 |
| Aiden Lee, Lobbee Thai Connection |
Interview with Aiden Lee, Lobbee Thai Connection, Empire Damansara
What do you do and how did you get into the industry?
I don’t have any F&B background as I was only a 9-5 worker bee (client account executive) in the logistics industry in Singapore. It's thanks to my brother Adrian, who invited me to venture alongside him in this start up that I'm here. I have the opportunity to startup a restaurant business while leaving my 9-5 office job behind. It’s a life changing milestone for me at the moment, and a chance to try something new. Now thinking back: a self-run career versus a job, which would I choose? Being my own boss definitely!
Share with us an interesting story from behind the scenes.
The most interesting story would be the research and development part. We love Tom Yum and had Thai food every day before our restaurant was launched in order to find the best version. You can’t imagine how excited we were when we found the best Tom Yum after trying tons of them. Once the Tom Yum hit the spot (our taste buds), we both shouted: “Ah-ha! this is it!!! This is what we shall focus on."
What's the best part of your job?
The best part of my job of course is to be able to bring in and popularize a variety of Thai cuisines from Bangkok to Malaysia. Seeing our customers enjoying themselves, some even licking their fingers, while having our Tom Yum Lobster Noodles excite us!
What's your favorite meal/ drink in Lobbee – Thai Connection?
Lobbee Iced Tea as it’s not an ordinary ice tea. The complexity of its flavors and the refreshing feelings it provides after having the spicy food quenches thirsts right away!
Fried Potato with Thai Salad Dressing – is a must try appetizer. Could you imagine fried potato strips paired with the Thai peanut salad sauce? The tanginess, the sweet and spicy aromas, ahhhh… I can’t describe anymore; it is too unique.
The perfect day off would be...
There are few parts to my ideal day off.
First is exercising in the morning and brainstorming crazy ideas for my career and business and reading articles and books to get inspiration. Also, if I could throw in a few more activities I like enjoying a cup of hand-brewed coffee while listening to jazz music - that really satisfies me too. It compensates for all the hard work I put in during the week.
A day in the life of a restauranteur is...
A day being me?
I pay all the bills. I make sure that everything is taken care of, I run the operations, I make drinks, give change. I direct the business. I do a lot of different things, I wear a lot of different hats, whether it's between people who are not getting along, handling the money, making sure that things get paid, keeping things clean. Most importantly, being there!
What's something you'd like guests to know about Lobbee – Thai Connection?
We drain our brains to provide customers the most creative Thai food selection we can imagine. We try to cater to local taste buds while being creative in adding on some WOW elements to our food and drinks.
What's your view on the Kuala Lumpur food scene?
Creativity, creativity, creativity! The population in KL is getting more and more receptive towards creative food and menu selections. This might motivate more and more people to become restaurateurs, which is good news for the population as consumers would have more options. In no time, KL will be a famous foodie pilgrimage.
What's in store for you in the upcoming months?
Stay tuned to our Facebook page as we continually strive to bring you the best!
Have a look at some of the delicious dishes the boys at Lobbee Thai Connection are currently serving via this link.
