GROWING up in Kuching, food was never just sustenance for Dayah Tufail. It was identity, memory, and an early introduction to Sarawak’s effortless multicultural harmony.
Today, 35-year-old Dayah channels that same spirit into Birue Café, a cosy halal Asian-fusion spot located at Watertown on Wellington Street in Perth, Australia, which has quickly earned a loyal following.
For Dayah, the path to becoming a café owner was not linear, nor something that she had fully imagined. Shaped by childhood experiences, cultural pride and a determination honed through challenges abroad, she has built a business that feels both deeply personal and quietly powerful.
In an exclusive interview with Sarawak Tribune, Dayah shared insights into her journey, from her upbringing in Kuching to the creation of a café that brings authentic Sarawakian flavours to Australia.
She reflected on the challenges of running a business overseas, the importance of staying true to her heritage, and how Birue Café has become a bridge between cultures.
Early influences and cultural foundations
Dayah grew up in Kuching, with her Melanau heritage forming the backdrop of her upbringing. Schooling at Lodge School played a significant role in shaping her sense of discipline, resilience and interpersonal skills.
“A big part of my childhood was spent at Lodge School, which played a huge role in shaping who I am today. Those years taught me discipline, and how to navigate friendships with people from so many different backgrounds,” she said.
Kuching’s multicultural environment exposed her to a wide variety of foods, festivals, and traditions, cultivating an appreciation for cultural expression through cuisine. From kolo mee for breakfast to umami-rich umai at her grandparents’ home, Dayah absorbed the idea that food could connect people, a lesson that would later guide her café.
“Food was never just about eating. It was about sharing, learning, and understanding people from different walks of life. That really stuck with me,” she reflected.
This early understanding of culture, community, and cuisine would later become the guiding principle for Birue Café.
Finding a dream
Opening a café had long been a quiet aspiration for Dayah, nurtured by family encouragement. Her father’s guidance gave her the confidence to take the first step.
“He pushed me into unknown waters, but in the best possible way, with guidance, belief and the reassurance that I wasn’t doing it alone,” she said.
The goal was to create a space that celebrated Malaysian flavours while catering to both local Australians and Malaysians abroad. Once she committed, Dayah discovered a passion for the café lifestyle that she had not anticipated.
“With a little push, I realised how much I genuinely enjoyed it, including the service, the energy, the creativity and the people. I never imagined myself doing what I’m doing now, especially overseas, but somehow, Alhamdulilah, it all aligned.”
For Dayah, this alignment was more than luck. It was the culmination of years of preparation, exposure to diverse food cultures, and a willingness to embrace challenges. Hospitality, she realised, was not just about serving meals but creating an experience that left a lasting impression on every guest.
Choosing Perth
Dayah chose Perth because it felt like home after years of living in the city. Its openness to diverse cuisines and laid-back lifestyle provided fertile ground for her Malaysian-inspired concept.
Her business partner, Jonathan Ho, a fellow Sarawakian, helped turn the dream into reality.
“He presented the business idea to me at the right moment and from there, we built it together, piece by piece, with excitement, curiosity, and a shared belief that we could create something meaningful here. Perth’s supportive food culture and its openness to new flavours provided the perfect environment for us to introduce something truly Malaysian,” she said.
Bringing Sarawak to the plate
Birue Café’s menu is a bridge between Sarawak and Perth. Signature dishes like Sarawak laksa carry emotional significance.
“It’s not just a dish. It’s a memory, a homecoming, a quiet tribute to where we’re from. Both Jonathan and I are from Kuching, so the decision to serve Sarawak laksa wasn’t strategic. It was emotional,” Dayah said.
The café’s Sarawak laksa is brought to life by Tim Tumarae, a chef from New Zealand. His dedication to mastering the recipe allows visitors in Perth to experience an authentic taste of home, showing that even a foreigner can embrace and faithfully recreate Sarawakian flavours.
Other dishes, including umai from her mother’s recipe and Sarawak black pepper chicken chop from Jonathan’s childhood, maintain authentic flavours. Drinks like teh C peng complete the experience.
“Even though we’re a halal Asian-fusion café, our roots guide us. Being able to incorporate herbs, spices, and ingredients that many locals haven’t encountered gives us the freedom to be creative,” she said.
