SMILE! ...there's spinach in your teeth

Farm, sow, and he shall reap ... Plant, grow, and you shall feed organic. Prep, cook and you shall feast! Already none of these appeals to me, so what more can be said for my competency and as a consequence, I can only placate hunger pangs or bland taste buds with any available prepacked nutrition (or lack of…). Fortunately though, when I need to get more than just 'spinach in my teeth', I head to PCS Café (Philip Chui Cafe Studio). On the 18th of January, 2018, this quaint café sprouted amidst the concrete oasis of corporate offices in one of the oldest area of Damansara, Petaling Jaya. On one such visit, I decided to do some quiet digging in their backyard for hidden clues on how the owner's garden of food flourished into the F&B business that it is today; from bud to bloom and to grafted new ideas of the cafe's current plant-based trend.

A MOLECULAR GASTRONOMY!! Apple sphere with coconut foam

1. What is your 'root idea’?

I started with the idea of a café cum cooking studio where patrons who enjoy food and want to improve their cooking skills or learn new recipes, can gather here with family and friends. While waiting for their individual ‘chef-in-making’ friend or relative, they can chill in the comfort of the café with an array of F&B to keep them fueled up.

2. How did you first get involved in F&B business?

Personally, I have always been interested in ‘food’ (read – love eating!) since young and retained the interest throughout the years. Dinner parties had always been a way for me to share my passion with friends and family until a chain of events led me to opportunities where I began my journey with F&B until today. In the early stages of the business, we did mostly recipe development and cooking demonstration training for various corporate customers.

3. Briefly explain PC STUDIO Cafe's cooking classes?

PCS Café serves a standard local cuisine which caters to everyone in town. Most of the food offered in our menu can be learnt/taught with ‘gadget cooking’ (GC, i.e. meal preparation with electrical appliances that are commonly or easily available at home with the added benefit of ‘safe, smoke-free’ cooking environment). Our GC experience is supported mainly by Panasonic Malaysia. Going with the growing health and lifestyle trend, we also offer a separate vegetarian and plant-based section for those who prefer.

4. What prompted you to explore ‘plant-based’ food?

It involves a unique and creative way of food preparation, tasting and dining as well as a healthy option. The ingredients used are based mostly or entirely of foods derived from plants eg. vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and fruits can be enjoyed by all without much restrictions (unless you have been medically diagnosed to have sensitive allergies to nuts and grains but the same is said for those who are allergic to seafood and eggs).

Assorted sushi platter (look again...it ain't pink salmon - Macrobiotic cooking)

5. Is there a DISTINCT DIFFERENCE between Plant-based & Vegetarian or even ‘whole foods’ diet?

Plant-based diet is very versatile and there are various ways of cooking – the raw preparation, dehydrated or low heating. Although there are different categories of vegetarianism that do not include meat and seafood in their diet, they’re usually open to consuming some animal by-products such as dairy, eggs, and honey. Whereas, in a plant-based diet, it is solely derived from the 'vegan' food types mentioned above (Q#4) and we strive to keep the source fresh and wholesome for the best nutritional value. ( resource info: https://vegetarian-nation.com/resources/common-questions/types-levels-vegetarian/

6. What was the biggest CHALLENGE for PC Studio in the early days?

PCS Café’s location plus weak customer base posed a huge challenge then. Still, as the head office has been operating in this same location for 20 years now, it was a practical decision to open our then-new café business in the same building for convenience, so we relied very much on marketing and promotion activities to push through hard times.

7. What is your biggest achievement for pc studio so far?

We received many competitive awards, such as:

*World Top Gourmet Award 2019 – Lifestyle Dining

*World Top Award 2019 – Lifestyle Cuisine (Plant-based)

*2019 Malaysia World Elite Chef Championship – Champion (Individual Challenge / Western Cuisine Main Course)

*2019 Malaysia World Elite Chef Championship – Gold with Distinction (Appetizer Cold Dish).

While recognition for wins and achievements are proud moments for PCS Cafe, nothing compares to the ‘brand identity’ that we have accomplished as we are now known and a familiar name with many customers who would contact us for events and plant-based activities. Since the start of 2020, we see a new development in our business trending towards corporate clients requesting for customised design recipes and also incorporating their products in planned events.

8. Is there a local CERTIFIED/QUALIFIED plant-based Chef and/or school here in Malaysia?

Based on my understanding, while there are plant-based chefs in Malaysia but there isn’t any certified Plant-Based School in Malaysia; therefore, I attended courses to be certified in Thailand - Blue Lotus Hua Hin (now certified as Plant-based Chef & Instructor) and Hong Kong - Pure Joy Planet Asia (now certified as Raw Chef). With the necessary certifications, we are working towards opening similar schools in Malaysia with the mission to educate and promote plant-based cuisines in Malaysia.

9. What is your general view of the local F&B industry? (e.g. given the ever-changing tastes and exposure from other countries & social media etc.?)

Frankly, this is an easy-entry business but difficult to sustain. Quick example, in Malaysia, it is not complicated and neither is it a long process to set up a roadside F&B stall. The tough part though is really maintaining it and then if at all, show potential for growth.

10. So, last question Philip, are you a VEGAN now? No; but just that I consume less meat, in general, these days for health reasons. My personal favourite plant-based food is the chocolate cluster!

*As my index finger hovered over the 'publish blog' button, an afterthought occurred to me - would plant-based 'Bah-Kut-Teh' still taste like meat-bone-tea?? I'll find out soon at PCS Cafe on special request! (COME JOIN ME! wink!)

(LINK to part 1 of earlier PCS Cafe blog)

#shadesNsense #spinachinyourteeth #plantbased #bahkuteh