By Anne Das (photo credit Anthony Law & KT Pillay)
There are caterers, and then there is Martin Caterers!
For more than forty years, his dishes have graced weddings, church celebrations, family gatherings and community dinners across Ipoh. People trust the name because it stands for reliability, flavour and the comfort of a good meal done right.
Behind those trays and spice pots is a man whose story is as rich as the food he is known for, a man who lives in faith, moves in red and wears his Afro like a crown. Francis Martin is self-made, generous and gloriously himself.
The launch of his second edition autobiography, A Self-Made Brand, recently held at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Hall in Ipoh, drew a crowd of more than a thousand people.
It was a night that felt less like an event and more like a reunion. Guests filled the hall in high spirits; many dressed in shades of red in honour of Francis’s signature colour. Friends, family, church members and long-time supporters came together to celebrate a man who has fed Ipoh for over four decades.
The first edition of his book, The Rise of Martin: I Had a Vision! was released back in the 1980s, about forty-five years ago, capturing the early story of a man who built his dream one event at a time.
Four decades later, his story continues — not just in kitchens, but in the hearts of those he’s served.
The launch was officiated by YB M. Kulasegaran, with Bishop Emeritus Murphy Pakiam among the distinguished guests seated on the main table that evening.
Dinner was, of course, prepared by Martin Caterers themselves. The spread featured the dishes that made the brand a household name. His mutton curry remains a local legend and a must-have at countless weddings and feast days.
When professional catering was still new to Ipoh in the 1980s, he took a chance and started small. With borrowed equipment, long hours and faith as his compass, he built a business that has become part of the city’s story.
In his speech, Francis shared memories of his humble beginnings. His father was a lorry driver who lost a leg in an accident, and his mother worked tirelessly cleaning houses and washing dishes to make ends meet.
Through hardship, she held the family together with determination and faith. It was her resilience that shaped his belief that hard work, perseverance and service could change the course of a life.
Much like its author, A Self-Made Brand is vibrant, heartfelt, and full of stories. The pages trace his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Ipoh’s most trusted names in catering. Old photos, newspaper clippings, community messages and testimonials from friends fill the book, each page reflecting relationships built over a lifetime of service.
At the event, guests were treated to a walk through his journey. There were photographs from the past — moments with celebrities, royalty, ministers and countless community events. Amongst them were displays from his Rotary Club days, where Francis served with the same dedication he brings to his catering.
True to form, the evening ended with singing, laughter and a long queue of guests waiting for him to sign their copies of A Self-Made Brand. Surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers, it was clear that Francis Martin’s story and spirit continue to inspire.
He is, in every sense, a self-made man, shaped by faith, driven by passion and loved by his community.
