Sek Yuen Culinary Shaping – Gan Sze Hooi

Gan Sze Hooi
88 x 132cm (Open) & 88 x 65cm (Close)
Oil on Canvas & Pine Wood Frame
2025
Pudu is where I grew up, and in the 1980s it was home to three cinemas. After each movie, my father took us to the lively food street nearby. Among the many stalls and shops, Sek Yuen stood out as a place for celebrations and family gatherings.
The red and pink painting depicts Sek Yuen’s art deco pre-war building on Jalan Pudu. Founded in 1948, its name means “a suitable place for gathering,” and it is likely the only restaurant in Kuala Lumpur to operate for over 70 years. In the painting are Peng So 彭貴松 (left), a third-generation owner whose family once sold noodles before opening the restaurant, and Peng Seng 彭楊星 (right), a second-generation chef. Sek Yuen’s signature Pipa Duck is roasted for 45 minutes, alongside dishes like Eight Treasure Duck and pork knuckle.I am glad they endured the challenges of the pandemic. Today, their food and spirit continue to be savoured, carrying the memories of the past into the hands of the next generation. The story of Sek Yuen is not only about survival but about keeping tradition alive for years to come.