IN the bustling heart of Kuching, where modern eateries continue to flourish, there lies a hidden culinary gem called Eden Garden Cafe.
Known for its warm hospitality and authentic home-style dishes, the restaurant has become a sanctuary for those seeking comfort food infused with love and tradition.
At the helm of this establishment is Habibah Mohidin, a passionate cook turned restaurateur. Now in her sixties, she has transformed what began as a lifelong hobby into a thriving business that brings people together over good food.
“I’ve always believed food is more than nourishment,” Habibah said with a gentle smile as she glanced around her bustling kitchen.
“It carries memories, connects people, and creates warmth. That’s the spirit I want every customer to feel when they walk through our doors.”
From retirement to reinvention
For many, retirement signals a time to slow down. But for Habibah, it was the beginning of a new chapter. After years of public service, she chose to pursue her greatest passion: cooking.
“After I retired, I didn’t want to just stay at home,” she shared. “I wanted to continue doing something meaningful, and cooking was the natural choice.”
With the support of her family, she opened Eden Garden Cafe, a place where her culinary creations could be shared with the community.
Among the restaurant’s signature dishes are bubur berlauk, ayam kacang ma, corned beef goreng, and tempoyak goreng recipes that quickly became customer favourites.
Every dish is prepared with a personal touch. “I believe the way I cook these meals gives them a unique character,” she explained.
“Each recipe carries a part of me and my family’s story.”
Power of family behind the business
At the heart of Eden Garden Cafe is not just good food, but also strong family ties.
Habibah proudly credits much of the restaurant’s success to her siblings, children, nephews, nieces, and dedicated staff who contribute to daily operations.
“This cafe is not just mine; it belongs to all of us,” she said, adding, “ everyone plays a role whether it’s cooking, serving, managing supplies, or welcoming customers. It’s truly a family effort.”
That collective spirit is what makes Eden Garden Cafe stand out. Customers are not just served meals; they are welcomed into an atmosphere filled with love and togetherness.
Overcoming challenges with perseverance
Like any business, Eden Garden Cafe faced its fair share of struggles in the early days. Resources were limited, and manpower was scarce. There were times when staff members couldn’t make it to work, leaving Habibah juggling multiple roles from head chef to cashier and even server.
“It was exhausting,” she admitted. “But giving up was never an option.”
Instead, she leaned on her greatest source of strength: her family. Her siblings, children, nephews, and nieces stepped in whenever needed, learning the ropes of the business as they went along.
Looking back, she views those challenging times as valuable lessons.
“Today, when customers complement our food or tell us they feel ‘at home’ here, I know all the struggles were worth it,” she said.
Cooking with heart and patience
Running a restaurant comes with inevitable pressures, especially during peak hours when orders flood the kitchen. Yet, Habibah remains calm and composed, focusing on delivering quality over speed.
“I remind myself that good food takes patience,” she explained. “Even when things get hectic, I never rush a dish. Customers can taste the difference when meals are prepared with care.”
Her ability to stay organised and her unwavering commitment to quality have earned Eden Garden Cafe a loyal following. Patrons keep coming back, not only for the taste but also for the sense of comfort the restaurant offers.
Reputation built on warmth and flavour
Over the years, Eden Garden Cafe has has become a go-to spot for locals craving authentic home-style dishes, especially its famous bubur berlauk, a dish often described by customers as “nostalgic” and “just like home.”
“There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing someone say our food reminds them of their childhood,” Habibah said. “That’s exactly the feeling I want to create.”
It is this personal connection with her customers that makes Eden Garden Cafe more than just a place to eat; it has become a part of their lives and memories.
Growing together, dreaming bigger
For Habibah, Eden Garden Cafe is not only a business but also a learning journey for her entire family. Through teamwork and shared passion, they’ve built a brand rooted in tradition, resilience and love.
“I’m proud to see my family learning and growing alongside me,” she said.
“We’ve faced challenges together, and we’ve celebrated victories together. It’s more than just running a restaurant it’s creating something meaningful for the future.”
Looking ahead, her vision for Eden Garden Cafe is ambitious yet heartfelt. In the next five years, she hopes the restaurant will be recognised as one of the most loved dining spots in Kuching.
“My dream is for Eden Garden Cafe to become a legacy,” she shared.
“I want my children, nephews, and nieces to carry it forward, so that even when I’m no longer here, our food and our values will continue to bring people together.”
Secret ingredient: Teamwork and trust
One of the biggest lessons Habibah has learned through this journey is the importance of delegation and trust.
“In the beginning, I tried to do everything myself because I wanted it all to be perfect,” she admitted.
“But over time, I realised that trusting my family and staff to handle different responsibilities not only made the workload lighter but also allowed everyone to showcase their strengths.”
From skilled cooks to attentive servers, every member of the Eden Garden team contributes their own expertise, creating a seamless experience for customers.
More than just a meal
Eden Garden Cafe’s success lies in its ability to offer more than food; it offers a sense of belonging. Customers walk in for the dishes but leave with memories of warmth and connection.
“Food has the power to connect people,” Habibah said thoughtfully. “That’s what we strive to achieve here. Every plate we serve carries sincerity and love.”
For her, the proudest moments are when customers return, bringing friends and family along, eager to share the experience. “It shows we’re doing something right,” she said, smiling.
Taste of home in every bite
From the comforting aroma of freshly cooked rice to the familiar flavours of Sarawak’s beloved dishes, Eden Garden Cafe has captured the essence of home cooking.
Each recipe is prepared with care, staying true to its roots while adding Habibah’s signature touch.
Whether it’s the rich taste of ayam kacang ma, the crispiness of corned beef goreng, or the distinct flavour of tempoyak goreng, every meal reflects her dedication to preserving tradition while adapting to modern tastes.
Carrying forward a legacy
As Eden Garden Cafe continues to grow, Habibah remains grounded in her mission to serve good food with heart and create a space where people feel welcome.
“This cafe is more than a business,” she said.
“It’s my dream come true, and I hope it continues to serve the community for generations to come.”
