The millennial are known to be “world-changers”, evidently shown through their healthier choice of food. With the recent Poké bowl trend, Johor Bahru is jumping into this bandwagon with the launch of Poké Twins. Founded by Jasmine Teo, alongside twin sister Jerlene Teo, both of whom are fresh graduates turned entrepreneur. Here is Jasmine’s story.
Poké Twins is a newly-opened poké bar in Johor Bahru, making it one of the first poké bar in the turf. While there are preset poké bowls here, the Twins (also) recommend to build your own, starting with a base, your choice of poké, several sides and toppings. Besides the traditional poké bowls, Poké Twins is the first in Malaysia to introduce “poké tacos”: tacos made of seaweed shells and poké fillings. Definitely a must-try!
What is poké? Check out Poké Twins’ instagram to get your answers!
What made you start Poké Twins?
I studied Marketing in university and had no professional culinary background prior to diving into the poké business. The idea of having Poké Twins came up when I was in my final semester. There are not much healthy choices when it comes to food in Johor Bahru, nor were there any poké bowls. In this era of healthy-living, the ‘poké bowl trend’ is on the rise in the capital city (Kuala Lumpur), so I decided to bring it to my home, Johor Bahru.
Talk about your journey from ending your studies to preparing and finally opening Poké Twins.
Although I had no culinary background, I love cooking and creating healthy food recipes in the kitchen. When I moved from JB to KL, I started making meal prep to bring to class everyday as the food on campus were too expensive and not nutritious enough. I started doing a lot of research in creating different recipes so that I won’t get bored with my prepped meal. This was the time I realise I was really into cooking as I find it really therapeutic. I could even spent hours on the Internet finding good recipes and always couldn’t wait to start making them the next day.
How did you learn about making Poké?
All thanks to Google and Youtube. With almost 2 and a half year of meal prep experience and some self-learned culinary knowledge, it wasn’t hard for me to learn how to make poké bowls online. I also visited several Poké shops in KL to learn and understand more about Poké. I picked the best-sounding recipes online and improvise to make them into my very own version, especially with the sauces and marinates.
Note to the millennial and everyone: fully utilise the Internet!
It´s been a week since the launch of Poké Twins, what has this journey taught you?
There are many things that we as the employer/owner can learn from our staff. I have several employees with culinary background and knowledge. And oftentimes they are the ones who taught me how to get certain things done and solved, and better ideas to input for the company. I felt that its important to cultivate an open atmosphere that allow our staff to initiate discussions and sharing of ideas.
On the other hand, feedback from customers are important for constant improvement and adjustment. We received many feedback from our customers and we take those comments into account. I believe that listening to their voice will help us in creating stronger relations with them.
Note: It’s all about the people. Engaging in each connection as everyone has something to teach.
What would you tell someone who is graduating and would like to start a business? Someone who is in your position few months ago.
My desire to start a healthy food cafe and inspire others to eat healthy is so powerful that they live in the deepest part of me.
My advise is to take time to understand what you desire most and find a way to make it happen. And if you are really passionate about that desire, you will have all the inspiration and motivation you need to thrive in it.
Get a closer look into the life of these fresh grad turned entrepreneur through their Instagram: Jasmine and Jerlene
Final Thoughts
Many would have notice that the millennial are getting more health-conscious when it comes to food choices. While Johor Bahru is on the rise of becoming “the next Kuala Lumpur”, there is no reason not to bring this new Poké bowl concept over to this booming city.
I have been following Jasmine’s Instagram for a long while, witnessing her journey from a university student who is enthusiastic in healthy-living until eventually finding her passion in cooking. And from there as she ventures deeper and deeper into this passion of hers, and came up with the idea of opening Poké Twins. Most of us would get stuck at this point, like a fork-road after graduation.
But Jasmine’s will and determination is what took her through the road less taken, eventually turning her dreams into reality. No matter what dreams you have, take courage, and go all out, to where your heart wants to. And if you don’t have a dream yet, explore everything, and listen to your heart.
Poké Twins
- Address: 129, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
- Operating hours: Everyday 11am – 10pm, closed on 1st Monday of the month
- Muslim friendly: No pork, no lard
- Contact details: 016-721 4351, also does event catering
Going to Johor? Find out what else is there to eat here!
If you liked this story, here are more people you should definitely meet!
Who else would you like to meet? 🙂
nicolecj 
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