Some 70 asnaf (under- privileged community) were treated to a pleasant surprise when they were served with sumptuous five-star menus by 50 chefs at a restaurant on Saturday, Feb 26.
The asnaf who were the VVIP of the event were celebrated in a programme named “Chef Table 2022 With Asnaf” which was held at The Pjoi’s Café in Kuala Kangsar and is the first of such events being organised in the royal town.
The programme organiser Datuk Dr Shahrul Aman Zulkifli said the programme was held not only to gather all chefs in the country but at the same time to share good food and ambience with the needy community.
“The message that we are trying to convey here is to give the opportunity for a lifetime for these needy people for them to feel for themselves of being served with a hotel-class cuisine. The effort may be small for some , but it means a lot to them, especially those who never tasted such pleasant food,” Shahrul Aman said.
Shahrul Aman who is also The Pjoi’s Café co-founder said beside celebrating the needy community, he wanted to showcase the highest quality and halal of Muslim food in the restaurant which are being produce according to the sunnah and shariah.
During the programme Shahrul Aman also took the opportunity to serve food and beverages to the asnaf and spend time getting to know them. The programme also saw 14 of The Pjoi’s Café personnel receive certificates in recognising them in the food and beverages industry.
Senior citizen Salasiah Ariffin ,76, who is one of the guests being treated at the restaurant expressed her joy of being treated like VIP during the programme.
“I am grateful for the organiser’s kindness, who have taken their time to entertain and celebrate us, it is so kind of them,” Salasiah said.
Salasiah from Kampung Dew in Taiping said this is the first time of her life being treated to a fancy food. Among the food that were served during the event were steaks, lambchop, cakes, and other menus that were normally being served at five-star hotels.
The event also saw Gerobok Rezeki founder receive a recognition certificate for its work with the need community. Gerobok Rezeki is setup by former journalist Kamaruddin Shah at his house in Parit Buntar.
The Gerobok Rezeki is a charity initiative that uses a storage cupboard filled with essential items such as flour, rice and cooking oil. It has been a lifeline for the needy in nearby villages especially during the pandemic.