Naturally, the ordeal was tremendously difficult, but it was also during this time that she began to have a dream.
“The disease was a blessing because, when I was diagnosed, I had the vision of creating a comfortable place where people could spend time while enjoying good and healthy food,” she told FMT.
After fully recovering, Tan completed her Bachelor of Nutrition degree. While studying, she had the opportunity to spend time on organic farms in the United Kingdom and Japan.
She went on to hold various positions in the F&B industry but, even a decade later, never forgot her dream. “Finally, in 2020, I believed it was the right time, so I opened Sisu Pantry that October.”
The charming establishment is tucked away in Bandar Bukit Raja, Klang, and caters to the everyday eater as well as adherents of the ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, including those with conditions such as diabetes that require dietary restrictions.
“We also don’t serve any canned food, and our menu is kid-friendly,” Tan added, explaining that her customers are those from the older age group as well as young families.
As for the unique name of the restaurant, she revealed that “sisu” is a Finnish word meaning “a special strength and persistent determination to overcome extreme adversity”.
“I believe that human beings have that ability, and for me, this café is the embodiment of that word in my life,” she added.
Tasting notes
The Greek Bowl is the latest item on the menu, set to be launched this week. A delightful combination of juicy and tender grilled chicken breast with fresh vegetables, it is served with a tortilla wrap, sweet potato fries, and homemade Tzatziki sauce.
But the highlight is definitely Tan’s beetroot apple relish– a sweet and addictive concoction that ties the whole dish together.
For a lighter meal with an Asian twist, give the Oriental Salad a go. Dig in and enjoy a heaping spoonful of cha soba – Japanese noodles infused with green tea – paired with soft organic tofu and sweet black beans, cooked and simmered for two days with mirin, a Japanese rice wine.
Meanwhile, the Ebi Chilli Rice is a heartier meal of prawns, omelette, vegetables, and rice served with sauce. Although simple, this dish is exquisite: the seafood is fresh and succulent, while the sauce – made from Tan’s homemade tomato jam cooked with red chillies, onions and kombucha – is rich and flavourful.
Customers can opt for cauliflower rice or quinoa at no additional charge.
For those seeking a good tummy-filler, look no further than the Swedish meatball pasta. The noodles are made with semolina flour – the same stuff sugee cake is made of – and has a coarse texture that blends perfectly with the piquant curry base.
Aromatic spices, including nutmeg in the chicken meatballs, certainly makes this dish pleasant on the palate.
For a less-spicy option, go with the creamy mushroom or tomato base. And, for an extra RM2, you may substitute the pasta with konjac noodles – a low-carb ingredient made of fibre from the root of the konjac plant found in Japan, China, and other parts of Southeast Asia.
On to the desserts, which Tan makes herself. The madeleines have a nice buttery flavour that pairs well with its topping of white chocolate, sea salt, and dry rose petals; while the keto Italian carrot cake, made with almond flour, is decadent and dense. The orange-zest cream cheese topping adds a lovely citrusy taste.
Meanwhile, the keto banana cake, also made with almond flour, is moist, rich with bananas, and comes with a luscious brown-butter cream cheese frosting.
Although stricter keto practitioners might want to steer clear of bananas due to its high carbohydrate content, Tan believes the fruit can be consumed in moderation.
Desserts are only available on Fridays to Sundays and there is also no fixed dessert menu, so be prepared to be surprised!
Last but not least, those who are looking for a pleasant caffeine boost should definitely try the rose latte. The coffee is not overly strong, with a pleasant floral aroma thanks to the dry rose petals soaked overnight in fresh milk. Yummy!
Learn more about Sisu Pantry via Facebook and Instagram.
Sisu Pantry (pork-free)
First floor, 2A, Jalan Astaka 5/KU2,
Bandar Bukit Raja,
41050 Klang, Selangor
Business hours: 10am-5pm, Wednesdays to Sundays