The Sweet Life Of Nadia Nasimuddin

A well-known surname comes with its own gravity, even before introductions are made. But spend a few minutes with Nadia Nasimuddin, and it’s her soft-spoken, grounded presence that carries through. In private, she offsets that weight with a life built around quiet mornings, a cup of coffee, movement, and the freedom to learn as she goes. “I wake up very early. I usually pray, meditate, and go to the gym before my kids wake up. I like to get all of that done first. Once they’re up, it’s about spending time with them and being present. They’re at an age where they’re growing up so fast, so I try to be there for them,” Nadia says.

These calm early hours are simply a prelude to the whirlwind that follows her day-to-day life. Ten years into running Dotty’s Pastries & Coffee, the entrepreneur and mother of four has faced challenges that no boardroom could prepare her for. Operational hurdles, costs, and fierce competition are daily realities in the F&B world. “Building something from the heart is very testing,” Nadia admits. “It’s not easy when you have cafes and bakeries around every corner. But what we have done right is incorporate local flavours into our pastries. We have customers from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Dubai who come specifically for that. I try to put my personal touch into everything here at Dotty’s. It’s part of me, not just a random cafe and pastry place.”

Even the simplest memories coexist on Dotty’s menu. A signature dish, in particular, is one Nadia couldn’t get enough of as a child. “Our signature croti with sambal sardin is something my mum used to make, and I would always have it with bread,” she recalls fondly. Now, the croti is a hybrid of croissant and roti canai—crisp, flaky, and buttery, topped with her mum’s sambal recipe. “It’s like an after-school snack from my childhood, but reimagined.”

What’s one non-negotiable in your daily routine, no matter how busy things get?

My workout. I do weight training, pilates, reformers, and running. I like to run; I was a sprinter when I was younger, and when I went to college, I started jogging a lot. Running has just stuck with me. Now, whenever I feel stressed, I run it off.

After a long day, what’s your favourite way to reset?

I like to read books. I’m currently reading Atomic Habits, and I recently finished The Art of Spending Money and Happy Sexy Millionaire. I’d like to read more this year. I don’t really mind genres, but I enjoy self-help books and taking notes from them.

One dish you could eat weekly and never tire of?

Nasi lemak. It’s my comfort food and a staple. I like it simple. Maybe ayam goreng at most but, otherwise, as simple as it gets. I especially love the small, packed ones.

What kind of music makes you happy?

I like a lot of pop, so I enjoy artists such as Ed Sheeran and Coldplay. I also listen to a lot of Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls. In fact, I saw Backstreet Boys live in Las Vegas.

Something you’ll happily splurge on and something you’ll never overspend on?

I don’t mind splurging on coffee and, especially, holidays. I’m trying to cut back on tangible things, and focus more on experiences and memories because they stick with you longer. I also want to be mindful, so my kids don’t grow up being driven by external factors. I probably won’t overspend on luxury goods anymore. I used to buy things impulsively, but now I try to be disciplined. The joy you get from material things is so temporary.

Something you own that holds meaning for you?

I have a keepsake box with all of my kids’ pregnancy scans and memories. My pregnancy journeys were always really tough, so I keep every little thing as a way to hold onto those moments. I’d also say our family album. My dad (the late Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin) isn’t around anymore, so it feels very special to have all these physical memories.

Most memorable destination you’ve travelled to?

My recent trip to Rovaniemi in Finland. We were there to celebrate my husband’s 40th birthday, and we were lucky enough to catch the Aurora. The trip really stripped life back to the essentials. Even though we stayed in a luxury accommodation, it was all about spending time in nature. Everything we ate came from the forest, and we did simple outdoor activities. My son, who’s into history and geography, told me Finland is one of the happiest countries on Earth, and he was definitely right.

Something you want more of this year?

For work, I’d like to grow my business further. For family, I want to travel more with them and be truly present. With all of the devices around, it’s easy to get distracted. When I ask my kids about their highlights from last year, they mention moments we shared together—like skiing trips—and that makes me realise how much they value quality time. Personally, I want to let go of things I can’t control, and embrace more gratitude and love.

Dotty’s Pastries & Coffee

Photography by Anna-Rina