From Bankers to Bowls: The Story of Deanna’s Kitchen
Remember the name Deanna’s Kitchen? If you’re a food lover or follow a halal menu, you probably already know this cosy hawker joint. It’s run by Denise Deanna Chew, 37, and her husband, Muhammad Asri Ramli, 41.
Why Prawns & No Pork?
Unlike the typical hawker stalls that dish out pork‑based delights, Deanna’s Kitchen focuses on fresh prawn mee without any pork or lard. That makes it a rare find in the bustling food scene.
The Road Less Traveled
But what’s truly remarkable is how the duo got to where they are today. It wasn’t a smooth‑sailing “start-up” story. Instead, they made some bold moves:
- Sat down and said “no” to steady bank jobs. A 17‑year journey in the making for them!
- Turned their passion for cooking into a full‑time venture.
- Faced—and overcame—family objections and doubts.
“We’ve come a long way, and it’s been a wild ride,” said Deanna in a recent interview with AsiaOne. “We’re just thrilled to share good food without compromising our values.”
Takeaway?
When you hear about a successful hawker chain, remember that behind the bowls of prawn mee is a story of faith, courage, and a pinch of family drama. Cheers to the couple who proved that anyone can dish out success if they’re willing to switch lanes—figuratively and literally!
‘They even told me not to go out of the house’
Deanna & Asri: From Bazaar Buddies to Lovebirds
Picture this: a bustling bazaar in Turf City, cake stalls, tea carts, and the youngest locals cracking jokes between the kernels. It was there that Deanna and Asri first crossed paths. As the pint‑sized guardians of their stalls, they naturally gravitated toward each other, quickly forming a bond that would later blossom into an epic romance.
Love on the Up‑and‑Up
- Instant connection – Surrounded by fresh produce and polite strangers, the duo couldn’t help but share a laugh or two.
- Friendship turned flame – From swapping recipes to confiding in cafés, their friendship quickly evolved into “park‑in‑the‑heart” type love.
- Baby steps into the future – With budding hearts tethered, they started dreaming about a future together.
Mom & Dad’s Gloomy Outlook
The early days of their romance weren’t exactly marked with sunshine. Deanna’s parents, especially, were a wall of skepticism. They fretted over a few things like:
- Fast‑food rules: “Mu … no pork, no alcohol, no gambling!”
- Marriage puzzle: “If you marry Asri, he might already be juggling three other wives!”
- “I’m an only child” drama: “We’re not ready to let a sweet girl out when we’re not sure who she’s really getting into.”
Deanna’s Recollection
When Deanna told us her story, the emotional line still remained a pin‑pointed smile clipped by a glint of sadness. She said:
“It was a tough start. Being my parents’ only kid, they stuck this invisible fence around me. They didn’t really understand what a Malay Muslim is. Once, they even went as far as telling me not to catch even one breath outside the house. Watching our love grow while feeling trapped was a paradox sweet, heartbreaking, and kind of dramatic.”
Despite the time that has flown, and the countless tiny victories that have kept her heart beating fast, her pain remains unmistakably real.
The Journey Ahead
From bazaars to family dinners, Deanna and Asri’s story demonstrates that love has to navigate real‑life judgement callbacks, secrets misunderstood and humor-laced patience. The only question left is whether an unlikely party of love will ultimately triumph over all the barriers that cold‑hearted parents have devised. Stay tuned for the next chapter in this intriguing love‑tale!
The turning point
Life’s Unexpected Pivots
It wasn’t a smooth ride—worse, it was a gut‑wrenching shock that flipped everything upside down.
- 2006: Deanna’s dad tragically passed away.
- In a bid to find some breathing space, her mom headed overseas for a six‑month getaway.
It was a heartbreak that forced a brand‑new chapter in Deanna’s story.
Deanna’s Day‑to‑Day Rescue
“When my dad vanished and my mum literally took a flight off the map, Asri swooped in like a superhero.”
What He Did for Her
- Checked in every days—so she never felt alone.
- Reminded her to eat—no more “I’m so hungry, but there’s nothing” moments.
- Made sure the kitchen was stocked with everything from rice to snacks.
- Gave her a sense of comfort and a new, reliable routine.
Through those simple acts, Asri stepped up and turned a tumultuous time into a steady, supportive chapter of Deanna’s life.
Heart‑warming Surprise for Deanna’s Mom
When Asri played that sweet note, it wasn’t just Deanna’s heart that danced. Though it was a slow‑rolling, almost cinematic moment, her mother felt it too—and that’s the real showstopper.
