by Athirah Sofea

 

Indian cuisine ranks high on the palates of most Malaysians and around the world, this food genre which offers a burst of different flavours is enjoyed by millions. What is unique about this cuisine are the fresh spices, intoxicating aromas and rich ingredients you find in each dish. Despite being able to taste a hint of the same ingredients in Indian dishes, you’ll find that they never overlap in flavour. 

 

As Deepavali approaches, let’s get in the festive mood with a list of flavourful Indian restaurants in Klang Valley, London and Singapore to try out. 

 

Raju’s 

Source: Malaysia Most Wanted

 

For years, this has been a favourite lepak-spot (hangout spot) among the Petaling Jaya people – Raju’s, a family-owned business which has run for over 50 years. 

 

It is usually crowded during breakfast and lunch, so do expect a small queue when you go there. A visit here guarantees a fluffy and crispy roti canai and for a perfect breakfast combo, be sure to pair this with a glass of aromatic teh tarik. If you prefer to go there during lunch, they serve good banana leaf rice with a range of freshly fried items and flavourful curries. A personal favourite is the fried squid and onion. Whether it’s breakfast or lunch, you wouldn’t want to miss out on this.  

  

Address: 383, Jalan 5/59, Bukit Gasing, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor 

  

Devi’s Corner 

Source: Goody Foodies

If you are a big fan of banana leaf rice, I would recommend you to check out Devi’s Corner in Bangsar.  

 

For those who are not familiar with this meal, instead of eating from a plate, your food is served on a banana leaf. It is said that eating on a banana leaf will enhance the taste of the food and I couldn’t agree more. There is nothing more satisfying than digging into rice drenched in mixed curries. What makes this particular shop stand out among the other banana leaf restaurants is the crab curry, which is thick, richly spiced and loaded with crab meat. You can also add-on more proteins to go with your meal. Another recommendation is the Chicken 65, a deep-fried spiced chicken with curry leaves and green chilies. The side dishes here vary from day-to-day and something you don’t always come across at other restaurants is the incredible mango chutney. 

 

A bonus is you can get free Kesari, an Indian sweet if you visit on a Friday. 

  

Address: 9, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur 

  

Yarl 

Source: Yarl

The home of northern Sri Lankan cuisine, serving authentic tastes of Jaffna since 2009.  

 

Yarl is known for its reasonably-priced thali set which is available for lunch and dinner. There’s a wide selection of mouth-watering dishes here but one of the signature dishes is the mutton bone varuval, prepared through a slow cooking method. Another crowd-pleasing dish is their Jaffna crab curry, a dry style crab curry made using imported spices native to the Jaffna region. This dish tastes like a good home-cooked meal and is simply delicious! The spices here are expertly blended by their in-house chefs to give you the authentic taste. For after meals, you can enjoy the Sri Lankan sweet appam with gula melaka, it has one of the best textures – crispy sides with a fluffy and creamy centre. 

 

If you’re in KL and looking for a wholesome and hearty meal, you can visit one of the outlets closest to you as there are a few in the Klang Valley. 

 

Address: No 24, Asian Heritage Row, Jalan Doraisamy, 50300 Kuala Lumpur 

  

Kayra Authentic Kerala Cuisine 

Source: Eat Drink KL

This Keralan restaurant started as a tribute by Meriam Sophia Alonso to her grandparents who travelled from Kerala to Malaysia.  

 

Start your meal with the Kerala dahi puri, a crisply puffy rice shell with rasam shots. For the main course you can go for the amazing mutton bone marrow or the seabass – called Meen pepper curry leaf, both of these dishes are beautifully cooked with aromatic and redolent of spice. You’ll want rice to go with this. Another dish that appeals most from the menu would be the mango curry, with an option of okra or prawn for you to choose from. You also wouldn’t want to miss the sweet appam, a simple yet very appetizing dish. 

 

Address:  F-8, 1, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur 

 

Khan’s 

Source:Foursquare

Source: Khan’s Restaurant

Khan’s is Europe’s largest and most popular Indian-Pakistani restaurant and has been around for over 40 years. The food here is said to have always been consistent in its taste. The crowd-pleaser dish at Khan’s is the dreamiest and creamiest butter chicken, super tender chicken in this creamy rich orange-red sauce. They also serve one of the best and tastiest curry in London, this can be paired with the beautifully flavoured pilau rice. 

 

Returning customers always say the food here is as good as it has ever been, so if you are ever in the Bayswater area, don’t forget to give this place a go! 

 

Address:  13-15 Westbourne Grove, London W2 4UA, United Kingdom 

 

The Banana Leaf Apolo 

Source: Wikimedia

Source: The Honey Combers

This family-run Indian restaurant in Little India, Singapore that have been around since 1974 serves authentic taste between the Northern and Southern delights, including its signature fish head curry. The serving of the fish head is large and it comes with a heavenly aromatic smell of herbs & spices.  

 

Another must-try is the comforting taste of the biryani, cooked using fragrant Basmati rice. The biryani rice here is so well-flavoured that it’s great to be eaten on its own. A plus point when you dine at this restaurant is the rice is priced at the minimum serving per person and any addition of the biryani or white rice is free of charge!  

 

Address:  54 Race Course Rd, Singapore 218564 

 

These restaurants will surely charm those who love rich flavours and satisfy any Indian cuisine cravings. I have yet to try Khan’s and The Banana Leaf Apolo, but from the reviews that I’ve gathered, I am sure our colleagues in London and Singapore will have a pleasant dining experience at both restaurants. Be sure to add these to your list and plan a makan-makan (dining) date with family and friends.