This Hidden Gem In Ara Damansara Serves Up Homecooked South Indian Comfort Food
From mutton perattal to keerai curry, everything is cooked fresh daily!
By Khirthnadhevi Kumar — 08 Aug 2024, 05:47 PM
Nestled within NZX Food Court in Ara Damansara, you'll find My Masala — a small, unassuming stall offering an authentic taste of South India
Run by the passionate partners Anban Elankgoven and Nirmala Chendramohman, who swapped their office jobs for the kitchen, My Masala serves up homecooked comfort food.
"My Masala started in 2020 during the pandemic," said Anban, 41, who also works part-time as a director
"With the pandemic making it tough to find good food and the flu season in full swing, people were craving comforting dishes like rasam.
"We began cooking for our neighbours to help them get through those challenging times. The positive response and the relief we provided made us think about turning our cooking into a business.
"Even though we had to close temporarily when things returned to normal and restaurants reopened, our passion for food remained strong," he shared with SAYS during an interview.
That's when Anban and his partner both decided to work at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (T) Hicom's cafetaria. There, they prepared comforting meals for the kids, creating a sense of home for them. The warm reception and enthusiasm from the students reignited Anban's passion for cooking.
A few months ago, Anban and his partner officially opened My Masala, their first physical food stall
If you head over to My Masala at NZX Food Court, you'll find both Anban and Nirmala handling everything from cooking to serving, ensuring that each meal is made with care and genuine dedication. While the space is not huge, it's a vibrant little spot where the duo get to showcase their passion for authentic South Indian comfort food.
The menu at My Masala features standout South Indian dishes that keep customers coming back for more
"Our mutton perattal, chicken varuval, pepper chicken, keerai curry, and sambar are popular here. We use fresh, handpicked ingredients every day and avoid MSG. Our focus is on achieving rich South Indian flavours," Anban shared.
Anban is committed to ensuring that every meal offers real value, not just through the ingredients, but through the entire experience
"We cook everything fresh daily, and no dish is ever carried over. When people pay for a meal, they should get something truly satisfying," he explains.
He also takes pleasure in sharing recipes with those who want to recreate the dishes at home.
"It's rewarding to see people enjoy our recipes and return with positive feedback," Anban added.
