Melaka entrepreneur realises childhood dream with KL eateries
From an early age, Merrick Chiam was drawn to the flavours that defined his home state, from the sweetness of Gula Melaka to the spiciness of Asam Pedas, and dreamed of one day opening his own eatery.
Now 25, he has turned that dream into reality as the co-owner of Brew by Cobnb, which runs two eateries in Kuala Lumpur.
But the journey from the kitchens of his childhood to running a business in a big city has not been without its challenges.
The former student of St Francis Institution in Bandar Hilir here said his love for food began at home and was fuelled by simple and everyday experiences.
"Food has always been about connection for me.
"It's about bringing people together through taste and tradition," he said in an interview on Monday (July 7).
An unlikely source of inspiration, he said, came from the animated film Ratatouille.
"It wasn't about a rat cooking.
"It was about consistency, hard work and believing in your own skill," he said.
Although he now manages the business with a small team, Chiam said the transition from aspiring cook to entrepreneur required persistence and adaptability.
"Running an eatery is not just about serving good food.
"It's about understanding your customers, managing people and constantly improving what you offer," he said.
Beyond the day-to-day operations, Chiam is passionate about giving back.
He mentors young people, especially those from Melaka who are interested in joining the food and beverage industry, sharing lessons he has learnt along the way.
"I know what it feels like to start without the desired financial capacity but passion for food.
"If I can help others avoid some of the mistakes I made, that's something I'm proud of," he said.
Chiam added that his eateries are more than just a business.
"They represent the fulfilment of a childhood ambition, shaped by Melaka's culinary traditions," he said.
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