The café’s sensory atmosphere, including aromas of spices, freshly brewed coffee, and the sight of colourful dishes, immerses visitors in a Malaysian culinary experience, making them feel connected to Dayah’s story.
By situating the café at Watertown, she ensures this experience is accessible to a wide audience, from curious locals to Malaysians seeking a taste of home.
Navigating challenges abroad
Starting a business overseas is never simple. From food safety regulations to sourcing ingredients and understanding local tastes, Dayah had to adapt quickly.
“The scepticism mostly came from within ourselves. We debated whether we should tone down certain Sarawakian flavours to suit more traditionally Western taste buds.
“It was not about doubt in the food. It was more a fear of whether people here would truly understand and appreciate it. But ultimately, we chose to stay true to our identity. We believed that authenticity would resonate and it definitely has,” she said.
Navigating the differences required time, patience, and careful observation. Australians value high-quality, fresh, wholesome food paired with exceptional coffee, which shaped how Dayah approached the café’s menu.
Malaysian food can be rich and bold, so the real challenge was finding a balance without losing the soul of the flavours.
“We embraced the parts of Australian café culture that we genuinely love, serving specialty coffee from Toby’s Estate and offering breakfast classics like eggs benedict with our own curried potato rosti twist.
“It became a blend of both worlds: the warmth and depth of Malaysian flavours and the laid-back lifestyle of Perth. Through that balance, we found our rhythm,” she said.
Her journey illustrates that challenges such as cultural differences, unfamiliar business systems, and market adaptation can be overcome with preparation, research, and perseverance. Learning local business practices, hiring and training staff, and establishing supplier relationships all required patience and resilience.
“You have to be willing to observe, adapt, and sometimes relearn what you thought you knew. But every challenge is also an opportunity to grow,” she said.
Community and connection
Birue Café is more than a business. It is a cultural bridge. Dayah sees it as a place where Malaysians abroad and local Australians can connect over food.
“Our days start early. Doors open at 6:30 am. From there, it’s all about keeping everything running smoothly, making sure stock is in order, labour is balanced, customers are happy, and the standards stay consistently high,” she said.
Community engagement is central to the café’s philosophy. Dayah and Jonathan support local events, school graduations, and sports clubs with Malaysian players, strengthening ties between cultures and fostering a sense of belonging.
The café also participates in Malaysian cultural festivals in Perth, creating an inclusive environment that celebrates food, identity, and shared experiences.
The café’s location at Watertown allows it to actively participate in the wider community.
Being in a central hub means the café can host events, engage with nearby schools, and welcome visitors who may be discovering Malaysian cuisine for the first time.
Lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs
Looking back, Dayah is proud of the café’s growth and the way it reflects her values.
“What fills me with the deepest sense of pride is how the café has grown into a quiet reflection of who we are, our values, our heritage, and the countless small decisions that shaped it,” she said.
Her advice for Malaysians considering overseas business ventures is clear. Research thoroughly, embrace support, and persevere.
“Mistakes will definitely happen along the way, but perseverance is everything. Work hard, stay humble, and never be afraid to ask for help. The right support can make all the difference,” she said.
Operating abroad has helped Dayah develop patience, resilience, and adaptability while sharpening her professional skills in hospitality and business management. Each challenge, from navigating unfamiliar legal systems to adjusting to customer preferences, reinforced the importance of preparation and cultural sensitivity.
Inspiring others
Dayah’s story is proof that Malaysians can thrive in international markets while staying true to their heritage. By turning her passion for Sarawakian cuisine into a successful café, she demonstrates that culture can be an asset, and overseas entrepreneurship is achievable.
She hopes that visitors leave Birue Café with more than a satisfied appetite. They leave with curiosity, connection, and an appreciation for Malaysian culture.
“We want people to feel an experience, something that transcends cultural differences and brings people together through flavour, warmth, and connection.
“If someone leaves feeling a little more curious, a little more nourished, or a little more connected to our story, then we’ve achieved what we set out to do. Ultimately, that’s what food is all about,” she said.
Birue Café stands as a testament to what determination, preparation, and authenticity can achieve, serving as a bridge between continents built one plate at a time.
Through Dayah’s journey, Malaysians can see that starting a business abroad is not only possible but also deeply rewarding when approached with thoughtfulness, resilience, and pride in one’s heritage. Her story encourages others to pursue their dreams, knowing that cultural roots and personal passion can be the strongest foundation for success.
