She couldn’t find a proper British pie in Malaysia.
So, she built a business that makes people line up for one.
This isn’t just about pastry. It’s about passion, grit, and turning comfort food into a comeback story.
In a food scene ruled by nasi lemak and curry puffs, British pies in Malaysia used to be almost impossible to find. Especially halal ones that actually taste like the real deal.
That’s where Yana steps in as the self-taught baker behind Lips Smackin Nosh, a brand now quietly leading the charge for proper British inspired comfort food in KL.
And trust, she didn’t get here the easy way.
From School Kitchen to London Cravings
Yana didn’t train at Le Cordon Bleu.
She trained on YouTube… and pure obsession.
Her love for baking started in a high school home economics class. But the real spark hit during a teenage trip to London.
One bite of a real British inspired pie flaky crust, rich filling, zero shortcuts and she was hooked.
Back in Malaysia, she searched everywhere for that same taste. Nothing came close. And halal versions? Almost non-existent.
So she did what bold people do. She made it herself.
That’s how Lips Smackin Nosh was born, named after that finger-licking, eyes-closing, “this is SO good” kind of food. (“Nosh” is British slang for snacks, by the way.)
Educating Taste Buds Is Harder Than Baking
Starting in 2011, Yana wasn’t just selling pies. She was selling awareness.
People didn’t know the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie. (Yes, it matters. Lamb vs beef. Respect the classics.)
She introduced brookies before they were trendy.
She pushed British inspired pies in Malaysia before the market understood them.
“It’s not just baking,” she says. “It’s educating.” And that’s exhausting.
By 2015, financial pressure and health struggles forced her to shut everything down. Ovens off. Orders stopped. The dream paused.
But passion? Still very much alive.
The Comeback Era Hits Different
Post-pandemic, Yana returned stronger with support from family and her longtime colleague friend turned business partner, Hazizul.
This time, it wasn’t just about survival. It was about building something lasting.
Lips Smackin Nosh now stands out for three big reasons:
Authenticity first
Real recipes. Lamb for Shepherd’s Pie. Beef for Cottage Pie. No shortcuts just slight spice tweaks for Malaysian taste buds.
Affordable comfort food
Not those “oxygen pies” with more air than filling. And not overpriced café slices either. Proper portions. Honest pricing.
Smart, modern offerings
Her frozen mini pies are made for busy Malaysians perfect for sahur, quick lunches, or lazy nights when cooking feels like betrayal.
Built on Community, Not Just Customers
Yana’s brand isn’t powered by ads. It’s powered by connection.
She shows up daily on Instagram and Threads, chatting with followers like friends, not buyers. People don’t just order pies; they follow the journey.
And now, things are leveling up.
She and Hazizul are preparing for their first Ramadan Bazaar at Pearl Point Shopping Mall, bringing their pies to a whole new crowd.
But that’s not the end goal. The real dream?
A food truck serving variety of pies in Malaysia, rolling through streets with the smell of buttery crust and hot coffee pulling people in from blocks away.
The Real Story Here
This isn’t just a baking story. It’s a resilience story.
Yana proves success isn’t a straight line. It’s stop-start. It’s a setback. It’s rebuilding when you’re tired but still believe.
She didn’t follow trends.
She stayed loyal to her craft and trusted that the right crowd would find her. Now they have.
And Malaysia’s pie game will never be the same again.
Craving real British comfort food?
Lips Smackin Nosh is serving nostalgia, warmth, and serious flavor one flaky, golden pie at a time.
