The secret of Wawasan 20 — spices blended with love

2026-03-20 - 03:10

A partnership blended in love ... M Paneerselvam and A Janaki have been teasing people’s tastebuds with their spicy mixes since 2019. KAJANG: “What are you cooking? How many kilos of chicken and beef?” — simple questions that often serve as the opening line at a bustling corner stall in Pasar Kajang, run by an elderly couple. For customers, the query from M Paneerselvam and his wife, A Janaki — affectionately known as Aunty Jenny — marks the start of a delicious journey, ensuring special celebrations like Aidilfitri become cherished family memories. In the days leading up to Aidilfitri, the atmosphere at Wawasan 20 Rempah Basah transforms into a battleground of fragrances fighting for prominence, filling the air with the enticing aroma of fresh spices. Queues that stretch up to 50 metres weave past neighbouring fish stalls. The wait may be long, but customers remain patient, knowing that the secret behind Janaki’s legendary rendang and curry pastes lies in the quality of the spices she prepares. What sets their fresh spices apart is not just the secret concoctions, but the warmth of this husband-and-wife team, always generous in sharing their culinary knowledge. This shop is not new; it has been part of Kajang’s heartbeat for 43 years, testament to the resilience of a family-run business. Paneerselvam said customers often call his wife just to ask for the correct techniques for using her spices. “To us, these calls aren’t interruptions; they are a genuine show of trust, a desire to serve dishes that bring families closer together.” “I see it as an honour. Cooking isn’t just about mixing ingredients — it’s a way to nurture love at home,” he added. The fresh spices sold by M Paneerselvam and A Janaki are among the favourites of Kajang residents during festive seasons. A name inspired by Wawasan 2020 Their shop’s name carries its own story. The couple initially wanted to call it “Wawasan 2020” in honour of the vision introduced by the fourth prime minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad. However, since “2020” was already registered with the government, they creatively chose “20” to retain a connection with the original. Paneerselvam is not your average neighbourhood stallholder; he was once national karate coach and now serves as vice-president of the Malaysian Karate Federation. But weekends mean helping his wife mind the shop. Paneerselvam counts himself lucky to have married someone who cooks. “Aunty Jenny works so hard, and her food is delicious. She cooks an array of dishes, from rendang to prawn sambal,” he said. More than that, he loves the fact that she is also eager to share that joy with others through her carefully prepared spices. The secret behind A Janaki’s legendary rendang and curry pastes lies in the quality of the spices she prepares. Blends inspired by a passion for cooking Janaki, who has been running a grocery store she set up with Paneerselvam in 1983, began focusing seriously on spices in 2019. “My husband didn’t want me to make fresh spices at first; he was worried I’d be tired and told me to stick to the grocery shop. But I’ve always loved cooking,” Janaki recalled. Her passion led the way to a wide array of blends of spices — for every dish from chicken and beef curry to soups, kuzi, gulai kawah, nasi briyani and assam pedas. Authenticity comes from meticulous preparation: Janaki roasts spices like coriander and cumin herself before grinding them — without adding any flour. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with some customers saying her spices remind them of their mothers’ cooking from 30 or 40 years ago. Janaki’s spices have found connoisseurs beyond Malaysia. Orders are coming in from Australia, London, and even Paris, for those craving a taste of home. As Aidilfitri approaches, the processing of raw ingredients like chilies and onions surges, with the family, including children, and staff working together to ensure every customer leaves with a smile and a packet of spices made with love. Wawasan 20 Rempah Basah is more than a business — it is proof that sincerity can unite hearts on a colourful Syawal morning.