In a time where service is dominated by technology and QR menus, Chandran ‘Chandy’ Thanggaraja is dedicated to creating loyal relationships and outstanding personal service at his Malaysian restaurant, Kopitiam by Chandy's, in Abu Dhabi.
It is this enduring commitment that earned him the honour of receiving the MICHELIN Service Award during the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony Abu Dhabi 2024. A testament to his unwavering devotion to impeccable service - on top of fantastic, flavoursome cooking, of course - the team at Kopitiam by Chandy’s are genuinely welcoming, friendly and professional, plus happy to make special recommendations. Expect a homely dining experience, where your needs are anticipated before you even arrive. Nothing is too much trouble for the team at Kopitiam by Chandy’s.
We sat down with chef Chandy himself to ask about his personalised approach with valued guests, how he seized opportunity during the pandemic and why his refreshing Malaysian style ‘kopi tiam’ (Southeast Asian coffee outlet) is so loved in Abu Dhabi.
DISCOVER NOW: The full selection of the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2024
Tell us a little about yourself and your background as a chef
I was born in Malaysia and everyone calls me Chandy. I have been working in the hospitality industry for the past 28 years and in 2006, I moved to the UAE. I started working as a Director of Laundry, however, my true passion has always been cooking. In 2020, during the Covid pandemic when travel back home was restricted, I started cooking Malaysian dishes for my family and friends. Their positive feedback and encouragement inspired me to open a Malaysian restaurant in Abu Dhabi so that others in the UAE could also experience the delicious flavours of Malaysian cuisine.
What inspired your culinary expertise?
My late father was my greatest inspiration when it came to cooking. I always watched him as a young child, creating dishes with whatever ingredients he had to hand. His belief in me, along with my family's support, has played a significant role in shaping my culinary career and bringing me to where I am today.
How would you describe a typical evening at Kopitiam by Chandy’s?
A typical evening at Kopitiam by Chandy’s restaurant is vibrant and full of Malaysian charm. The atmosphere is lively, and the concept of street food adds to the welcoming feel of the place. Guests can enjoy authentic Malaysian and Singaporean cuisines while feeling the warmth of Malaysian hospitality. The term ‘Kopi tiam’ translates to coffee shop in Malay, and the restaurant aims to capture the essence of these traditional outlets. It's a great place to experience the nostalgia of old-school kopitiams while enjoying modern fusion food.
READ MORE: The first-ever Emirati restaurant to receive one MICHELIN star
How did it feel to receive the MICHELIN Service Award?
It was definitely unexpected at first, as I thought I was just attending to enjoy a great evening. However, when my name was called and I was honoured to be recognised by the MICHELIN Guide with such a prestigious award, I felt incredibly grateful and humbled.
What is it about the service at Kopitiam by Chandy’s that customers keep coming back for?
I would say the main reason many customers return is the personalised service at Kopitiam. We make an extra effort to get to know our customers, their likes, and preferences, so that when they visit us, we can anticipate their needs before they even arrive. This level of personalisation makes customers feel valued and creates a comfortable, home-like dining experience.
What do you enjoy about conversing with the customers and why is it so important to you?
I enjoy conversing with customers because it allows me to connect with them on a personal level and understand their preferences. I believe that by making customers feel special, it creates a memorable experience for them and shows that we care about their satisfaction. In a time when technology is dominating many aspects of service with QR codes, creating meaningful interactions with customers is essential in building a loyal customer base and ensuring their continued satisfaction.
READ MORE: Meet MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi's Young Chef Award winner
