One of Port Klang’s gem souls, P.R. Meippan, passed away on Friday (9 December).

Late P.R. Meippan is well known in Port Klang for his iconic Indian banana leaf restaurant which bears his name. It is reported that he passed away due to illness leaving behind a wife, three sons, two daughters, and fifteen grandchildren. Born and raised in Tamil Nadu, India, the late 88-year-old passed away eight days before his birthday which falls on the coming December 18.

Late Meippan ran a 60-year-old eatery popular among port workers, CEOs, and transport ministers. Initially having an eatery next to Chartered Bank here in 1953, he, later on, moved to Jalan Kem 47 years ago. Years back, Meippan was an ordinary employee running the stall before buying it over from his employers. After taking over he then stamped his name on what would become a banana leaf institution. When asked who is the man behind such amazing dishes, it is he himself. He would cook the dishes himself, while later handing over the ladle to trusted cooks from India but still keeping sharp supervision in the kitchen to ensure the quality of his food is not compromised. His signature dishes include ayam kampung curry, dry mutton gravy, fish head curry, and local goat “kodal curry”. Apart from that, customers who come over to his shop looked forward to listening to his stories of Port Klang and the ports from which it drew its name. This amazing cook is not just generous inside the kitchen but outside the kitchen too. According to The Vibes.com, Late Meippan often provides free food for the needy every Deepavali. He also helped rebuild the 50 houses destroyed in the infamous Port Klang fire of June 1980. Not only that but he has even provided job opportunities for many locals irrespective of race or religion to help run his restaurant.

Also known as a hardworking, respected, and down-to-earth person, this man never fails to put a smile on his customers by providing both good food and a good mood.

You have left behind many unforgettable memories and will always be remembered for a long time. Rest well, P.R. Meippan.