Leeds Malaysian diner launches 'restaurant at home experience' meals for takeaway during lockdown

The founder of Chapel Allerton's Dapur Malaysia, Valerie Kolat, turned to cooking as her form of therapy when her parents passed away within six months of each other between 2011 and 2012.

She used her time as a stay at home mum to perfect her dishes before starting a pop-up business initially and then moving to a permanent premises on Stainbeck Lane just seven months before the pandemic hit.

Now, Valerie has used the closure of her restaurant as a time to adapt her business and help parents who are juggling with home-schooling and those who are suffering from general lockdown lethargy by launching cook-at-home Malaysian ready meals designed to give a 'restaurant at home' experience.

Valerie said: “The idea for cook at home has been part of our business model since we opened, but the pandemic kick-started the process.

"We have taken time to look at different types of packaging, picking one that would ensure our dishes could be delivered fresh to our customers wherever they are in the UK, as well as being microwavable and oven safe.

"We’ve also made it affordable so, whilst it’s a restaurant at home experience, it’s still accessible.

"Malaysians are massive foodies and our cuisine definitely has something for everyone. It’s my hope that Malaysian cuisine will gain in popularity when people get a chance to try our dishes.”

Dapur Malaysia's delivery and click and collect service remains available for local residents from Thursday to Sunday, but the ready meals can be ordered at any time from any where.

Valerie added: “Losing both of my parents within a six-month period back in 2011 and early 2012 made me look to cooking as a type of therapy.

"My mother was an amazing cook and taught me her many Malaysian recipes, as well as Keralan recipes cooked by my grandparents.

"Food became a way to memorialise my wonderful mum and reminded me of home.

"Despite my parents not being here anymore, I can cook one of their favourite dishes and feel the nostalgia associated with it.”

Dapur Malaysia’s dine at home meals are inspired by the flavours from all Malay, Chinese and Indian foods, as well as unique and purely Malaysian dishes, just like the ones her mum used to cook.

Each meal is packed at her Chapel Allerton restaurant and delivered within three days of ordering.

All dishes can be kept chilled for up to three days and can be frozen for up to three months.

Orders can be placed here.