Located opposite Flat Saga Suria, this humble food and drinks stand is the passion project of best friends Yuganvarma Ramasamy and Heshvindran Murugayah.
FMT Lifestyle caught up with the duo as they were setting up their stand, perched on a slight hill, ready to start serving at 7pm.
“We got to know each other from secondary school at SMK Jalan Tiga Bandar Baru Bangi,” Yuganvarma said.
They shared that while their friendship blossomed naturally, becoming business partners was entirely unexpected.
While both pursued different careers – Yuganvarma earned a degree in chemical engineering while Heshvindran worked in the film industry – their bond remained strong. And, during tough times, they decided to create something meaningful together.
“We both had different stories but the same problem: financial issues,” revealed Heshvindran.
With Yuganvarma struggling to find work and Heshvindran seeking a career break, they launched Papercup. “He loves to experiment with coffee, while I’m a chocolate lover,” shared Heshvindran.
Yuganvarma added: “We didn’t want to go the stereotypical route of serving Indian masala tea. We wanted to try out something unique.”
And that’s exactly what makes Papercup special. Their line-up of specialty drinks – tea, coffee, and chocolate-based creations – boast unique flavours and combinations.
And there’s one ingredient found in many of their drinks that adds a unique twist.
“We use jaggery instead of normal white sugar. Jaggery in Tamil is called ‘nattu sakkarai’ and its taste is different from basic brown sugar,” said Yuganvarma.
Common in India and South Asia, jaggery is an organic, unrefined sweetener made from sugarcane or palm sap, with a caramel-like flavour.
FMT Lifestyle sampled their bestselling Dirty Ube Latte – a blend of coffee foam and milky ube or purple yam – and let’s just say, it’s a game changer. Not too sweet, perfectly smooth, and easily a contender against any top coffee chain in Malaysia.
If you’re in the mood for something warm, their thick and creamy jaggery tea won’t disappoint.
You can also opt for their Iced CocoJag, a refreshing mix of coconut, jaggery and milk tea which is absolutely lip-smacking.
Other drinks include Iced Choco Bomb and Koko Kahwin Mocha for chocolate enthusiasts.
Every drink was created, and then mastered, by the duo. You’ll see them taking turns while the other relaxes, or working side by side, chatting and giggling as they serve eager customers.
Heshvindran and Yuganvarma first set up shop in Bukit Bintang in November 2023 but were forced to relocate. In their present spot, Papercup has built a loyal following.
FMT Lifestyle spoke to 26-year-old Lava Nisha, a regular since their early days in KL. “When I went through their Instagram, I came to know that they shifted to Ampang Jaya. I have been coming here quite often now, and weekends for me are always at Papercup.”
Yuganvarma expressed: “We don’t see our customers as just customers. Somehow, they turn into our friends.”
Besides their drinks, the pandan nasi lemak here is not to be missed. It’s incredibly comforting, especially with the sweet and spicy sambal, which has a touch of jaggery. Lava said: “It’s one of the best nasi lemak I’ve tried.”
Made by Heshvindran’s mother, it also comes in a vegetarian version with fried oyster mushrooms. These are available in limited quantities, so be sure to grab them early – or pre-order in advance.
Operating from 7-11pm on weeknights, and until midnight on Fridays and weekends, this is the ultimate spot to unwind, grab a refreshing drink, and chat with the friendly duo.
As the night goes on, the ledge by their stand fills with customers enjoying drinks and taking in the view, with some even bringing their own camper chairs. Sounds relaxing? Well, be sure to try it for yourself!
Follow Papercup on Instagram.
Papercup
Saga Suria Apartment
Jalan Taman Saga, Taman Saga
68000 Ampang Jaya, Selangor
Business hours:
7pm-11pm: Wednesday and Thursday
7pm-12am: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Closed on Monday and Tuesday