1901 hot dogs – food business with a big heart
I’ve always liked 1901, more so after discovering that it is a Malaysian brand. The food is inexpensive, the sausages taste great and it’s good for a quick meal on the move. The lack of outlets in places where I usually hang out is the only deterrent to my consuming more of the hot dogs. Well, that and limited stomach space.
When I received an invitation from Nadia of 1901 Hot Dogs to sample a couple of new products at their KLCC outlet, I said yes and promptly scheduled an appointment in the city that day so I could stop by at KLCC for lunch. Sneaky sneaky.
Zakir (CEO and co-founder) and Afzan Adenan (Brand Manager) were there to greet us. Raymond (Marketing Manager) arrived later. They were warm, friendly, down-to-earth and amiable. Chatted for a bit about hot dogs and blogging, then they told us about their new products. Better yet, presented some forth for consumption 
Top L-R: Zakir with the promotional leaflet, Coney Dog in pau.
Bottom L-R: Deutsch Doodle Dang in pau, Cheezy Carbonara in bun
The new items were the Coney Dog and Deutsch Doodle Dang in pau, as opposed to the usual buns with sesame seeds. As paus go, they were light and fluffy, and really went well with the sausages and sauces. I particularly liked the Deutsch Doodle Dang in pau – steamed chicken sausage in pau with mashed potato, sauerkraut, black pepper sauce, light New York dressing and the best part: chilli flakes! I actually feel like one right now…
Afzan’s favourite is anything with cheese, so he got a Cheezy Carbonara for us to try. In fact, he went on quite a bit about his love for cheese, which was quite amusing to see. I’ve not met anyone who speaks of cheese with such light and love in his eyes 
Zakir told us more about the business that he set up with his wife, which I will not go into details here. I suppose you can read about that on their website. He told us that the meat for 1901 sausages are sourced from Australia and New Zealaned, then made into sausages here in Malaysia. They use good cuts of the meat (e.g. chicken breast for chicken sausages), the evidence I’m sure you can taste in every bite of the sausage. He also tries to promote healthier food intake, hence the only soft drink he’d sell is Coke Light.
Top L-R: KY, me, Zakir and Afzan, me eating my Coney Dog pau
Bottom L-R: Random pseudo-artistic shot, the 1901 team twittering
As mentioned to Zakir, I like 1901’s business approach. I didn’t know that it’s a Malaysian brand/ team/ company until I read about it somewhere a few years ago. They do not go all out thumping their chest yelling, ‘Malaysia Boleh!’ Just let the products do the talking lah… then be pleasantly surprised when you eventually find out that it’s Malaysian.
Wow this non-advertorial post has gone on for a bit for a few free hot dogs, eh? Well I can’t help it, I’m especially wordy when it comes to things/ places/ people I like. Here comes the best bit…
For their Corporate Social Responsibility programme, the 1901 team has chosen to feed the homeless in KL. Every Wednesday (rain or shine), the entire 1901 HQ team would gather at the open air car park behind Menara Maybank (near the Puduraya bus station) at 5 p.m. From there they would be divided into groups to run around the city centre, giving out food for homeless people. The programme is now open to the public, so if you are interested in volunteering, do find out more info from their CSR page.
As Zakir said, it is not just giving the homeless people a packet of nasi lemak each and run off to the next person. They talk, listen and comfort them, and think of ways to help them in life. There are some people who can be helped, there are some who cannot be helped. For those who can be helped, well the 1901 team are trying to come up with ideas and more programmes to help them stand on their own feet again.
I was quite touched and humbled when Zakir and Afzan talked about the programme. They seemed really passionate in what they are doing and it does show lor. Then I got home and checked out their CSR blog, read the stories and felt real good that they are doing this. You must read the blog post on Osman, ex-drug addict and HIV positive turned self-appointed supervisor for the 1901 Food For The Homeless programme. In his own words, “I don’t want to die alone by the roadside, I want to die in front of my mother“.
You can get more information on 1901 hot dogs at their website, and their Food For The Homeless programme on their Facebook page. Thanks for having me folks.
Related Posts
- Ryan and his broken heart
- Beware of the dog because she will lick you to death
- lost kottke love
- had a bad day again
- walkers salt & vinegar crisps ftw!
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
1901 is delicious no doubt. i like it. what they are doing is really something great. good job and we are proud to be Malaysian.
the CEO was really one of the most down to earth person I’ve met, and it doesn’t hurt that their hotdogs are actually quite good.
Suanie; I’m touched. That’s such a larger than life picture about myself (and ourselves). I’m flattered and humbled all at the same time. Thanks a million for writing about the meet up, the hot dogs, Food for the Homeless, for everything. So sweet of you…
Yah so sad, the 1901 in The Curve is gone and replaced with Subway!
I miss their lemonade tho, it was nice and sour. Tell him to bring it back!
My parents LOVE 1901, I’m not a fast food person but I’ve heard their hot dogs are really, really, REALLY good.
I love 1901. I thought it was originally from New York in the beginning though.
1901 ftw. more outlets pls! and yes, bring back the lemonade!!!!!
“He also tries to promote healthier food intake, hence the only soft drink he’d sell is Coke Light. ”
I LOVE THIS GUY
DIET COKE FOREVER
The sausages in the pau looks like the “money bag” version from the chinese restaurants where they have korobuta pork with pau!
This is basically processed meat.
Has no nutrition.
Cancer la babe.
Avoid.
They even have kiosk in Singapore. A good quick fix when rushing for movie in GSC and didn’t have dinner yet.
myhorng: indeed!
KY: very nice guy
afzam: heh you and ringo of cheeserland.com!
ST: it’s a bit hard to locate nearby outlets, i didn’t know the curve one closed down already. a bit lazy to go to 1U
mell: they are tasty! the hot dogs, not your parents
The Envoy: Same here!
kim: hear hear!
pinkpau: it’s not really diet you know…
eiling: haha my mom loves it! probably they got their inspiration from there
noprocessedmeat: oxymoron-ish, but at least healthier version of fast food, no?
simon: they have one in china too!