KUALA NERUS: The unique ‘kitchen-by-the-beach’ concept eateries of Dapo Pata Uptown Kontena in Tok Jembal, Kuala Terengganu, are proving to be a hit with tourists.
Dapo pata is the way dapur pantai (beach kitchen) is pronounced in the local lingo.
The cluster of eateries overlooking a lagoon in the South China Sea are made of recycled 6m X 12m shipping containers.
They were created by Affandi Hamzah, a 41-year-old entrepreneur, from Shah Alam, Selangor who gave up his software designer’s job of 15 years to start his business venture three years ago.
“I was struck by the idea of using disused shipping containers during a visit to Christchurch, New Zealand, seven years ago.
“Then, I developed more ideas when I stumbled on a cluster of eateries modelled after the Siamese-influenced ones at Wakaf Che Yeh in Kelantan,” said Affandi, who rents out the structures for RM1,000 a month.
Tenants provide the decor, furniture and kitchen facilities themselves.
In 2015, Affandi said, he invested RM1 million in a 1.6ha plot at Tok Jembal beach, close to Sultan Mahmud Airport in Gong Badak, and shipped in the first container.
Within a year, he had shipped in a dozen more.
Soon, there were 18 bistros and cafes offering local and western seafood dishes and barbecue.
Not long after that, he said, dozens of mobile stalls moved in.
“There is a wave-breaker at the lagoon, which makes it ideal for snorkeling, kayaking and other beach sports,” said Affandi.
By nightfall, fishermen have moored their boats by the lagoon, creating another tourist attraction.
He said he was looking for joint venture partners to develop the area into something like the Jumeria beach resort in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
“I also want to have backpacker chalets, street buskers and other fun-filled activities,” said Affandi, who is married and has three kids.