The ever cheerful Mahboobin Zakaria, 67, is at it again, dazzling customers with his spinning wok as he rattles off in Hokkien to those waiting for their order of mee goreng at Seng Lee Café.
However, the usually smiling cook is looking somewhat downcast when FMT catches up with him recently. He says it’s because he has been forced to relocate his stall to new premises.
Come Sept 1, Mahboobin will be operating his business at New World Park instead.
Seng Lee Café has a special place in Mahboobin’s heart simply because he has been frying noodles here since he was 15 years old when he took over the business from his father in the 1970s.
Today he has taught his own son, Sabik Ahamad the secrets behind this delicious dish, ensuring that this iconic mee goreng lives on long after he’s gone.
Like his father before him, Mahboobin has enjoyed a good run with his mee goreng, having been featured many a time in the nation’s newspapers and magazines.
“I feel very sad. Everyone knows me here. I’m really going to miss the local community and all the old friendships I built through the years,” he said.
In March this year, Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng was forced to seek new premises after disagreements over renovation plans at Seng Lee Café that would have meant Mahboobin would have to close shop for six months.
Unwilling to do that, he opted to relocate his business instead and after an exhausting search, he and his son chanced upon New World Park.
Despite feeling nostalgic about the old place, Mahboobin is determined to put on a brave front and make fresh memories at this new spot. Already, things are looking up for this father-and-son team.
“The new place is easier as there’s a lot more parking spaces and places to sit,” Mahboobin chirped as he looked around at the sea of tables before him.
“Even my customers say it’s a nicer place,” he said, adding that the new management was equally excited that Bangkok Lane’s iconic noodles was joining them.
The move to the new premises has also given Mahboobin a renewed sense of confidence that the relocation is for the best.
“There’s a lot more space for us to work here,” he says with a laugh as he wonders how two grown men were able to work in the cramped quarters of the old café for so many years.
Although a new chapter will begin for Mahboobin and Sabik soon, those wishing to dig into their last few mouthfuls of Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng at the old café, can hurry on over, at least until Aug 31 when the last plate is served up.
Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng
Seng Lee Café
102, Jalan Burma
10050 George Town
Pulau Pinang
Operation Hours: 8am to 6pm (Daily except Mondays)