Ex-engineer keeps 80-year-old sweet tradition alive

In 1946, Jai Hind, a family-owned restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, was established by Dallip Singh alongside three partners. The establishment, located on Jalan Melayu in the city centre, is renowned for its traditional Indian sweets and Punjabi cuisine, which have been served since the restaurant's inception. Bhoopender Singh, a chemical engineer by profession and 75 years old, inherited the restaurant after his father's demise.

Despite never having intended to run the business, Bhoopender took over due to his mother's concerns about its neglect. The restaurant, named after the Indian independence movement slogan "Jai Hind," became a beloved institution known for its traditional recipes and sweets. During Deepavali, Jai Hind attracts a steady stream of customers, many of whom return year after year for their favorite dishes.

Bhoopender, who grew up working at the restaurant, cherishes the memories of hiding gulab jamun as a child and is dedicated to maintaining the legacy of Jai Hind. Despite having no immediate successors in the family, Bhoopender remains committed to keeping the restaurant alive, celebrating Deepavali with his employees and customers alike.