Adapted from a story originally published by DayakDaily: “Grilling his way from the seaside Tawau to Botswana.”
Arafad’s story, which took him from the seaside town of Tawau to the broad spaces of Botswana, is a tale of ambition, cultural pride, and the strength of Sabah’s cuisine on a worldwide scale.
Arafad probably had no idea that he would one day be doing the same thing in the centre of Southern Africa, half a world away, when he first entered the kitchen of a Nando’s restaurant in Malaysia. But today, this son of Tawau is revered in Botswana not only as a grilling expert but also as a testament to the power of drive, tenacity, and a good sense of seasoning.
Simple Beginnings in Tawau
Arafad’s childhood is steeped in culinary traditions, having been born and raised in Tawau, Sabah, a gourmet paradise. This lively location has long been a flavour playground, renowned for its many cultures and fresh seaside foods. Imagine a variety of seafood, tasty regional fare, and the enticing appeal of smoky street cuisine. While employed at the well-known international restaurant chain Nando’s, Arafad initially learnt the craft of flame-grilling in this vibrant environment.
Arafad was determined to master the chicken as he honed his grilling skills: crispy on the exterior, juicy on the inside, and bursting with that distinctive PERi‑PERi spice. What started as a straightforward profession quickly became a genuine passion.
A New Chapter in Africa
In 2025, Arafad’s name is being honoured in Botswana, a country more famous for its savannahs and safaris than its Sabahan spices. Being one of the few Malaysians employed in the food and beverage sector in the area, Arafad is notable for his modesty and dedication to excellence in addition to his culinary prowess.
Arafad’s talent for flame-grilling found a receptive audience in Botswana, where open-fire cooking is a regular occurrence due to the country’s dry, sun-drenched atmosphere. The Malaysian take on grilled chicken piqued the interest of the community. In addition to bringing in new flavours, he also brought in a hint of Sabah.
More Than Just Grilling Chicken
However, for Arafad, cooking goes beyond the daily grind; it’s a personal form of storytelling
Each expertly cooked wing or thigh pays homage to his hometown. The lessons learnt back in Tawau are silently honoured in every smoky scent that lingers in the air. And whether they are aware of it or not, every client he serves in Botswana is enjoying a little bit of Malaysian brilliance.
The tale of Arafad serves as a reminder that food has the power to unite people wherever they may be and to travel farther than we ever thought possible.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Numerous Malaysians, particularly Sabahans, found his story inspiring. Arafad demonstrates that a five-star culinary school is not a one-way ticket to international success. All you need is commitment, heart, and the guts to seize opportunities wherever they present themselves, even if they take you across the wide African plains.
By demonstrating to young Malaysians that even the most unlikely paths may lead to greatness with the correct mindset, he is not only cooking chicken but also breaking down barriers.
From Sabah, With Spice
Arafad is flying the flag with pride, one plate at a time, as Sabah continues to showcase its abilities to the globe. His tale serves as a reminder that Sabahans can be found everywhere, performing amazing feats in unexpected settings.
The taste of Tawau follows him in every flame, even if he may be hundreds of kilometres away from home.
📍 Fun Fact:
Tawau isn’t just famous for its food—it’s also the cocoa capital of Malaysia, producing some of the country’s best-quality beans!
Inspired by Arafad’s story? Know someone from Sabah doing amazing things abroad? Drop us a message—we’d love to feature them next
