Interview with the Maker of Cute and Unique Steamed Buns

Unique, unconventional and cute - among the description of these steamed buns. Farah Maisarah binti Abdullah, the owner of Pau Mama Kami runs her business with talent, heart, and vision to help local housewives generate their own income. Inspired from her own business research during the pandemic, Farah created her own delightful design of steamed buns that won over people’s hearts and tummies. Here is the inside scoop on this Papar steamed bun businesswoman.

1. Ma’am Farah, can you please share a bit of your background?

Assalamualaikum, my name is Farah Maisarah Abdullah, 42 year-old originally from Kg. Ulu Kimanis, Papar. I’m a mother and a full time entrepreneur. Formerly, I was handling food business and selling fruits at local night market. Now, my focus is to produce colourful steamed buns, as well as teaching those who are interested in making colourful steamed buns and dumplings.

2. Can you tell us more about your product? What is the key difference you offer in the market?

My product is colourful steamed bun with its own brand, Pau Mama Kami. What’s unique about these steamed buns is I produce them in floral shapes and other unconventional shapes and appearance to attract customers. I also used KKM-approved colourings. Most steamed buns available in the market currently is white coloured.

3. How do you come up with this idea?

The idea first came when I watch a video on YouTube during the pandemic. I was searching for a distinctive business idea. Finally I chose this steamed buns, which I had to make multiple attempts to get it just right like it is today.

4. What is the price range for your products?

The price starts from RM2.50 to RM3 per bun.

5. Which is the best-selling product?

Almost all are well liked by customers, but the steamed bun with chicken curry filling is the fastest one to sell out.

6. What is the customer’s feedback that stood out to you?

Most customers gave a positive feedback to my steamed buns and many of them are repeat customers too. I once received a catering order for these steamed buns.

7. What is your operating hour?

We operates every day except Sundays from 1.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. on the Night Market Site near Papar Branch of Sabah State Library.

8. What do you anticipate from your business?

Hopefully, word of mouth about our steamed buns will spread, and this business will become the family's main source of income.

9. What is your expectation towards the small and medium industry in Papar?

I hope that my colourful steamed buns business prosper successfully and become more popular. I also aspire to develop the steamed buns industry by producing frozen buns that can be marketed in local supermarkets in Sabah and Malaysia. It is my vision that more housewives can generate their own income through lesson in classes and trainings before they begin their own steamed buns business.

Farah produces unique and cute steamed buns in many colors, fillings, and various shapes, ranging from RM 2.50 –RM 3.00. Her business operates at Night Market near Sabah State Library Papar Branch on Monday-Saturday 1.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.?She also offers steam bun making lessons in Papar. We wish her business prosperous, and help more people to enjoy this delightful creation.