Filmmakers venture into F&B with Thinnai Express

2026-03-06 - 01:03

Thinnai Express in Petaling Jaya serves heart- and tummy-warming Indian fare. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA: Meet the newcomer adding more flavour to the Klang Valley. Thinnai Express, located at Wisma MCIS here, opened its doors in January to serve wholesome Indian fare in a modern setting. “Thinnai”, which refers to the raised, open verandas found at the entrances of traditional Tamil homes, mirrors the restaurant’s homey vibe. Behind the eatery are three partners from the local Tamil-language filmmaking scene. Husband-and-wife Indiran Shanmugam and Bhogalakshmi Munusamy, together with Krityishaa Karunagaran, are established filmmakers who have stepped into the F&B space for the first time. Indiran is known for directing “Kuruthi Mazhai”, a 22-episode thriller series that premiered in 2020, while Krityishaa is an award-winning filmmaker who clinched the BMW Shorties 2024 Grand Prize for her film “Tomorrow Is Spring”. Bhogalakshmi, meanwhile, worked alongside them as an art director and production designer on both projects. Her other credits include “Simple Manusan” and “Macai”. Indiran and Bhogalakshmi are two of the three filmmakers behind Thinnai Express. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle) Now, they are channeling their creativity from screen to table. “We all studied together at university, worked together, and have now started this business together,” Bhogalakshmi told FMT Lifestyle. The menu was developed by the two women, while Indiran handles most of the cooking. “Whenever I go to restaurants, I usually end up with heartburn. So we made a point of avoiding refined oils in our dishes, so customers can leave feeling good,” he shared. And we can attest to that. Their fried bhaji – a popular street food in South India – is among the restaurant’s top sellers. FMT Lifestyle tried the milagai (chilli) and vazhakai (raw banana) bhaji, and both were outstanding. The milagai or chilli bhaji is light and crispy, and certainly packs the heat. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle) For those who like things hot, the chilli bhaji is a must – it will truly make your eyes water! Yet, paired with their mint chutney and tangy date-tamarind sauce, it strikes the perfect balance, making it impossible to stop at just one. The crispy, light exterior coats the entire chilli and stays intact so it doesn’t fall off the moment you bite into it. And despite being fried, you won’t be left with greasy fingers. Most of the items here are made to order, so freshness is guaranteed. Another surprising standout? The vegetarian sandwich. It’s packed with protein and flavour – and no, they don’t just slap lettuce and tomato on bread. The vegetarian sandwich is made with tofu and chickpeas – an unlikely combination that’s surprisingly delicious. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle) Crunchy chickpeas, creamy crumbled tofu, and a tangy mix of mint and tamarind between two slices of multigrain makes for a satisfying sandwich. Even meat lovers won’t have any complaints! The menu includes the classic and quintessential South Indian favourites cherished by Malaysians, from thosai and idli to paratha. Ah, but there’s a twist – options like the karuvepillai podi (curry leaf powder) thosai and murungakkai podi (drumstick powder) thosai are rarely found at other eateries in the city. Served with sambar and chutney, these are definitely must-tries. Don’t mistake healthy for a lack of indulgence: their peanut butter brioche is generously filled and topped with butter that melts into the soft bun. They even have kaya, strawberry, and pistachio versions. Don’t leave without trying their tea and bru coffee. (Moganraj Villavan @ FMT Lifestyle) Pair all of the above with a freshly brewed tea or bru coffee, made by Bhogalakshmi using fresh milk and unrefined jaggery. Sweet but not too sweet – and adjustable to taste – it’s guaranteed to hit the spot. As Thinnai Express is located near several office buildings, tables fill up fast during lunch hours, especially for their thali – rice served with side dishes, with a new menu every day. And with events such as karaoke jams and stand-up comedy nights on weekends, Thinnai Express is shaping up to be more than just an eatery. “I used to think production work was tiring, working day and night – but running a restaurant is tiring on a different level. It’s something new, and what keeps us going is seeing customers leave happy,” Bhogalakshmi concluded. Follow Thinnai Express on Instagram. Thinnai Express Floor B1, Wisma MCIS Zurich, Jalan Barat, PJS 52, 46200 Petaling Jaya,Selangor Business hours: 10am-9.30pm (Mondays to Fridays) 9am-4pm (Saturdays)