- Kisses to the Inside of a Chest: Think “warming the cockles” but in a way that feels like a hug from an old friend.
- Slow‑Burning Drama: A long‑awaited moment where the tension finally pays off for the fans on both sides.
- Mom’s Verdict: After seeing Asri’s genuine intentions, her approval came with a sigh that says, “I see you’re a solid guy after all.”
So, even though it took a bit, that joyous inciting drama opened a new chapter for Deanna and her mother. The plot twist? They finally agreed that Asri is someone worth cheering for—because he’s got their best interests in his playlist.
Facing the critics
Love, Loyalty, and a Touch of Family Drama
After finally scoring Deanna’s mom’s blessing, the newlywed duo hit their first real test: family approval (or the lack of it). Even now, mixed feelings about their relationship linger, especially among Deanna’s extended clan.
Warm Welcome vs. Quiet Resistance
- Receptive relatives:
- Polite couriers:
- The “extremists”:
Some family members immediately lifted their spirits, embracing Asri as one of their own.
Those who show courteous smiles at family gatherings but keep the conversation at a minimum. “Nice to see you,” they say, but undoubtedly keep the topic away from a deeper chat.
These are the ones who refuse to acknowledge Asri at all — just like we’re in the corner of the party.
A Real-World Example
One aunt went so far as to decline an invitation to Deanna’s Malay wedding. “I won’t even accept the card,” she told Deanna face‑to‑face, “because, in my view, Malay weddings are just a noisy affair.” That was a stark sign that not everyone feels comfy with this love story.
All in All
Between the warm embraces, polite nods, and outright refusals, this couple is navigating a patchwork of family attitudes. It’s a reminder that even the best of love stories need a little family support to truly flourish.
Love Without Borders: Deanna’s Bold New Chapter
Deanna flies with her joy that the universe finally gave her the green light to hug someone she loves—without the universe’s explicit permission. “It’s something we have to grow used to,” she laughed, “just think of it as a new life skill!” Her partner? Not a mystery—he’s Asri’s. It’s no different from the classic mixed‑culture tale, but the twist is how her family handled it.
Family Feats and Fatwa Futures
- Supportive families step in like a safety net. Asri’s clan welcomed Deanna as if she were born into their tribe, offering love, marshmallows, and a new house plant.
- Few changes—the biggest one was reassessing what “normal” means in a culturally blended home.
- Deanna’s mom tossed a serious reminder: “A Muslim married to a non‑Muslim carries extra responsibilities. You’re like a guardian angel, guiding the other half to follow the right path.”
Why the Extra Responsibility?
For many Muslim families, the promise and perils of cross‑faith marriages come with a dash of faith‑based doctrine. “If my wife blunders,” Deanna said, “I’m guilty—like a co‑conspirator in sin.” It’s a blunt way of saying that faith and intimacy aren’t separate, and a partner’s spiritual choices weigh on you.
A Few Take‑away Tales
- Love is the main driver. Social acceptance is nice, but that’s only a grain of the whole picture.
- New horizons come with new chores. Think of it like cardio: it keeps you going, even if it feels impractical at first.
- In the end; family unity wins. When parents and grandparents rally, love’s groundwork can stay solid.
In closing…
Deanna’s story reminds us that love isn’t confined by cultural walls—sometimes, it can open the gates and bring in new families one by one. If you’re dancing with a partner from another world, the only real steady is to trust each other and keep laughing when awkward moments hit. With a supportive squad and the right vibes, everything will feel like a well‑planned party—full of love, laughter, and a hint of religious responsibility.
When Mistakes Become Shared Drama
Deanna laughed, the room alive with the grin that said “gotcha!”
“If I mess up, it’s not just me—it’s like dragging him straight into the fire,” she joked, dragging the punchline like a tug‑of‑war over fate.
New lifestyle, new changes
From Prawn Noodles to Pure Halal: Deanna’s Unexpected Culinary Journey
When Deanna decided to convert to Islam—“just because I wanted to,” she quipped—she wasn’t alone. The new faith brought along a few extra tasks: fasting through Ramadan, learning the words of prayer, and perhaps most stressfully, ditching pork from the menu.
The Great Prawn Noodle Dilemma
- What was it? A steaming, noodle-soup delight she’d grown up loving.
- Why it mattered? Every Sunday, her family would whip up a bowl that felt like a warm hug. Imagine losing that comfort.
