Abroad
Beyond race, religion & labels: Indian M'sian chef, 34, cooks CNY meal for Chinese godmother's family
Chosen family.
February 18, 2026, 02:08 PM
10 years ago, Kalidevan Murugaya rented a room with his friend, who was his godmother's son.
Also known as Chef Dave, the 34-year-old Malaysian chef shared that the pair were starting their careers and decided to share a room to save money.
Speaking to Mothership, Dave said that he met Elvin, who was his godmother's son, and became friends during their early working days in Kuala Lumpur.
To Elvin's family, Dave was just "their son's Indian roommate".
As Dave lived far from his family at the time, Elvin's family began inviting him to their small celebrations, gatherings, and even Chinese New Year reunion dinners.
When Elvin got a place of his own and Dave moved in, he became more involved with Elvin's family.
A new tradition
Things changed six years ago when Elvin's mother was in an accident.
Elvin's mother stayed with the two after she got into an accident and required time to recover.
"That period changed everything," said Dave.
In an Instagram video, he shared that Elvin's mother was a single mother raising four children.
Dave realised how much Elvin's mother cared for the family, especially during the festive season.
"Chinese New Year used to mean that I would simply show up, eat, laugh and enjoy. But after her accident, the family considered eating out because she could no longer stand in the kitchen for long hours like before," he added.
In the video, Dave is seen accompanying his godmother to the grocery store, decorating the house, and picking up flowers.
He also described her as his second mother.
Thus, after years of quietly learning from Elvin's mother in the kitchen and as a plant-based chef, Dave stepped up and began to cook for the family.
On the first day of Chinese New Year, Dave would prepare traditional dishes like Lo Han Cai, Lotus Root Peanut Soup, Braised Daikon with Mushrooms, and Asam Pedas, with his own touch.
"Gradually, it became a new tradition, instead of going out, everyone gathers at my home for lunch and dinner," he added.
Dave told Mothership that what he shares with his godmother goes beyond race, religion and labels.
Elvin and his family would celebrate Deepavali with him and would visit his family in Johor.
"My festivals are theirs, and theirs are mine," he said.
"Beyond titles and numbers, this story is about chosen family, and the quiet love that grows over time.
To me, this is the Malaysia I believe in."
Top photos via ChefDev/Instagram
