Kuala Lumpur - Best South Indian Vegetarian Food in KL from Saravana Bhavan

[klyeoh]

Saravana Bhavan never disappoints me, whether I'm at their branch in Chennai, London, Dubai, Singapore, or here in KL.

My fave eatery in PJ New Town is clean, bright and bustling. What we tried this evening:

- House special vegetarian thali set, where 10 types of curried vegetables, pickles and yoghurt-based condiments surrounded a bowl of fluffy white rice, with a chappati bread on the side. It's a veritable vegetarian's dream;

- Paper dosa, served with white coconut chutney, mint chutney and dhal curry dips. The dosa was to-die for: crisp, golden-brown, fragrant, shiny with ghee & outrageously tasty;

- Vegetarian briyani rice. This dish paled in comparison with the 2 earlier dishes, though still good - generous portion of saffron-tinted rice studded with cashewnuts, peas, carrots & other vegetables, perfumed with cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon & other aromatic spices. The side-dish of cucumber-onion raita complemented the rice perfectly.

Address details
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Saravana Bhavan
52/2, Jalan Sultan
46200 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Tel: [phone]
Website: www.saravanabhavan.com/

[klyeoh]

OK, so I finally found good, 100% authentic South Indian coffee right here in Saravana Bhavan - at its Jalan Maarof branch in Bangsar: foamy, milky-rich (although cow's milk is used here in KL, versus mainly buffalo milk in Chennai, India) and with a rich, strong aroma.

The mini "idlis" (each one a mere mouthful) soaked in flavorsome sambhar is a must-have dish.

The "dahi puri" is also very well-made and comparable to those I had during my recent South Indian sojourn.

[huiray]

I'm wondering (just a tad) if you've got into a "kari mode" after your recent Indian sojourn - with your other recent posts about Malay curries as well - although you mentioned being very glad to get your teeth into non-curry stuff on your return to KL!

The food looks interesting, as always in your posts. Hmm - what's the yellow "shaved" stuff on the "dahi puri"?

[klyeoh]

Not "shaved" stuff, huiray, but crisp "sev" noodles.

[klyeoh]

Back in Saravana Bhavan a few days back to try some new options on its menu. Nothing disappoint at this place:
- Kothu parotta, very tasty with a pronounced chilli spike. A soothing yoghurt-onion-cucumber raita served on the side was a perfect companion to the assertive flavors of the red-hot kothu.
- Spicy kadai paneer (Indian cheese) was thick, very tomatoey. A plain naan or plain steamed rice would have been perfect.
- Masala milk - my first time having this drink, essentially boiled milk flavored with ghee and spices (cloves/cinnamon/cardamom), then served with chopped almonds/pistachios. Deliciously rich and satisfying.