Yet, drop by Laksa Shock, a humble food stall in Bukit Jelutong, and you’ll immediately sense there’s more to this place. After all, how often do you encounter waiters serving bowls of laksa to customers while impeccably dressed in office attire?
Well, meet 26-year-old Amirul Qayyum Merican, a corporate worker by day, and laksa master come evening.
What began as a simple family business has now captured the attention of many Malaysians, all thanks to the power of social media.
In a recent viral TikTok video, many were amazed to see Amirul serving up late-night laksa, still in his office clothes after a full day’s work.
Yet, what truly earned him praise is the simple fact that he does it all to support the family business.
Laksa Shock is the collective endeavour of three siblings on one mission – to create a legacy for their late grandmother’s decades-old signature laksa recipe.
“My drive, the reason why I do this, is family,” Amirul told FMT Lifestyle.
Astonishingly, he’s not only juggling a corporate job and a family business but also studying part-time for a degree in UITM. Talk about time-management!
Hailing from Penang, it was Amirul’s younger brother, 21-year-old Luqman Hakeem, who recognised the authenticity and deliciousness of the family’s laksa.
“Whenever friends or relatives visit our home and we serve them our laksa, they rave about it. They always end up ordering our laksa for their events or gatherings, and that’s when I had the idea – why not start a family business?” shared Luqman.
That’s when Amirul, the eldest in the family, decided to make his sibling’s dream come true by setting up Laksa Shock in 2020.
Despite facing a setback due to the pandemic, they lent a helping hand to members of the community by donating laksa packs to frontliners, orphanages, and others in need. In fact, this good deed even got them on national television!
“My dad always told us that if you help others, they will help you back,” said Amirul.
Speaking about the frontliners, he said he and his siblings were saddened that many of them could not return to their families. He said they hoped that a warm bowl of laksa would help put a smile on their faces all the same.
Today, the siblings have transformed their home-based operations to this humble yet thriving stall, a crowd favourite.
While they’ve now added other menu items like Mee Rebus, also their grandmother’s recipe, it is their laksa which most come back for.
Thicker in texture than your average laksa, using fresh ingredients, with just the right amount of spice to add that kick, it really does give a home cooked taste.
“Today, my younger sister does all the preparation and cooking at home before we open up the stall in the evening. My brother and his friend help out as well, until I arrive from work,” Amirul said.
With his home also in Bukit Jelutong, some days Amirul does have the time to change out of his work attire before helping with the business. However, when time is tight, Amirul delivers orders directly after returning from the office, creating opportunities for interesting encounters with customers.
“Some of the aunties in this area who order our laksa, know me very well, and to this day they’re always shocked to see me carrying packs of laksa from the car while looking like that,” Amirul shared, referring to his office attire.
With hopes to make Laksa Shock a franchise someday and spread their good food across the country, Amirul and his siblings stand strong, united as a family.
“Up until today, we’re still here. We’re very grateful to our customers and the never-ending support from our family and friends.”
Follow Laksa Shock on Facebook.
Restoran Mak Uda
16, Jalan Pelapik C U8/C
40150 Shah Alam
Selangor
Business hours:
5:30pm-11pm (Closed Thursdays and Fridays)
Contact: 019-269 4255