In Malaysia, Indian restaurants are everywhere, from hawker stalls to fancy banquet halls, drawing crowds of hungry people hankering for a taste of their favourite dishes.
If you count yourself among this bunch, perhaps head over to Jaya One in Petaling Jaya to explore Indian cuisine with a unique twist.
“The British Raj” is an Indian restaurant like no other, featuring classic Indian food fused with hints of English cuisine.
Despite how unorthodox this combination may sound, loyal patrons can attest that the fare served here is both unique and delicious.
Stepping inside, you’ll see that the restaurant’s interior décor harkens back to 19th century establishments, with furnishings that perfectly fit the aesthetic.
Service here is impeccable, with friendly waiters at your beck and call and happy to make recommendations to the first-time customer.
So, what’s cooking, chef?
For adventurous diners, the Lamb Bunny Chow, a dish unknown to most Malaysians, is recommended.
Created by the Indian community in South Africa, it features a hollow bread cube filled with lip-smacking lamb curry. It is believed that Indian plantation workers in South Africa carried lunch to the field in hollowed-out bread loaves much like the one served here.
Feel free to pull apart chunks of bread to mop up the thick gravy with. Needless to say, this delicacy is certainly one to be shared with everyone at the table.
In India, paani puri is a popular snack sold by roadside vendors, who stuff a round hollow puri with every imaginable mixture of fillings.
Here at The British Raj, this street food is elevated to a fine dining appetiser, served with shots of vodka rather than the usual tamarind water.
To enjoy, simply fill the hollow ball with the vodka shot and pop whole into your mouth, letting the burst of flavours tantalise your taste buds. There is also a non-alcoholic version, and it’s every bit as tasty as its boozy alternative.
If you happen to have many hungry mouths to feed, or just one person at the table with an insatiable appetite, the Land and Sea Tandoori Platter will do the trick.
A single serving consists of a selection of fish tikka, chicken malai kebab, lemon chicken and king prawns in mint sauce.
Also included are three dipping sauces – mint, garlic and tomato – all perfect complements to the protein on the platter.
Lovers of all things seafood, in particular fans of “ikan bakar” are likely to find the Grilled Whole Seabass Fish with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce an absolute delight.
The flesh of the seabass is soft and succulent topped by a flavourful and crispy skin while the garlic lemon butter sauce, with its strong zesty flavour packs quite a punch.
For something just as spectacular, dig into the Sizzling Mutton in a tomato-based blended sauce.
Brought to the table in a sizzling hot pan and making quite a racket, whiffs of this tantalising dish can be detected from a mile away.
The slab of mutton is perfectly roasted in an Indian oven before a second round of cooking in a flat pan.
Speaking to FMT, restaurant founder and avid food enthusiast Shiva Narayanan said that The British Raj is his way of standing out from the crowd of other fusion restaurants.
“I have been to quite a few restaurants in my lifetime, and I had this idea in my head to try and be different. I didn’t want to open another banana leaf restaurant. In PJ alone, we have about two around every corner!”
Despite The British Raj being his first restaurant, it is safe to say that the fare and service here is more than deserving of success; so do drop by for a hearty and unforgettable meal soon.
The British Raj (Pork-free)
50-G, Block D
Jaya One
46200 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Operating hours: 11.30am-11.30pm daily (closed on Mondays)
Contact: 017-628 2101
Website: thebritishraj.com