Tonton Dfm2u
Debo Corner, a roadside food stall run by mother-of-two Harvinder Kaur, is perhaps the best thing you’ll miss in Kampung Pasir Baru in Puchong.
Nestled between old houses and half-timbered buildings, this small place serves up delicious chapatis and simple vegetarian dishes. The small shop’s impressive wine list doesn’t deter the endless lines of customers that emerge every day, eager for their hot, freshly prepared food.
And why would he do it? Debo Corner is a budget-friendly place. Chapatis here cost just RM2, and no dish on the menu costs more than RM3, making it a favorite among budget-conscious locals. From soft chapatis to hearty parathas, spicy sambal sardines, vegetarian curries and the occasional Punjabi ladoo, Harvinder’s food is comforting and hearty. The 43-year-old took over the beloved shop from his late aunt, who had passed away two years before her death. What started as his first job nine years ago quickly became a full-time job for Harvinder. “I love doing this. It’s fun,” he says, smiling. I cook at home, and we can eat them, so it’s easy.” His infectious joy and bright personality keep customers coming back as much as his food.
Harvinder told FMT Lifestyle that long before commercial restaurants started popping up in this part of Puchong, Debo Corner was the only chapati shop in the area. He proudly said: “Everyone here knows my shop. Over the years, he has built up a loyal following of customers who appreciate his affordable prices and warm hospitality. Indeed, there is something comforting about watching him at work, flipping chapatis with expert ease, his big smile bringing joy as he chats with customers. Running Debo Corner is no easy feat, however. The evening is its own business, and Harvinder manages everything himself. Sometimes he gets help from a paid assistant, but most of the time it’s his dedication and hard work that makes everything work. His children ran the business when they were young, but now he runs it alone. He makes 100 beautiful chapatis a day, twice as many as he can.
But when a big order comes in – like a recent request for 1,000 chapatis for an event – he rises to the challenge, even if it means temporarily closing the shop. Harvinder’s chapatis are soft and lightly browned, giving them a depth of flavour that pairs well with the spicy sambal sardine. Aloo paratha, mixed with sweet potatoes and cooked to perfection, is delicious and comforting. This is a no-frills dish, well prepared. While chapatis are the star of the show, Debo Corner’s menu is full of variety. There’s a plain paratha for those who like it simple, a savoury paratha for those who love dessert and a masala paratha for those who love spice. Harvinder also serves vegetarian bihun, which adds another dimension to his offerings.
For Harvinder, this shop is not just a business: it is a labor of love. And for its customers, it’s a reminder that the best food doesn’t have to be expensive. Sometimes all you need is a chapati, a spoonful of sambal and a smile to brighten your day.