- Deanna’s maze of hunger pangs—she joked it felt “pretty dismal” without her go‑to soup.
She and her partner traveled like culinary detectives, hunting for a halal version. Spoiler: nothing tasted like the real deal.
Why the “Halal” versions didn’t cut it
According to source Asri, the chefs behind these alternatives had never had the pleasure of tasting an authentic bowl of prawn mee. The result? A “good effort” that missed the mark, leaving Deanna craving the real flavor she knew.
Taking the Kitchen into Her Own Hands
Seeing as we all love life hacks, Deanna decided to create a solution—her own halal prawn mee. Armed with nostalgia and a spice rack, she’d turned a cultural hurdle into a culinary triumph.
Deanna’s Kitchen: A Family Recipe That Became a Culinary Empire
It all began when Deanna decided to dust off her grandmother’s old recipe book, swapping the traditional pork and lard for something a bit lighter—think chicken. “It was a bit of a culinary experiment,” she smiles. “I tinkered and tested until it felt just right. It took six whole years to get it nailed down!”
From Cravings to Conquests
- She started cooking purely for herself.
- Her friends and family tried a bite and couldn’t stop raving.
- They urged her to put the dish on the market.
- She, with her partner, decided to take the plunge.
First Outing: Toa Payoh (2017)
With a mix of nerves and excitement, Deanna’s Kitchen opened its first outlet in Toa Payoh. The moment the doors opened, customers streamed in, captivated by the steaming bowl of prawn mee that smelled like nostalgia and creativity all at once.
Community Love and Expansion
- Business boomed—talk of the town, not just the neighborhood.
- Three more outlets followed: Jurong, Chai Chee, and Woodlands.
- Each location keeps the secret sauce—and that grandma‑inspired touch—consistent.
Why It Works
In every bite, there’s the warm, familiar taste of grandma’s kitchen paired with modern twists. The result? A dish that feels both homey and adventurous. People can’t resist the flavors that’ve got a story behind them.
So, if you’re craving a taste that’s been rounded off in a six‑year journey, Deanna’s Kitchen’s next stop might just be the perfect place to satisfy your appetite—plus a few chuckles along the way.
Celebrating both Chinese New Year and Hari Raya
Family Feasts & Festivities—A Multi‑Cultural Marvel
When your tribe boasts a mix of cultures, the calendar practically turns into a treasure trove of celebrations. Deanna’s crew is proof of that bright side.
Past & Present: The Hari Raya Saga
- Picture a bustling house crammed with about 60 relatives: the Asri clan’s style for Hari Raya.
- Lock‑down hit in 2020, and the only way to unite was Zoom—the virtual version of a family eating‑out party.
- This year, doors are swinging open again, and the family is ready to trade screen‑time for real‑time hugs.
What Makes It So Special?
Beyond the sheer number of people, what keeps the mood light is the sheer joy of seeing every sibling, aunt, and cousin, in one room, sharing laughs and leftovers—no tech lag, just good vibes.
Our Takeaway
In a world that can feel a bit isolated, re‑connecting face‑to‑face after a Zoom‑only year reminds us that family is more than just family ties—it’s about the lively mix of cultures that turns holidays into unforgettable feasts.
When Love Meets Lanterns: Deanna & Asri’s Family Celebration Remix
Deanna’s got a knack for blending her life with the rhythm of her partner’s world. She didn’t just keep it at the kitchen counter—she brought Asri into the whole Chinese New Year fiesta! Asri, chasing the party vibe, joined Deanna’s clan wearing a bright red robe, and his son was no less—both boys sporting the traditional red dress, ready to dazzle family members with their festive swagger.
The Big Deal: Two Cultures, One Playlist
- Asri learned the art of making dumplings so he could help set the table.
- Deanna cooked up some traditional Chinese sweets to share with her new family.
- Both parties swapped stories over hot tea, weaving a tapestry of jokes and cultural twists.
Acceptances & Little Cautions
When love strays across borders—race, religion, you name it—life throws a few hurdles. But Deanna’s perspective is simple and sweet:
“It’s a blessing if your family embraces your other half. And if they don’t? Well, you’ve got each other, so that’s more than enough.”
With perseverance and a sprinkle of compromise, her faith in the relationship grows stronger each day.
Love, Laughter & Business
Want a reliable source to keep your celebrations smooth? Melissa Teo is your go-to guide. Reach her at: [email protected]
From Muslim-friendly F&B to Local Business Support, she offers the right sparks for your multicultural kitchen. Happy cooking and happier celebrations!
