Ange Branca, the resilient chef behind the acclaimed Malaysian restaurant Kampar, has once again demonstrated her determination in the face of adversity. After a devastating fire temporarily shuttered the doors of Kampar in Bella Vista this February, the community rallied around her to keep the spirit of the restaurant alive.
Kampar gained popularity for its authentic Malaysian cuisine and innovative bar program inspired by the country’s cocktail culture. Before the fire, Branca had successfully navigated a rent increase during the pandemic, prompting her to pivot to pop-up events and collaboration on a meal-service platform called Kampar Kitchen, which aimed to spotlight the immigrant food scene in Philadelphia. This collaborative initiative allowed her to sell more food and strengthen community ties among chefs who specialize in ethnic cuisines.
The journey to reopen Kampar is now fraught with challenges, as Branca faces extensive repairs due to water damage from the weather following the fire. Though she states that the actual fire damage was minimal, the prolonged insurance inspection delayed necessary repairs, leading to a more complicated restoration process. “It gives me a lot of peace because I feel good that we will be in a much better building that’s safer for everyone,” she reflects on the future of Kampar.
In the interim, Branca’s efforts to maintain the restaurant’s presence have involved impressive community support. Fellow restaurateurs have stepped in to offer their kitchens as temporary spaces for pop-up events. She emphasizes how the response from the local food community has been overwhelmingly positive, stating how everyone connected and offered support right after the fire occurred.
Branca continues to pay her team’s base salary to ensure that they are not left without an income amid the restaurant closure. While many team members are taking part-time jobs elsewhere, they are still united during pop-up events, contributing to a sense of camaraderie that has helped sustain their morale through these challenging times.
The excitement around participating in pop-ups has energized the team, allowing them to reconnect and learn new skills while working in various host kitchens. Branca credits the experience as a bright spot, even though she admits it requires more effort than the regular restaurant operation. Nevertheless, having access to a licensed commissary kitchen at BLDG39 has made this transition smoother.
During this time, the Kampar team has been investing in research and development to refine their recipes and enhance the drink program, ensuring that when they reopen, they can deliver an even better experience. Branca also noted that many of their loyal patrons have become friends, showing continuous support through their outreach after the fire.
As Branca prepares for the eventual reopening of Kampar, she remarks that they won’t dramatically change the restaurant’s essence. Instead, she intends to preserve the vibe that has characterized Kampar since its inception, reminiscent of Malaysia’s rich culinary history from the ’60s and ’70s.
Beyond the operations of Kampar, Branca has been actively engaged in initiatives that uplift Philadelphia’s immigrant community, a commitment she has fostered since 2017 with her Muhibbah Dinners. The concept aims to celebrate the contributions of immigrants while offering a warm and nourishing experience through food. Inspired by her own journey as an immigrant, Branca felt a strong responsibility to highlight the importance of multiculturalism at a time when such narratives are often overshadowed.
The term “muhibbah” embodies the spirit of connectivity and tolerance among diverse cultures. Each dinner features local chefs who prepare dishes reflecting their heritage, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences. The first event was so successful that it led to a series of dinners continuing to support local immigrant organizations.
Additionally, Branca founded Kampar Kitchen during the pandemic as a collaborative platform for chefs specializing in less mainstream ethnic cuisines. By coming together, they not only managed to expand their reach but also uplift one another, embodying the notion that community collaboration enhances everyone’s success.
As Branca navigates the highs and lows of owning a restaurant, her mission remains clear: to offer a safe and enriching space for all who come through the doors of Kampar.
With plans for more pop-ups and events on the horizon, including a seminar focusing on Malaysian-inspired cocktails and participation in local food festivals, Branca is determined to keep the legacy of Kampar alive. The love and support from the community serve as a reminder of the vital role that food culture plays in shaping meaningful connections and fostering resilience in challenging times.
image source from：phillymag
