Ex-Singapore hotel staff brings family recipes to Malaysia with comforting claypot dishes & homemade ngoh hiang

If you find yourself wandering around the Hua Joo Park area in Kuching, keep your eyes peeled for a delightful new addition to the local food scene — Sylvester’s Kitchen, nestled within Shi Ding Ji coffee shop. 

Freshly opened on 19 Apr 2025, this hawker stall marks the start of a fresh chapter for 61-year-old Sylvester Lim, who returned to Malaysia for good just last year. 

After nearly 3 decades of working in hotel service in Singapore, Sylvester decided it was finally time to turn his lifelong passion for cooking into something more — and so, Sylvester’s Kitchen was born.

For those who know him well, this new venture feels like destiny fulfilled. Throughout his years abroad, Sylvester was known among friends for hosting home gatherings with his cooking as the star of the show. Guests would often ask the same question: “Why are you only serving and not the one cooking?” 

Sylvester’s Kitchen serves up heartwarming, nostalgia-laden dishes that echo the comforts of home. Think sizzling claypot meals arriving straight to your table piping hot. 

Signature dishes include classic Braised Pork Leg (RM13) and Sesame Oil Chicken (RM10). There are also Curry Chicken (RM12) and Curry Pork Rib (RM13) — all available daily.

Other must-tries are his personal favourites: the Stewed Pork (RM12) and hand-rolled Ngoh Hiang (RM10 per roll), made from a cherished recipe passed down by his late mother. Each roll is generously filled with a savoury blend of pork, prawn, onions, and crunchy water chestnuts. 

And for a tasty side, don’t miss the Lady’s Finger topped with homemade Sambal Udang Kering (RM8). Perfect for a kick of umami and heat to your palate.

There’s something undeniably special about food made with love and passion. So, if you’re in the mood for soul-soothing flavours and a story behind every bite, head over to Sylvester’s Kitchen with your loved ones. 

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