Restaurant Flourishes with TEKUN’s Help

19 April 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Chef Mansur’s Restaurant was established in 2006. Proprietor Shahrul Mansur stated that his father started the business, but he has since taken over the management. The restaurant is named in honour of his father, Chef Mansur, who honed his culinary skills in the kitchens of the Hyatt Hotel in Kota Kinabalu for over 30 years. Over the years, Chef Mansur perfected a range of exquisite dishes, and his influence is evident in the restaurant's commitment to outstanding cuisine, drawing on decades of culinary expertise.

Among the standout offerings, Chef Mansur is especially renowned for his exceptional Oxtail Assam Pedas, a beloved dish that has earned its place as the restaurant's signature offering. This rich and flavourful creation reflects the depth of tradition and passion that the restaurant embodies.

The welcoming ambience of Chef Mansur’s Restaurant is designed to be warm and inviting, comfortably accommodating between 60 and 70 guests at any given time. This makes it an ideal venue for casual diners looking for a delightful meal, as well as for special occasions where a touch of elegance is desired. Whether guests are seeking a memorable dining experience or a celebration filled with exquisite flavours, Chef Mansur’s Restaurant remains dedicated to delivering culinary excellence.

There are seven people working at the restaurant, while they employ part-time workers for catering events.

In addition to welcoming walk-in patrons, Chef Mansur's Restaurant caters to groups and offers comprehensive catering services for weddings and various other events, ensuring that every celebration can feature their delectable dishes. Whether you are seeking a memorable dining experience or planning a significant event, Chef Mansur's Restaurant promises to deliver exceptional culinary delights.

“We offer a diverse array of dishes on our menu, providing our clients with plenty of options to choose from. While our selection is comprehensive, we are more than happy to accommodate specific requests from our customers. We can tailor our offerings to suit individual tastes and requirements,” he noted.

He mentioned that his business is performing relatively well, but like many others, they have faced challenging periods where footfall and orders have dwindled. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was particularly devastating, resulting in a complete closure followed by partial restrictions. Many establishments were left in a precarious financial position, leading to layoffs, reduced working hours, and, in some instances, permanent closures.

“It was a tough time for us, but we did everything we could to adapt. We had to shift to delivery services,” he explained, noting that such struggles were difficult, but they met them with steadfast perseverance.

"As a result, we borrowed RM28,000 from TEKUN National in 2022, purely for working capital. We are slowly catching up, but if the need arises, we will consider borrowing additional funds,” he shared.

“TEKUN Nasional has been an invaluable asset for us in ensuring the continued operation of our restaurant. They provide essential support and resources that have enabled us to thrive as entrepreneurs. TEKUN offers various financial assistance programmes, including microloans, specifically tailored to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) like ours.”

For budding entrepreneurs out there, Shahrul encourages them to approach TEKUN not only for business loans but also for advice. Their commitment to supporting entrepreneurs ensures that they have access to the tools and guidance necessary for sustainable growth and success in their ventures.