Mr Papadam Food Stall has quietly become a lunchtime favourite for lovers of hearty, home-cooked South Indian food.
Run by Puvaneswaran Suttra Vello, the stall opened for business in July 2023 and has since attracted a steady stream of regulars who crave comforting flavours that taste just like home.
“I started this stall to build a better future for myself and to help with my dad’s healthcare expenses. But more than that, I’ve always wanted to help the homeless,” said Puvaneswaran, 26, an event manager.
“If our sales are good, we help out nearby nursing homes and homeless shelters.”
Despite his noble intentions, his food stall was the target of vandals who set fire to it last September, destroying it completely.
“I lost everything. But I didn’t give up. I rebuilt it and reopened after a week. Then, in November, another setback.
“A car lost control and crashed into my stall, damaging it completely. Still, I rebuilt it again. I just keep moving forward and hope everything goes well this time,” said Puvaneswaran, who is also a part-time dancer and make-up artist.
His determination is reflected in the stall itself – modest, sturdy, and full of life.
From the outside, Mr Papadam might not look like much – its walls are made of zinc, the roof patched with tin sheets, and the counters built from wooden panels.
But step closer and the aroma of spices, curries, and fried fish will stop you in your tracks.
Come early if you want the best picks – by midday, many of the dishes are already gone.
That’s because everything here (25 dishes in total) is cooked fresh daily, and regulars know exactly what to aim for.
There’s a colourful spread of vegetable dishes, chicken curries, mutton dishes, and fish cooked as curries, rendang, and varuval, all laid out in classic Indian economy rice style.
The sambal ikan bilis is a clear crowd favourite – a perfect balance of spice and saltiness that’ll instantly remind you of your mother’s cooking.
Then there’s the spinach curry, a dish that surprises with its rich, layered flavour – creamy, earthy, and just a little spicy.
Despite its humble setting, Mr Papadam has all the makings of a neighbourhood gem. It’s the kind of place where construction workers, office staff, and even those from nearby neighbourhoods drop by for a taste of genuine home-cooked food.
Prices are friendly too – you can easily enjoy a satisfying plate of rice with one vegetable and two meat dishes for around RM10-RM12.
So, the next time you’re in Mutiara Bukit Jalil, skip the malls and follow your nose instead. Under the hum of the LRT track, Mr Papadam Food Stall awaits – serving honest, flavourful food with a side of warmth.
Mr Papadam Food Stall
1, Jalan Tiara 1
Mutiara Bukit Jalil
58200 Kuala Lumpur
Business hours:
7.30am-8pm (Monday-Friday)
7.30am-5pm (Saturday)
(Closed on Sunday)
Contact: 019-317 3913
For location, click here.
Follow Mr Papadam Food Stall on Instagram.