Celebrating Culture Through Cuisine: The Royal Jelebu Hainanese Curry Puff

The Hainan Village Malayan Kopitam’s Hainanese curry puff has been awarded the Royal Jelebu branding by Yang Teramat Mulia Dato’ Mendika Menteri Akhirulzaman Datuk Haji Maarof bin Haji Mat Rashad, Undang Luak Jelebu, at the brand recognition ceremony held at the Balai Undang Luak Jelebu, Kuala Klawang.

“We are grateful for Dato’ Undang’s consent to recognise our unique version of meatless curry puffs. With YTM Dato’ Undang’s support through the Royal Jelebu branding and consent to becoming the Chairman of our board, we aim to bring the curry puff to newer heights,” said Dato’ Dr. Denming Ho, Chief Executive Officer, Hainan Village Malayan Kopitiam Group of Companies.

With this recognition, the company aims to promote and preserve one of Malaysia’s many cultural heritages. The Hainan Village curry puff blends Malay, Chinese, and Hainanese influences found in Pulau Pangkor. Plans in the pipeline include introducing the Royal Jelebu Hainanese Curry Puff to the global market, focusing on China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and the Middle East.

Following the push abroad, Hainan Village Malayan Kopitiam Group of Companies aims to promote a distinctive Malaysian delicacy that could simultaneously draw food enthusiasts and tourists to Malaysia. 

“We believe the curry puff can be as iconic to Malaysia as almond biscuits are to Hong Kong and pineapple tarts are to Taiwan. The journey began when the Hainan Village Malayan Kopitiam Group of Companies searched for one uniquely Malaysian dish we could position as the gateway to Malaysia’s traditional palate. Our country’s diverse gastronomical heritage offers a variety of choices. The curry puff was selected because of its availability throughout Malaysia and how agile the recipe can be,” Dato’ Denming elaborated.

The Royal Jelebu Hainanese curry puff is designed to be uniquely Malaysian for all. It is a meat-free product by Malaysia’s first Hainanese Vegetarian Kopitiam Malaysia Book of Records Record Holder. In addition to receiving royal recognition, Malaysia’s first meat-free (plant-based) Hainanese Kopitiam Café Franchise Operator enjoys French Le Cordon Bleu recognition along with other accolades.

The Royal Jelebu Hainanese Curry Puff is available at the Plaza Premium Lounge at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). It will also be offered at all Hainan Village Kopitiam Café outlets.