Auckland: There was a time when most Westerners were known to shy away from spicy food. Today, dishes like rendang and curry have become some of their favourites – a reality clearly visible at Desa Corner, a restaurant in Central Auckland owned by two Malaysians. It is no surprise that although the eatery is barely two years old, it has already made a name for itself and built a loyal following among both locals and members of the Malaysian diaspora.
According to Bernama News Agency, Azli Musa, the co-owner of Desa Corner, shared in a recent interview that Western customers now come in knowing exactly what they want, especially Malaysian roti canai paired with rendang or curry. Azli’s journey from Simpang Renggam, Johor, to Auckland in 2007 was marked by challenges and perseverance, leading to the establishment of Desa Corner.
Azli’s path to entrepreneurship began with his migration to New Zealand, driven by a belief in fate and sustenance. Having started from the bottom, he gained experience in the hospitality industry for eight years before transitioning into carpentry, which he pursued for nearly nine years. This work allowed him to save up and eventually open the Dapur Johor stall in 2018 at the Wellington Food Court, which was later closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Azli’s fortunes changed when he reunited with a fellow Malaysian friend, a chef with over 20 years of experience. Together, they opened Desa Corner in November 2023, with Azli managing operations and marketing while his partner focused on the kitchen. The restaurant specializes in Johor-Malay cuisine and also serves popular dishes from other ASEAN countries, such as Thailand and Indonesia.
At Desa Corner, Azli aims to preserve a distinctly ‘Malaysian’ atmosphere. Customers are greeted with a warm ‘selamat datang’ and are drawn to murals of 1990s Malaysian cartoon characters, evoking nostalgia among Malaysian expatriates. The restaurant employs seven staff, mostly Malaysian students, including Marsya Maisarah Zainudin, who has found the experience enriching.
Regular patrons like 72-year-old Nancy Wrigley appreciate the nostalgic ambience and the authentic Malaysian food, such as nasi lemak. The restaurant features murals painted by Azli’s friend Fitri, as well as traditional music and songs by Malaysian artists, further enhancing the cultural experience.
Despite not engaging in large-scale marketing, Desa Corner attracts a steady stream of customers, including celebrities and notable personalities. Azli attributes their success to word-of-mouth and social media sharing by satisfied customers. The restaurant offers a ‘sharing dish’ concept for large groups, emphasizing affordability and customer satisfaction.
Azli concluded with a message for fellow entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of courtesy and customer service in the hospitality industry.