Dennis Lau Ah Lau Food King Kampung Chickens

Dennis Lau, Ah Lau Food King, Kampung Chicken Delivery

Dennis Lau

In this interview, violinist and owner of Ah Lau Food King, Dennis Lau, shares the quick uprising of his business as well as future plans.

What do you do and how did you get into the industry?

My name’s Dennis Lau a.k.a Ah Lau of www.ahlaufoodkingcom and mychickenking.shop. I’m a professional electric violinist, composer and music producer. Being in the music industry for a good 18 years has allowed me to garner valuable business acumen and experiences. During the pandemic and MCO period, for the first two weeks specifically, I was really down. Feeling unproductive is possibly the worst feeling ever. But, this period also allowed me to open my senses and observe what possibilities are around me that could be productive and to add value to. I noticed a spike in food deliveries and but no fresh free-range kampung chicken available by e-commerce business. With a little more research I found that chickens are indeed a staple product and commodity in many households. Furthermore, the margins made a lot of sense. Hence without much hesitation, I took the opportunity to be a fresh kampung chicken supplier to households during the MCO period. I now supply freshly slaughtered, not frozen, kampung chickens to households and Chinese restaurants. We are gradually growing to become a premium food distributor for households and businesses with value pricing.

Share with us an interesting story from behind the scenes.

Chicken prices fluctuate as it’s a commodity and follows a supply and demand chain. It is important to give a heads up – especially to your regular customers – if ever there’s a price increased or a promo. A “buffer time” during a price increment would help so that the customer can adjust and understand the reason behind the price increase.

Also, it’s important to be accommodative and have a personal touch with your customers and always ask them for feedback once the chickens or food products are delivered. When your customers know and see that you are passionate, they will definitely support you regardless. Be efficient, Be passionate, Be honest.

What’s a food memory from your childhood or travels that stands out?

My mum fed me with kampung chickens since I was a kid – eight or nine years old onwards to be precise. She used to steam a whole chicken for me and I would finish the whole chicken cleanly along with the chicken essence. With that, I’m used to the taste of it. Who would have thought that after 27 years, I would now be selling kampung chickens? I guess some things are just destined.

What’s the best/ worst part of your job?

There’s no worst part when you are doing something that is your obsession. My motto is always to do it well if you have decided to embark on something. Value, consistency and quality are key to a successful journey and business.

What’s your favourite food and beverage pairing?

I enjoy a sumptuous medium-rare wagyu with a nice 18 years Chivas whisky!

What’s one of the funniest things you’ve seen behind the scenes?

When I was selling chickens to the aunty customers during the MCO period, they would buy the chicken from me, cook it, cut it into half and send it back to me to try. They commented that my kampung chickens are so fresh, that they really love it and would like for me to try their recipe as well! So yeah, it’s flattering and an honour to serve more customers with fresh kampung chickens delivered to their doorstep.

The perfect day off would be…

A glass of whisky on the rocks to end the day and delivering the best premium food products to customers with zero complaints received!

A day in the life of a Dennis Lau is…

… eating, testing and quality controlling kampung chickens to ensure the freshness and quality of supply.

What do you do for fun?

Netflix and chill and discuss business ideas over a glass of whisky on the rocks.

What’s something you’d like people to know about being an entrepreneur as a profession?

I’m just a normal human being who is passionate and obsessed with my goals and willing to work and chase them. My motto in life has always been to start at 100% and end 200%. If you can’t give your best, might as well don’t start and waste your and other people’s time. Time is life!

What’s your view on the food scene in KL?

It is diversified and truly cultural. You can find and get almost anything from around the world here. I would like to see more “authenticity” of food origin here, rather than more fusion.

What’s in store for you in the upcoming months?

I will be expanding and scaling Ah Lau Food King to a more “regional” brand while maintaining and sustaining our belief – premium food, value pricing, freshly delivered to your door.

Also, probably creating a private kitchen dining experience with fellow chef friends using www.ahlaufoodking.com products!

Find more interviews similar to this one with Dennis Lau here. And, stay up to date with the latest food and beverage happenings in KL here.

2 Comments

  1. The celebrity violinist? What a surprise!

  2. All in all, food and music have a lot in common. Ultimately, it is about the perfect composition.

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