Siblings keep Mum’s Place in the family

For siblings Zareef and Nureen Thajudeen, reviving Mum’s Place is about preserving a cherished family legacy. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

PETALING JAYA: Many rejoiced when Mum’s Place reopened its doors on Jan 27, five years after it shuttered in December 2021.

Founders Christopher De Mello and Jennifer Tee had decided to spend more time with their family in Australia. Its closure left loyal customers wondering if they would ever get to enjoy their favourite dishes again.

Now, thanks to siblings Nureen and Zareef Thajudeen, relatives of the founders, Mum’s Place is back.

“The night before we opened, we were telling ourselves, ‘Maybe it’s just us and a few others who love this place, who find it nostalgic and love the food,” Nureen, 33, recalled.

“‘We might not get such a crazy response, so let’s manage our expectations.'”

When the restaurant reopened, however, customers streamed through the doors. “It was the moment I realised I should have run away!” quipped Zareef, 28.

More seriously, he added: “That was when I realised this place means a lot to so many people.”

From fiery cencaru cili padi petai to rich butter cheese prawns, Mum’s Place continues to serve dishes that built its loyal following. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

Founded in September 2001, Mum’s Place won over diners with Malay, Chinese, Portuguese and other family recipes passed down through generations.

Over the years, its customers included royalty, politicians and celebrities, including the Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, Hong Kong actor Andy Lau, and squash legend Nicol David.

The decision to revive Mum’s Place came about unexpectedly. Zareef was running an online steak business while working in marketing when he casually floated the idea to De Mello.

“I said, ‘Pass me the business lah, I’ll run it for you.’ He replied, ‘Are you serious? If you are, let’s do it,’” Zareef recalled.

The next step was convincing his sister, then a professional development manager. “I couldn’t do it alone, and she is the next best cook after me!”

Nureen quickly shot back with a laugh: “First of all, I am the best, okay? He is subpar compared to me!”

The siblings spent about a year under De Mello and Tee, learning the recipes and standards that had earned Mum’s Place its loyal following.

Today, Zareef manages the front of house while Nureen runs the kitchen. They are joined by two of Tee’s sisters, making the restaurant very much a family affair.

Comforting classics and crowd favourites remain on the menu, from chicken devil curry to Mum’s terung with black pepper. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

While Mum’s Place has returned to Damansara Perdana, it now occupies a different location from the original outlet.

For the siblings, it was never just a restaurant. Growing up, it was where birthdays were celebrated, family gatherings were held, and memories were made.

Today, they take pride in seeing others create memories of their own around the table.

The food, of course, remains at the heart of it all. While they offer fewer dishes now, every item was part of the original menu.

Fans can still dig into their cencaru cili padi petai, one of the signature dishes of Mum’s Place. The deep-fried fish is crowned with a fiery sambal, while the petai lends an earthy depth.

The chicken devil curry, meanwhile, combines tender meat, potatoes and onions in a tangy sweet-sour gravy that begs to be spooned over steamed rice.

Another standout is the butter cheese prawns: succulent shellfish coated in a rich, creamy sauce fragrant with curry leaves.

End your meal on a sweet note with the cendol. Made with house-prepared gula Melaka and sweet red beans, it is rich, indulgent and deeply satisfying.

The second chapter of Mum’s Place is already drawing back old customers and winning over a new generation. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

It is perhaps unsurprising to learn that long-time customers come from near and far.

One family travelled from Singapore after hearing the restaurant had reopened. Another elderly patron delightedly asked Zareef why it had taken so long to bring Mum’s Place back.

For the siblings, moments like these are a reminder that they are preserving more than recipes: they are keeping alive a place where families gather, friendships are strengthened, and memories are made.

Mum’s Place
G20, Jalan PJU 8/3A,
Damansara Perdana,
47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

For location, click here.

Business hours: 11.30am-2pm, 6pm-9pm (closed on Mondays)

Reservations are recommended. For bookings, contact 014-633 5293.

Learn more about Mum’s Place on Instagram.