Dapur Mariae began as a small business created in the founders (Mariae and Gerard) humble home kitchen driven by a passion for Malaysian food, and a desire to make traditional flavours easier to source without a trip to a specialist supermarket. At the age of 10, Mariae began joining her mum in the kitchen, where she cultivated a lifelong love of cooking. When she met Gerard, her husband and (French classically trained chef), they discovered a shared passion for food and a deep appreciation for bringing people together around the table. Encouraged by the enthusiastic support of family and friends who attended their supper clubs, Dapur Mariae was born.
The mission was simple – Making Malaysian food accessible to everyone. What started on a modest scale has grown into a recognised food brand, with its cooking sauces helping customers create authentic Malaysian dishes conveniently in their home kitchen.
The brand is now listed with Ocado, Co-op, Selfridges and independent retailers nationwide, bringing the vibrant tastes of Malaysian cooking to kitchens across the country.
The journey into retail began with winning multiple Quality Food Awards. The award provided an important milestone for the business and helped raise awareness among consumers looking for distinctive, versatile and high-quality cooking products.
The first major retail listing was via the Co-op Incubator Scheme which supported the brand to develop it’s retail presence, and build momentum in a competitive space. Following this achievement, Dapur Mariae is now taking part in the Ocado Roots Programme which offers robust support to emerging challenger brands. This represents another significant step in the brand’s journey and make it’s mark within the online grocery market. Today, authentic Malaysian flavours like Laksa, Rendang, Crunchy Peanut Sauce, Malay Curry, and Sambal can be enjoyed by a wider audience with ease. Alongside Ocado and Co-op, Dapur Mariae is also available in Selfridges and independent stores nationwide. This reflects an increasing interest in global flavours, giving customers more opportunities to discover Malaysian cuisine whether they are experienced cooks, or foodies seeking to make meal times more adventurous.
Following the recent loss of her husband and Co-founder Gerard in June, Mariae now faces the challenge of growing the brand on her own. Mariae said “I will continue the journey with strength and resilience to honour the mission we shared. I believe in the power of two even when only one remains”.
Dapur Mariae’s continued expansion highlights the potential of independent food brands that combine authentic culinary inspiration with convenience for modern shoppers.
