At RM Corner, the appeal goes beyond its Chinese-style noodle dishes – regulars say the restaurant has become a small but meaningful reflection of Malaysia’s multicultural spirit.

The modest eatery run by husband-and-wife duo Ramli Musa and Nur Misha Yoon Abdullah is known not only for its Chinese-style noodle dishes, but also for the sight of patrons from all walks of life comfortably sharing tables and chit-chat every morning.

Building that reputation was not always easy. When the couple first opened the restaurant in 2005 shortly after getting married, many Muslim customers were hesitant to dine there as they assumed the food was non-halal.

Ramli’s appearance also often led people to mistake him for a Vietnamese worker, while his 52-year-old wife is Malaysian Chinese.

“My wife was once praised for hiring a ‘foreign worker’ who could cook excellent Chinese food,” Ramli, 56, recalled. “Even today, I still laugh whenever I think about it.”

Ramli, who previously worked as a chef at a three-star hotel in Ipoh, said the restaurant struggled during its first two years as doubts over its halal status kept many Muslim customers away.

The situation escalated in 2010 when the restaurant was reportedly “raided” by officers from the Islamic religious department following complaints that it was serving non-halal food.

“After the officers inspected the premises, they realised the allegations were unfounded,” Ramli recalled. “In the end, they even stayed to enjoy a meal here.”

Curiously enough, Muslim customers began visiting regularly after that incident. RM Corner has since built a loyal following, helped in part by social media and word of mouth.

For many regulars, however, the appeal goes beyond the food. “Here, Malays, Chinese and Indians can sit together at the same table, chatting while enjoying breakfast,” said regular customer Ahmad Sohaimi Jamaluddin.

“This is the Malaysia we want – harmonious and respectful of one another,” the 67-year-old told Bernama.

Another customer, 68-year-old Y Augustine, said the welcoming atmosphere and affordable prices keep him coming back.

“Nowadays, people don’t mind sitting together. As long as the food is delicious, reasonably priced and worth the portion size, people will come,” he said.

Tronoh assemblyman Steven Tiw is also a frequent patron. “I see RM Corner as offering more than just food to fill the stomach – it is also a way to unite hearts,” he said.

“When people gather around the dining table, all differences disappear, leaving only feelings of mutual respect, affection and happiness.”

RM Corner
2 Plaza Batu Gajah,
Batu Gajah, Perak

Business hours: 6.30am-2pm (Mondays to Saturdays)