For chef Ker Yang Hao, building Firewood was never about representing Malaysia. But somewhere between the fire, the beef and a national anthem, it became exactly that
When we started Firewood, honestly, we never planned for it to become a place that represents Malaysia. We simply wanted to build a great restaurant. To cook good food. To work with great ingredients. To create an experience that people would remember.
But somewhere along the journey, I started to realise that Firewood could be more than that.
I remember sitting at an award dinner when the national anthem began to play. “Negaraku”. As everyone stood and sang together, I felt something that was difficult to put into words. I felt proud.
At that moment, I looked at Firewood differently. I realised that every day, we have guests walking through our doors from all over the world. They come to Penang and Kuala Lumpur looking for a great dining experience. And Firewood has an opportunity to let them experience a little bit of Malaysia. Not only through what they see, but through what they taste.
“Kita anak Malaysia. We are all Malaysian”
We cook over Malaysian bakau wood, a mangrove hardwood prized for its intense, long-burning heat, allowing the fire to create the smoke and flavour that belongs to us. We bring Malaysian sauces, spices and familiar flavours into our cooking, while working with some of the finest beef from around the world. The beef may come from Australia, Japan or Korea. But when it meets our fire, it becomes Firewood.
And maybe, when a traveller leaves Firewood, they take home more than just a memory of a great steak. Maybe they take home a little taste of Malaysia.
Firewood is not just a restaurant. It is a small part of how we tell the world our story.
Experience Firewood in Penang or Kuala Lumpur.
Firewood Penang
15 Jln Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town; +60 17 989 9246
Book now
Firewood KLCC
SR-05-05 Star Boulevard KLCC, Jln Yap Kwan Seng, Kuala Lumpur; +60 17 990 2589
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