Early Bites: Indian Flavours at the Break of Day
Shah’s Café at Kebun Baru Food Centre serves up Indian classics
Tucked in the heart of Kebun Baru Food Centre, Shah’s Café is more than just a stop for comforting Indian food. It’s a daily commitment by one man to provide for his family, serve his community, and honour the craft of authentic cooking.
His specialties? Briyani, prata, and rich curries—especially mutton and fish—prepared with heart and heritage in every serving.
The stall was opened three years ago by Mr Amanullah Sickkander, now 65, with the simple intention of supporting himself and his family. With his children grown and working, he continues to run the stall together with his wife—serving regulars from 5.30am to 8.30pm every day.
“I saw the early morning crowd—working adults rushing to start their day, and seniors who come for breakfast or a quiet meal. I wanted to serve them something good, something real,” he shared.
Serving with Purpose, Right from Dawn
From fragrant biryani to crispy prata and rich, comforting curries, Shah’s Café offers authentic Indian flavours with a healthier twist. Mr Sickkander is intentional with his cooking, choosing to use less oil, sugar, and salt to make his dishes healthier. “Healthier choices can still taste good,” he says with quiet confidence.
The early hours and long days are not just routine—they’re a reflection of dedication. At Stall #01-27, Mr Sickkander shows up daily, rain or shine, motivated by responsibility and pride in his food. “I want my customers to enjoy the food and feel taken care of,” he said.
A Fresh Start After Upgrades
In recent months, the food centre underwent renovations under town council upgrading efforts. Mr Sickkander noticed the difference immediately. “There are fewer birds and pests now—it’s much cleaner,” he observed. The new lighting and ceiling fans have also improved the environment, making the space brighter and more comfortable for both hawkers and customers. “It feels fresher. The ventilation is better, and it’s more pleasant to work here now.”
These improvements have made Kebun Baru Food Centre more inviting than ever—offering not just good food, but a clean and airy place to enjoy it.
Gratitude in Every Plate
Like many hawkers, Mr Sickkander faces challenges—particularly with manpower shortages. Still, he stays grounded by his purpose and the loyalty of his customers. “Sometimes, it’s tough managing the stall short-handed,” he shared. “But I’m very grateful for my regular customers. They visit often, and their support keeps me going.”
It’s that bond between hawker and customer that makes Shah’s Café more than just another food stall. Whether it’s a prata breakfast, midday biryani, or a comforting dinner curry, the food here carries with it a quiet kind of care—rooted in routine, resilience, and heart.
📍 Shah’s Café
Stall #01-27, Kebun Baru Food Centre, 226H Ang Mo Kio Street 22, Singapore 568226
🕔 Opens daily: 5.30am to 8.30pm
[Chinese]
在哥本峇鲁熟食中心，65岁的 Amanullah Sickkander 先生与妻子共同经营 Shah’s Café，每天从清晨5点半营业至晚上8点半，提供少油、低盐的印度风味料理，包括黄姜饭、印度煎饼和香浓咖喱等经典美食。市镇理事会近期完成的翻新工程让熟食中心变得更加明亮整洁，为小贩与食客带来更舒适的用餐体验。尽管面临人手短缺，Sickkander 先生仍坚持守业，凭着对美食的热忱与顾客的支持，让摊位持续蓬勃经营。
[Malay]
Shah’s Café di Pusat Makanan Kebun Baru dipunyai oleh En. Amanullah Sickkander, 65 tahun dan isterinya. Kafe ini menjual makanan India seperti nasi beriani, roti prata dan kari (kurang minyak dan garam) dari 5.30 pg. hingga 8.30 mlm. setiap hari. Pusat makanan ini baru sahaja diperbaharui agar bertambah cantik dan bersih, demi keselesaan peniaga dan juga pengunjung. Meskipun sibuk, En. Sickkander dan isterinya sentiasa rajin melayan permintaan pelanggan setia di gerai mereka.
[Tamil]
கெபுன் பாரு உணவு நிலையத்தில், 65 வயதான திரு அமானுல்லா சிக்கந்தர் மற்றும் அவருடைய மனைவியால் நடத்தப்பட்டு வரும் ஷா'ஸ் கஃபேயில் (Shah’s Café) குறைவான எண்ணெய் மற்றும் உப்புப் பயன்படுத்தி இந்தியர்களுக்கு மிகப்பிடித்த பிரியாணி, பரோட்டா மற்றும் குழம்பு வகைகள் காலை 5.30 மணி முதல் இரவு 8.30 மணிவரை பரிமாறப்படுகிறது. சமீபத்திய நகர மன்ற மேம்பாடுகளில் நிலையம் மேலும் சுத்தம் செய்யப்பட்டு, வெளிச்சமூட்டப்பட்டு, உணவங்காடியினருக்கும், சாப்பிட வருபவர்களுக்கும் மேலும் சௌகரியமானதாக மாற்றப்பட்டுள்ளது. ஊழியர் பற்றாக்குறை போன்ற சவால்கள் இருந்தாலும், திரு சிக்கந்தரின் அர்ப்பணிப்பும் அவருடைய வாடிக்கையாளர்களின் விசுவாசமும் உணவுக்கடை தொடர்ந்து சிறப்பாக செயல்பட முக்கிய காரணங்களாக இருக்கின்றன.