A crowd gathers around a little food truck, eyes locked on golden russet potatoes being split open and loaded with spicy, saucy goodness.

This isn’t the polite jacket potato you’d find in the UK – it’s louder, bolder, and unmistakably Malaysian.

Behind the counter, two friends work in perfect sync, spooning tender kambing dendeng, chicken varuval, and sambal con carne onto steaming spuds.

Once comrades in late-night “Call of Duty” battles, their new battleground is a food truck called SpudBuds, and their mission is simple: to conquer hunger, one loaded potato at a time.

“I’ve always liked feeding people and seeing them enjoy the food that I make. Cooking is something that runs in my family,” Dhevaan Nithya shared with FMT Lifestyle.

For the 24-year-old aircraft technician graduate, cooking is a passion. Now, with SpudBuds – a food truck he runs alongside his 25-year-old friend, Dheyran Nathan – Dhevaan is finally turning that passion into something bigger.

When they first opened last December, business was quiet. But word spread, and today long queues form even before the truck opens, all for a taste of their Malaysian-style spuds.

Depending on your spot in line, the wait can be anywhere from three to 20 minutes. Best advice? Come early. With only 80 to 120 potatoes served daily, once they’re gone, they’re gone.

“We try to make it more than just a transaction with our customers. We try our best to engage with them and catch up on one another’s day if we have the time.

“People feel like home when they come over and some of them meet friends whom they’ve not seen in a while. It’s a little community,” said Dheyran.

That warmth comes from long hours of hard work. While most people are sitting down to breakfast, Dhevaan and Dheyran are already scrubbing potatoes, simmering sauces, and cooking up their three savoury stars. Their 12-hour grind means everything’s fresh and ready when the truck opens – and for them, it’s all worth it.

And the payoff? The food speaks for itself.

Take the kambing dendeng, one of SpudBuds’ best sellers – and it’s easy to see why. Bursting with flavour and that fiery kick Malaysians know and love, it’s an absolute must-try.

The meat itself is the star: tender enough to melt in your mouth and so fresh it feels like it was cooked just moments before landing on your plate.

Another crowd favourite is the chicken varuval. But don’t expect the usual restaurant version – this one’s special.

The chicken is lovingly pulled, giving it a soft, juicy texture that practically melts as you bite in. The fried shallots topping elevates the flavour. Since many Indian dishes are already best friends with potatoes, this pairing feels like it was destined to be.

Fun fact: the chicken varuval was once Dhevaan’s mother’s signature dish back when she ran a stall in SS15 years ago. So don’t be surprised if a bite of this brings back that comforting, home-cooked feeling – just like mum’s kitchen.

SpudBuds also serves up sambal con carne – a playful, beefy twist on chilli con carne – alongside regular spuds and loaded nachos with the same tasty toppings.

Can’t decide? Go for the Triple Threat, which piles on all three of their signature flavours.

In the end, SpudBuds is more than a food truck – it’s flavour, friendship, and heart stuffed into a potato. Every bite feels exciting yet familiar, like street food with a hug.

And with lines growing by the day, one thing’s clear: get there early, or risk missing out.

Follow ‘SpudBuds’ on Instagram.

SpudBuds
Jalan SS15/8A, SS15
47500 Subang Jaya
Selangor

Business hours: 8.30pm-12.30am (Closed on Monday)

For location, click here.