completely gentle and refreshing, it makes for a tasty deal with after a heavy meal.
After all, I’m not the one one who enjoys an excellent bowl of tong sui. That’s why there are such a lot of manufacturers available on the market providing them now.
One such model that I’ve personally frequented is Sik Thong Ba. With 4 retailers throughout the Klang Valley, Sik Thong Ba has turn into a neighbourhood favorite wherever it finally ends up, with hundreds of fond Google opinions for each single outlet.
Utilizing Chinese desserts as a medium
Like many, the founder Karen’s first enterprise was in a espresso store. However she wasn’t promoting espresso.
Having all the time been involved in baking and desserts, she determined to review culinary arts in faculty. Upon commencement, she honed in on her love for Chinese desserts and opened a small stall for her desserts in a espresso store.
Karen labored on this stall for a yr, and located that she actually loved doing it. With the dream of bettering her enterprise, she launched her personal brick-and-mortar retailer specialising in tong sui.
This idea may not sound novel now, however at that time in 2019, Karen felt like there weren’t many trendy Chinese dessert choices available on the market.
From my very own reminiscence, it’s true that many tong sui choices again then have been old-school stalls or extra conventional outlets. Trendy cafe-style tong sui spots have been fairly the rarity nonetheless.
“I keep in mind that I actually used up all my financial savings once I opened the primary retailer in Cheras Merchants Sq.,” Karen reminisced about her first store.
Right this moment, that first outlet continues to be standing sturdy, with a whopping 4.8 stars on Google, amassed from 3.9K opinions. In reality, all retailers have 4.8 to five stars on Google.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply issues got here simply for Karen and Sik Thong Ba.
“Wanting again on 2019, Sik Thong Ba had solely been in operation for six months earlier than the MCO got here into impact,” the founder recalled.
Fortunately, the enterprise was nonetheless in a position to function, albeit solely via supply orders. To remain afloat, the group created tong sui celebration packages for patrons to take pleasure in at house.
“Since then, STB has grown greater to some extra retailers and we attempt to carry prospects totally different and extra progressive conventional desserts,” Karen proudly shared.
Championing high quality
After Sik Thong Ba obtained its begin, although, many extra tong sui companies have been popping up.
“Sure, there are various extra dessert outlets available in the market this yr,” Karen agreed. “To be trustworthy, it is extremely aggressive.”
However Sik Thong Ba has been in a position to develop a following of regulars, due to its constant product high quality, achieved via the assistance of a central kitchen.
She identified, “For me, coaching 10 individuals from the central kitchen is simpler than coaching 70 individuals from the retailers.”
On prime of that, the Sik Thong Ba founder will go to the shop repeatedly to examine the standard of the merchandise.
“I’ve been the R&D chef from the beginning and proceed to carry that function,” Karen added. “Though I’ve tried to discover a appropriate pastry chef, it’s been fairly difficult. Possibly I’m being too choosy? Simply kidding!”
However it’s true that discovering the correct expertise is integral, and would permit Karen to step again and take a look at the enterprise’ greater image.
With that in thoughts, she shared that she actually hopes to get a pastry chef who’s passionate in each consuming and cooking to hitch her R&D group. It will assist develop the model’s product vary, as they usually develop two to a few new menu objects per season.
Rising once more
Whereas researching the enterprise, I learnt that Karen really had a enterprise prior to now referred to as Happyxixi, a spot that served sizzling meals and desserts.
“The concept behind beginning the enterprise got here from frequent requests from prospects at Sik Thong Ba who needed sizzling meals,” she defined.
For the reason that group at Sik Thong Ba was very secure on the time, Karen determined to offer it a go.
Nevertheless, transferring too shortly isn’t all the time good. They hadn’t anticipated the lasting impression of COVID on the time, and once they have been about to launch, the second MCO hit.
On prime of that, the situation had restricted crowd capability and parking, which contributed to the dearth of profitability. This in the end led to the closure of the sister model.
“I really feel sorry for the wonderful group at Happyxixi,” Karen admitted. “Regardless of every little thing, I’m completely satisfied that after two years, there are nonetheless prospects who bear in mind us and attain out through WhatsApp. I all the time suggest they go to Sik Thong Ba, as they miss it and revel in it a lot.”
After Happyxixi closed in 2023, she returned her focus to Sik Thong Ba. It turned out to be an excellent determination as enterprise boomed in 2023, permitting them to open a 3rd outlet earlier than the top of the yr.
Realizing your viewers
With 4 widespread retailers, Sik Thong Ba appears to have grasped the successful recipe for locating the correct areas.
This may be credited to the truth that Karen is aware of its buyer base properly, and caters to them. Sik Thong Ba is all about serving households, as individuals of all ages can take pleasure in their dishes. So, they all the time open close to crowded residential areas.
Having learnt their lesson with Happyxixi, in addition they prioritise areas with ample parking areas.
Wanting forward, Karen plans to maintain utilizing their methods to broaden into different locations.
“There’s a mission the place we’re rebranding Sik Thong Ba, which shall be opening quickly in Puchong in Could,” she revealed.
Sik Thong Ba is not any flashy enterprise with avant-garde dishes. However by executing simplicity properly, Karen has been in a position to develop the enterprise into 4 well-performing retailers, serving up acquainted flavours in a snug house.
- Be taught extra about Sik Thong Ba here.
- Learn different articles we’ve written about F&B companies here.
Featured Picture Credit score: Sik Thong Ba
