To some, it looks like an old and abandoned workshop ravaged by time. But step closer and you’ll find Peram Café, a two-month-old hideaway that has captured the imagination of those who appreciate raw, rustic beauty.
From the outside, the aged zinc panels and translucent glass windows convey imperfection turned into art. Inside, the space glows with a different kind of warmth: exposed bricks, weathered wood, and an iron framework creating a venue that feels both vintage and alive.
The concept, described by its founder as “industrial rustic”, pairs nostalgic charm with modern comfort: where espresso machines are bathed in warm light and the scent of fresh-baked cheesecake drifts through the air.
Behind this creative venture is 29-year-old Syukri Abdul Rahim, an entrepreneur with a lifelong fascination for old architecture and forgotten spaces. Before it became a café, the building had had another life – it was once a hardware shop, left abandoned for five years.
“When I decided to leave my job as a building executive and move into the F&B world, I knew I wanted something with history,” said Syukri, who holds a degree in property management.
“This building had so much character – it just needed a new story. So I started researching and came up with ‘industry rustic’, combining rusted zinc, bare brick, and glass panels to keep things honest and raw.”
Syukri retained the original wooden structure inside the building, letting its age and texture tell their own story. Although his degree has nothing to do with business, his early exposure to the F&B scene helped lay the foundation for Peram.
“During semester breaks, I worked in cafés to learn how things ran. I picked up skills, ideas – even small details like customer flow and menu design.
“Later, I explored cafés in Indonesia and Thailand, which inspired me further,” he said, noting that he invested his own savings to bring his vision to life.
Fermented coffee
With countless eateries offering lattes and cappuccinos, Syukri wanted something that would set Peram apart. His answer? Kopi peram – literally, “fermented coffee.”
“We brew the coffee, then store it in the fridge for 24 hours,” he explained. “It gives the coffee a smoother taste and a deeper aroma.”
To complement the coffee, the café serves cheese-based desserts such as burnt cheesecake and bagels – crowd favourites that pair perfectly with the mellow, chilled brew.
Other bestsellers include the Earl Grey burnt cheesecake and jalapeno bagel, served with a variety of cream cheese options.
The end result has been a hit with locals and visitors alike. Peram Café now attracts not only Kangar residents but also travellers from other states, and even foreign tourists, drawn by both its flavours and its photo-worthy industrial aesthetic.
“Customers come from all walks of life. The food we serve appeals to everyone and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. We also offer affordable prices, with each cake, bagel, or beverage priced at no more than RM15,” Syukri added.
Quitting a steady job to open a café wasn’t an easy decision, but he believes that sometimes, fulfilling a passion requires taking chances.
“It’s the riskiest thing I’ve ever done,” he said with a smile, “but I told myself, if I plan well and stay focused, I can make this work. Every business needs a vision, something to aim for three or four years down the road.”
Though new to entrepreneurship, he’s clear about what sustains a business: good service, quality food, and genuine effort. “You have to work hard, keep improving, and market yourself well. Consistency is everything in the F&B world,” Syukri added.
He also spoke about the challenges young entrepreneurs face, especially in securing funding.
“For young people, capital is the hardest part. Government incentives help, but I think there should be more awareness and easier access for youths who want to start their own business.”
Above all, Syukri, who credits his wife as his biggest supporter, believes that success comes from originality. “Don’t copy others; find your own identity. Every good brand has its signature.”
Learn more about Peram Café on Instagram.
Peram Café
69, Jalan Raja Syed Alwi,
01000 Kangar, Perlis