Mr Papadam food stall in Bukit Jalil
Most of us wake up every day to pursue our dreams, and sometimes giving up can seem easier, especially when life knocks you down. That is not the case for Puvaneswaran Suttra Vello, the founder of Mr Papadam in Bukit Jalil. Serving affordable Indian food from his small road stall, this entrepreneur literally rose from the ashes when his shop was completely burned down. Yet, his love for feeding people and unwavering determination only grew stronger.
We spoke to him to hear his story about what it means to keep going even when success can sometimes be a double-edged sword.
An event planner turned food stall owner
26-year-old Vello is a man determined to make meaningful choices in life. Raised in a family with a younger sister and as the only son, he works as an event planner and as a make-up artist, where his creative work often draws attention on social media.
His artistic side has gained him a loyal following as he shares his event setups and the clients he has worked with over time. A familiar face on social media, Vello enjoys the recognition, though he knows that visibility can sometimes bring unwanted attention.
In 2023, he decided to open a food business following a suggestion from his father, a former cook. His father encouraged him to pursue the venture, and together with his younger sister Priya, they opened Mr Papadam.
Originally located in another part of Bukit Jalil, the food stall quickly attracted attention thanks to Vello’s daily efforts on social media, sharing the menu and glimpses of life behind the scenes as a cook and stall owner.
Because of his cheerful personality, people from all over Malaysia began visiting his stall. “I have a lot of customers from Johor Bahru who come down to taste my food”, he shared with TheSmartLocal Malaysia, affirming the support he has received.
But it was not always smooth sailing. In January of this year, he awoke to find that his food stall had been completely burned down. Devastated, Vello faced a choice: abandon the business entirely or start again from scratch.
When asked about the incident, Vello explained, “Being visible on social media, it is hard to know who might be out to cause trouble. Some people can go to extreme lengths, even burning down your stall”.
“I have received threat calls and read many negative comments online,” he continued. “I do not let it get to me.” Rather than stepping back, Vello chose to restore and relocate Mr Papadam. After months of restoration, which required considerable effort and resources, the roadside stall reopened.
Visiting the stall, it is easy to see that Vello’s dedication resonates with his patrons, who come from all walks of life. Familiar faces and newcomers alike gather to taste his food. “Even when the fire and the crash hit me, I still believe in cooking for people who enjoy my food”, he shared.
Over 30 Indian dishes
Vello’s determination is matched by the dishes he serves. Every day, the family prepares over 30 dishes in the early hours of the morning to serve customers as early as 7am.
Plates of mixed rice, curries, papadams, and traditional sides fill the menu. Popular dishes include the mutton curry, kerang cili padi, and ayam pedas. A plate of rice usually costs from RM7 onwards.
The portions are generous, and the prices remain affordable, reflecting his belief that good food should be accessible to everyone. Dishes here are often sold out with very little left at the end of the day.
“It is because of things like this that I continue”, he shared. When asked about expanding into a restaurant, Vello mentioned that he might consider it in the future. For now, he is happy running the stall. What matters most is that diners leave with full stomachs and happy hearts.
Vello believes that his food nourishes more than just the body. Diners often speak to him like they would to a good old friend, a reminder that when your heart is in the right place, nothing can hold you back.
A food stall that feels like home
All of us have something we are pursuing, and it takes more than courage to see it come to life. Vello’s journey of rising to viral fame and then seeing his dream burned down is not just a story of perseverance.
It is a reminder that setbacks or criticism should never be a reason to quit. If you happen to be in Bukit Jalil, consider visiting his stall and experiencing the simple Indian food that was born from ashes and rose again, served with heart and resilience.
Address: 1, Jalan Tiara 1, Mutiara Bukit Jalil, 58200
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7.30am-4pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: Mr Papadam Instagram
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Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local Malaysia
Some quotes have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Photography by Yusintha Kumar.