Shirin Roghani, Co-Founder Imola L’nop Café

Shirin Roghani – Imola L’nop Café

In this interview, Shirin Roghani tells of how Imola L’nop Café first began and some of the challenges of opening a business during the pandemic.

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

I’m a housewife and helping my friend run a small cafe at Imola Automotive. We used to bake keto-friendly cakes for ourselves because we are both on a keto and low carb diet. There were not many choices around KL. Twice a week, we had a plan to meet each other and bake new cakes and bread and do further experiments. One day we thought to sell the cakes and bread since more people are starting to go on low carb and keto diets, but there are not many cafes or restaurants selling nice pastries and food. We had the opportunity with a unique place, so we start our small business.

Share with us a story from behind the scenes.

The first days were challenging. We hired a barista, and he didn’t show up. My friend and I are both from different backgrounds. She is a medical doctor, and I’m a designer. So we had no idea how to run a cafe and get the order prepared or served. But we had no choice, so we did it, and until now, from baking, cooking serving everything, we do it ourselves.

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

I’m from Iran. We have so much delicious food and a variety of fruits and nuts. My favourite Iranian food is a special rice that is cook with sour cherries.

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

The best part is when the customers are satisfied with the food and drink, and of course, the worse part is when they are not happy. So far we are pleased that 99% of our customers are content and mostly become our regulars. But of course, there are many people with different tastes and likings. Still, we are open to any complaints or feedback, and we take that as a lesson to improve.

Shirin Roghani‘s favourite food and beverage pairing?

I like to make coffee. I’m not so good at cooking and don’t really like cooking. But I do like to bake. So, coffee and cake for me.

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

So far we didn’t have any scary or bad experiences at our cafe. Only that one day I was alone at the cafe, and suddenly many people came to order breakfast and drinks. Our chef was not around, so I had to prepare the food and serve. It was stressful because I was the only one to take the order, cook, prepare and serve. But somehow, everything went well. I never thought I could do that alone for many people at the same time.

A day in the life of a restaurateur is…

Full of challenges. We meet many different people with different backgrounds and preferences, and behaviours. When they come to us, we have to put aside whatever is going on in our minds, or if we have any problems, forget about them and welcome them. A coffee or slice of cake that is served with a happy face and smile will taste much different.

What do does Shirin Roghani do for fun?

I love to paint and watch Korean drama.

How has the pandemic changed you, your perspective or the way you operate?

We started the business during the pandemic, so we were prepared for it. We had many plans for the cafe, but we had to wait for the right time to come. At the moment, we can’t operate the way we would like to. Unfortunately, we have to serve our food in paper or plastic cups and plates which we know is not good for our environment but to keep our customers and ourselves safe at the moment we have no other choice.

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

You need to be patient and really love this job to be successful.

How has the pandemic changed you as a person?

As a foreigner, the pandemic affects my life so much. Not able to meet my family and friends, I understand that we need to enjoy and appreciate every moment that we have with our loved ones.

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

We are planning to change our menu and add more simple and nutritious food and sandwiches. Since the dine-in is not allowed, most people prefer to have a quick bite to take away or have in their car. We hope to add more varieties of low carb and keto-friendly cake and drinks.

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