In a recent interview with the Founder of Sushi Hiro, Rachel Yap, Top 10 of Malaysia uncovers the story behind the success of this beloved Japanese restaurant chain. With an unwavering passion for food and an entrepreneurial spirit, Rachel has carved a niche in the F&B industry, bringing authentic Japanese cuisine to the masses at affordable prices.
From a young age, Rachel always adored cooking and baking. Her love for food naturally led her to experiment in the kitchen, constantly trying out new recipes and techniques. After high school, she pursued a diploma in Patisserie, refining her skills in baking. However, instead of furthering her formal education, she decided to take the entrepreneurial route by starting her own business from home. She began by selling cakes and baked goods before expanding her offerings to include cooked meals. Over time, her home-based business flourished, and she soon found herself supplying food to schools. This experience deepened her passion for the culinary industry and prepared her for greater challenges ahead.
In 2016, Sushi Hiro was born when Rachel’s brothers, both businessmen, approached her with an exciting idea—to start a Japanese restaurant. Recognising her deep passion for cooking, they were willing to take the risk and invest in her vision. Determined to master the craft, Rachel embarked on a journey of intensive learning. She travelled to Japan three times within a year to train under a Japanese chef, where she honed her skills in authentic Japanese culinary techniques and discipline.
“If it takes a thousand miles for knowledge, so be it,” she says, reflecting on her commitment to excellence.
The vision for Sushi Hiro has remained steadfast since its inception: to serve high-quality, authentic Japanese food that is both accessible and reasonably priced. When they first started, affordable Japanese cuisine was not yet a common trend. At the time, Japanese food was typically associated with fine dining experiences or extravagant buffet spreads in hotels. Sushi Hiro aimed to bridge this gap by making excellent Japanese cuisine available to the everyday consumer at fair prices.
Now in its ninth year, Sushi Hiro has grown into a thriving Japanese restaurant chain, boasting multiple outlets. The restaurant operates on a Kaiten belt sushi concept, offering dishes at two affordable price points—RM2.20 and RM3.30. Their extensive menu caters to a wide range of tastes, featuring fresh sashimi, sushi, mini hot pots, and even pasta. Staying true to its values, Sushi Hiro prides itself on being a family-friendly and Muslim-friendly establishment.
Rachel attributes Sushi Hiro’s success, first and foremost, to its customers. Their unwavering support and patronage have been the driving force behind the restaurant’s continuous improvement. “Our customers’ belief in us pushes us to do better every day,” she shares. This commitment to quality and service is what sets Sushi Hiro apart, ensuring that each dining experience remains memorable and satisfying.
As a leader, Rachel is known for her hands-on approach. “I am a very hands-on leader,” she states. Whenever a new outlet opens, she ensures her presence is felt by working alongside her team, day and night, to guarantee smooth operations. Her leadership philosophy is simple—lead by example. “Leadership isn’t just about giving instructions—it’s about being present, understanding challenges firsthand, and working together toward solutions.”
Balancing professional and personal life is another aspect Rachel is intentional about. She emphasises the importance of managing time wisely. “Being intentional with time is key,” she asserts. By setting clear priorities, delegating tasks effectively, and making time for family and rest, she maintains a healthy balance between her work and personal life.
Through passion, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to excellence, Rachel Yap has transformed Sushi Hiro into a household name in the Japanese dining scene. With a clear vision and an ever-growing base of loyal customers, the future looks bright for Sushi Hiro as it continues to bring authentic Japanese cuisine to more people across Malaysia.
