Lili Poon: The Heart and Mind Behind Berkat Indonesian Store

In the middle of Kennedy Town’s unique balance of peaceful harbor views and a lively neighbourhood there is Berkat Indonesian Store: an establishment that has been standing strong since 2011, witnessing the transformation of Kennedy Town over the years and becoming a cherished haven of Indonesian treasures that continues to thrive. Today, it offers a welcoming atmosphere amidst the bustle, serving as a home for the Indonesian community and beyond. 

Meet Lili Poon

Lili Poon is an adventurous woman who values continuous learning and personal growth. She was born in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, and moved to Hong Kong in the early 2000s after marrying her husband. While raising two boys, she observed Hong Kong and felt inspired to contribute to the community, embracing the city’s dynamic pace. In 2008, she began working as a ticketing agent at a well-known Indonesian agency. With a degree in Tourism, she seized this opportunity to learn about the evolving Hong Kong-Indonesia relationship, learning things that were completely new to her, from emerging ticket-issuing software to community engagement and customer service.

Feeling comfortable in her role, Lili made a brave decision in 2011 to start her own business, offering financial services for Indonesian and Filipino domestic workers. Encouraged by her husband’s suggestion to open her own store and his strong support in this venture, Lili admitted she was initially uncertain about the transition from being an employee to a businesswoman managing her own company. But her grit and spirit in learning say it all: after trying her hand at various businesses, from financial services and an internet cafe where she rented computers to a shop selling Muslim clothing, she recognized that what resonated most with people was authentic Indonesian flavors. Knowing this, Lili made the effort to highlight them and complement them with her own touch of friendly service and flexible serving options. Through this, she has built a close-knit community around Berkat, one grounded in the trust she has earned through years of showing up.

Berkat as a Blessing 

“Berkat” is an Indonesian word for “Blessing”, a term that Lili deeply resonates with. As a lifelong learner who seeks to appreciate every opportunity and is eager to make decisions that challenge her, she believes her journey of navigating life in Hong Kong with her family has been a gift from God. She acknowledges that she could not have faced the changes and challenges without her faith guiding her.

When it was time to name her own store, the word Berkat came to her naturally, representing her appreciation for her journey and desire to contribute to the community. Lili views Berkat as a manifestation of God's goodness – offering her guidance. She hopes that Berkat will also serve as a blessing for others, helping them connect with Indonesian roots and values amidst the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.

Berkat’s Journey

Beyond a restaurant, Berkat is a powerful testament to Lili's spirit of perseverance. From the very beginning, Lili embraced the philosophy of healthy competition and friendliness, remaining committed to her vision even when Berkat struggled to find its footing in Kennedy Town 15 years ago. Despite initially facing quiet days and needing to spend her own money to cover rent, Lili never gave up. She promoted her restaurant through free ads in local newspapers and handcrafted leaflets, showing her resourcefulness. This journey of slow growth, hardship, and financial risk reflects Lili's drive to keep her Berkat dream alive. Fifteen years on, her resilience is reflected in the restaurant's continued success and the quality of its food.

What Sets Berkat Apart

Competitive prices may attract customers, but these three qualities are what keep them coming back:

1. Real Indonesian Flavors: from their high standard of Sambal (chili sauce) to the perfectly roasted meat, Berkat offers the truest Indonesian delights.

2. A Friendly Warung Tegal Experience: Its unique serving style gives you the unforgettable experience of mixing and eating various dishes along with warm, well-cooked rice.

3. A One-Stop Indonesian Store: Berkat also features a curated selection of Indonesian retail products. Beyond big, popular brands, Berkat proudly supports local small businesses by selling authentic Indonesian snacks such as Kerupuk Rengginang and other traditional treats. 
   

Lili’s Vision for the Future

Lili is enthusiastic about opening an additional location near her home in Lohas Park. By bringing Indonesian cuisine to an area untouched by its flavors, she believes Berkat will become a homey, comforting, and welcoming space for the community.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

After 15 years in business, these are Lili’s takeaways from her journey:

• Entrepreneurship is about meeting different people and learning continuously, including from financial mistakes. Be wiser and more cautious without losing sincerity.

• Embrace being part of a community, as collaboration strengthens resilience and usefulness.

• When starting a business, prioritize honesty, excellent service, and maintaining high product quality.

• Perseverance and genuine care for your customers and community are the foundations of sustainable entrepreneurial success.

A Message to the Community

Whether you are discovering Indonesian food for the first time or missing the flavors of home, Berkat Indonesian Store has a plate ready for you!

Support local businesses, celebrate diversity, and discover the rich flavors of Indonesia in Kennedy Town. If you're interested in learning more about how we support these entrepreneur, reach out to us at info@guidefong.org. Stay tuned for our other blog posts too!