In the tourism sector food can be an insight into other cultures through its taste and eating environment. Food and beverages can make or break a holiday; good or bad experiences can give visitors lasting memories.
In Tenom, eateries at the shop houses may close quite early and the whole township will look deserted by nightfall, except for the streets food vendors who might brave the night up to 8pm or thereabout. They too will close soon after due to lack of customers as nobody wanders around after that.
The stalls are sited under some gigantic trees, and it is noted that thousands of swallows perch on the branches at night. Their faeces can cover the ground and people, too, if they stand there long enough.
The birds might not be a showstopper but visitors may be wondering where to eat after 8pm as almost every shops are closed by then. This is especially true for those who are used to eat supper, or have a few drinks before retiring for the night.
There is one food court opened at this time, though, although they have to travel a couple of kilometres from the township. The food court is called Yun Lee Baru. This food court has nine stalls that serve various types of food. The food includes various types of Chinese dishes such as steamed chicken, pork in yam slices, steamed fresh tilapia fish bred in spring water, Yong Tau Fu and noodles, among many others.
Spokesperson for the food court, Sharon Voo shares that there are also halal food from three of the stalls. One of them sells delicious satay, an all time favourite.
“The food court can accomodate up to a hundred people when seated on round tables but we can fit in more with different seat layout,” she shares, adding that the place is very popular with weddings and other types of reception. There is a stage there to accomodate those who wish to set up a wedding dais, stage shows or performances of any kind.
She says the stalls can also accomodate food requirement of any gatherings, but they have to be informed about the event earlier.
“Overall, we are an alternative for those who wish to have some food and drinks before retiring for the night. Those who come from outside Tenom and want to eat something late in the evenings are invited to come into our food court to enjoy the food.”
In this food court, diners will be able to enjoy fresh food with ingredients acquired from surrounding farms, cooked by diligent skilled cooks who learned the skills from their parents. For those who wish to make a reservation to dine or hold a function at Yun Lee Baru food court, with their friends and family, they are encouraged to call Lee Chee Siong at 019 8308310.-ce/BNN
