Tradition served with every plate
FOR 39 years, a popular restaurant in Johor Baru has welcomed a diverse range of customers, both local and international, including His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
Warung Saga owner Ahmad Ismail, 44, said he still remembers the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's visit to his shop along Jalan Mahmoodiah about seven years ago.
'It was a Sunday in December 2018 when I received a call from one of Sultan Ibrahim's officers at around 11am saying that His Majesty wanted to have breakfast at my restaurant,' he recalled.
'I started to panic because we were in the midst of preparing for the lunch crowd.'
Ahmad explained to the palace officer that only one plate of mee rebus remained, as the other breakfast dishes had already finished.
He added that the palace officer assured him it was fine since His Majesty specifically wanted to try the mee rebus at Warung Saga and nothing else.
Ahmad proudly showing a photograph of Sultan Ibrahim's visit to his restaurant in December 2018.
'Upon arriving, Sultan Ibrahim took a moment to look around my shop, which is filled with pictures of the Johor royal family, including past Sultans and former Yang di-Pertuan Agongs.
'There were no other customers at the time – just me, my staff and the officers accompanying Sultan Ibrahim as His Majesty sat at a table,' he said, noting that he personally took the order from his royal guest.
Ahmad shared that His Majesty enjoyed a plate of mee rebus with a glass of teh tarik and spent nearly an hour at the restaurant, which is popular among locals for its authentic Johor delicacies.
'Sultan Ibrahim later called me over and asked how the restaurant was doing. His Majesty also offered valuable advice, encouraging me to continue running the business my late parents founded back in 1986,' he added.
Ahmad recalled that just as Sultan Ibrahim finished his mee rebus, a lunchtime crowd began to gather outside the restaurant. His Majesty graciously motioned for them to come in.
Warung Saga is well known for its display of pictures of historical figures, including royalty, leaders and celebrities, as well as scenes from old Johor Baru.
'Before leaving, Sultan Ibrahim told me not to accept payment from the customers and gave me money to cover the cost of everyone's food that day,' he added.
Ahmad said that nearly 39 years ago, his parents humbly started the restaurant with just a push cart and three small tables.
'Eventually, my late father decided to upgrade the warung into a proper restaurant while my late mother, who was a truly excellent cook, took charge of the cooking.
'My father wanted a name that resonated with the people. At that time, Malaysia had just launched its first national car, the Proton Saga, which inspired him to name the restaurant Warung Saga,' he added.
Ahmad said that besides the good food, people from all over Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia also came to his restaurant to see the pictures of historical figures, including royalty, leaders and celebrities, as well as scenes from old Johor Baru.
He added that his father had thousands of photographs in his collection and hung them up in the restaurant so that customers could see them while enjoying their meals.
'My father even displayed photos of past presidents and prime ministers from Indonesia and Singapore, as we often have customers from both countries dining here.
Ahmad added that when Sultan Ibrahim was sworn in as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, he displayed pictures of that historic moment in his shop.
'When customers dine here, they often study the pictures and reflect on how much we have progressed as a nation. This progress is thanks to the leaders who have shaped our country,' he said.
'I'm truly grateful for that, and having the chance to serve leaders like Sultan Ibrahim in my humble restaurant is a great honour for both me and my family.'
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