These entrepreneurs come from humble backgrounds, working late nights at the Food Garage to support their families.
Dishing up delicious Indian favourites like appams, satti sorru, and masala chai, it’s definitely a must-visit spot in Kajang when those midnight cravings hit.
Although this food court consists mainly of Malay food stalls, these women have found their footing here for the past five months, thanks to Kogilaa Raji Kandasamy.
As head of the non-profit Malaysian Indian Youth Council’s Kajang branch, Raji initiated the women’s entrepreneurship programme that paved the way for these women to supplement their incomes.
“It all began with a very small event two years ago, on International Yoga Day, in collaboration with the Indian High Commission,” Raji told FMT Lifestyle.
She said the event involved a group of small-time vendors, many of them housewives struggling to make ends meet. She recalled that their booths were the highlight of the event.
“That motivated me. Seeing such big smiles on their faces from just one day made me think, why not go big with this?”
After setting up booths at various other events, Raji and these women found a permanent spot where their stalls now operate almost nightly.
During FMT Lifestyle’s visit, the first to arrive at 7pm was Kalaivani Ramakrishna, who runs “Vaaney Kitchen.”
Kalaivani, whose husband is a lorry driver, sells home-cooked satti sorru, or claypot rice.
There’s a variety to choose from: chicken, mutton, prawn, mushroom, and even mock-meat chicken. FMT Lifestyle tried the mutton version, and it was quite the flavour bomb.
She also sells poori and dhall. And, of course, don’t miss her popular pani puris, available in several flavours, including cheese!
Drinks are a must-have on the table, and Aachi’s Corner, the first stall in the row, has you covered.
Run by Parimala Devi Arumugam, fondly known as Malar, this stall offers a variety of hot and cold drinks, each authentically Indian.
Choices include the comforting masala chai or Bru coffee made with fresh cow’s milk. For cold drinks, don’t miss the goli soda, a popular fizzy drink from India, along with best-sellers like her signature mango lassi.
“Malar is a housewife. She babysits during the day and, once her kids come home from school, she comes here to set up her stall. By the time she’s done, she’ll reach back home at around 1am or later,” shared Raji.
The third stall called Tina’s kitchen is run by the ever-smiling Ruth Benedict. “During the daytime, she handles transportation for school children, provides catering for tuition centres, and after all that, she comes here at night,” Raji said.
Ruth’s specialty is her unique pandan gula Melaka appam served with warm coconut milk. FMT Lifestyle also sampled her paneer pav bhaji, a tangy street food from northern India, which Ruth nails.
Her family helps out whenever they can, including her 15-year-old son who serves customers and cleans the tables.
Operating for five months now, Raji said Food Garage has been a success, with newer members having recently joined.
However, she admitted that working on this initiative for the past two years wasn’t easy. “We had to relocate several times, and almost gave up.”
But, with the support of Balamurali Govindaraju, council member of the Kajang Municipal Council, the women have been able to make a living here. “Being the organiser of this place, I’m really grateful that we can come this far,” said Raji.
So, the next time you’re in Kajang, be sure to swing by, grab some delicious bites, and bring a smile to these ladies’ faces.
Food Garage at TTDI Grove
Jalan TTDI Grove 2/1
43000 Kajang, Selangor
Business hours: 6.30pm-12am (Closed on Monday)
Contact Kogilaa Raji Kandasamy at: +6016-253 3153