Stuck in a creative rut, this M’sian quit the film industry to launch two themed cafes

Cafes seem to be sprouting up on every corner these days, but Petra Pudu and N.16 stand out for their creativity and atmosphere. 

Spearheaded by Tan Wei Ting (YY), both cafes reflect a deep passion for design, environment, and the personal touch of nostalgia. 

Born and raised in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, YY, transitioned from a career in graphic design and the film industry into F&B, but not without leaving his artistic imprint.

From art director to cafe curator

Before diving into the cafe business, YY worked as an art director for movies and TV commercials, where he helped create worlds on the screen. 

“In the film industry, I felt like there wasn’t much room for me to showcase my creativity. It became routine, and the end product was often limited by the director’s vision or budget constraints,” he told Vulcan Post.

This urge to create something lasting, something people could physically experience and appreciate, led him to open his first small neighbourhood cafe in Kuala Selangor in 2015. 

While that cafe ceased operations in 2023, the lessons learnt paved the way to focus on N.16 and later, the birth of Petra Pudu.

N.16: A cafe among the paddy fields

N.16 was YY’s first major cafe project, launched in 2016. The concept was as unique as the setting—a cafe housed in a vintage Len Seng bus overlooking the paddy fields of Sekinchan. 

Did you know: Back in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, before private bus companies had to merge and give way to what’s now known as Intrakota, there was a fleet of red and white buses called Len Seng that used to run through areas like Jalan Pahang, Genting Kelang, Hulu Kelang, Air Panas, and Gombak.

The cafe’s design was inspired by YY’s love for the anime My Neighbor Totoro and the iconic cat bus. 

As YY explained, “I was stationed in Sekinchan for a film project, and every day, I looked at the endless green paddy fields. It felt like the perfect place for the cat bus to come alive.”

Purchasing an old bus was the first step, and from there, YY and his team got creative. They elevated the bus slightly to give the illusion that it was floating over the fields. 

The bus was repainted to blend with the landscape, preserving its classic red-and-white Len Seng look, a nostalgic nod for many Malaysians.

Though initially serving Western dishes like chicken chop and seafood sourced locally, N.16 had to pivot during the pandemic. 

“We couldn’t sustain the full kitchen during lockdowns, so we shifted to cakes and desserts for delivery. It was a big learning point, but it helped us understand customer preferences better,” YY recalled.

Today, N.16 is known not only for its scenic views and desserts but also for its presence in Malaysian tourism, having been featured in the 2020 Tourism Malaysia promotional video. 

The cafe has become a popular spot for those seeking a unique environment, offering a combination of nostalgia, creativity, and nature.

Petra Pudu: A hidden gem in the heart of KL

In August 2024, YY and his team (who wish to be anonymous) opened Petra Pudu, a rooftop cafe tucked away in the bustling, often overlooked neighbourhood of Pudu in Kuala Lumpur. 

While Pudu is not typically associated with trendy cafes, YY saw potential in the area’s nostalgic charm and its hidden gems.

“When I visited the building where Petra Pudu is now, it immediately reminded me of an Indiana Jones movie. The narrow walkways and stairs felt like they were leading to a mysterious, undiscovered dimension,” YY shared. 

This sense of adventure and discovery became the core of Petra Pudu’s design concept, named after the ancient city of Petra, a famous archaeological site known for its grandeur and history.

Despite being new, Petra Pudu has quickly gained traction, thanks in part to organic social media buzz on platforms like Xiaohongshu, TikTok, and Instagram, said the founder.

Content creators have flocked to the cafe, not for the coffee or pastries but for the experience and the rooftop view overlooking Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. 

“We may not offer the best coffee or cake in town, but we create an experience,” YY noted.

Designing spaces that speak to the soul

For YY, the success of both N.16 and Petra Pudu isn’t just about the food but about creating a space that people connect with. 

“The identity of my business comes from the location itself. I let the place speak to me, and then I design around it to enhance its possibilities. That’s what makes each cafe unique,” he explained.

While N.16 draws on the rural charm of Sekinchan’s paddy fields, Petra Pudu taps into the urban nostalgia of Kuala Lumpur’s lesser-known corners. 

Each café has its own personality, designed to stand out in its environment. “Diversifying the brand means different people can experience what I want to showcase. It’s all about making each visit memorable,” he said.

Overcoming challenges

As expected, running cafes in locations that aren’t exactly prime tourist spots comes with its challenges. 

When N.16 first opened, people doubted the decision to set up in Sekinchan, an area not known for cafés. 

Not only that, Petra Pudu, located in Pudu, faced its own hurdles. “There’s always been a stereotype that Pudu is dangerous because it’s inhabited by foreigners mostly, but I believe the charm of the area will outshine that,” YY stated confidently.

Communication has been another learning curve for YY as he transitioned from the film industry to managing F&B. 

“Too little communication leads to mistakes, and too much can cause confusion. Finding that balance is tricky but essential,” he shared.

While there’s no guarantee that cafes like N.16 and Petra Pudu will remain relevant as trends change, YY’s focus remains on creating spaces that offer something different. 

“My best bet is to stick to my goal—creating remarkable environments that people will appreciate,” he added.

The future of N.16 and Petra Pudu

For now, YY is content with how things have progressed. With N.16 attracting loyal customers and Petra Pudu receiving a warm response despite only being open for a month, the future looks bright. 

The capital for both projects—around RM200,000 for each—came from a combination of investment partners and revenue reinvestment.

The vision for N.16 and Petra Pudu is ongoing, with continuous upgrades and creative additions. Last year, YY even added a Mini Cooper next to the bus at N.16 as another attraction for visitors. “The upgrading work never stops,” he said.

YY’s ultimate goal is simple: to share his designs with the world. 

“Every time a customer takes a photo and checks in on social media, it’s like they’re recognising my design. That’s all I want—to create something remarkable, something people will remember.”

Whether in the middle of paddy fields or hidden in the backstreets of Kuala Lumpur, YY’s cafes are more than just places to grab a coffee. They’re an example of creativity, nostalgia, and the idea that great design can turn any location into a memorable experience.

Featured Image Credit: zhilong ang and N.16