Restoran Insaf Baru @ Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur

Restoran Insaf is a very old and trusted name that has been around since the 1970's serving excellent South Indian style Briyani. To those that used to frequent Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in the 70's and 80's, there were not many eateries along this stretch at those times and this used to be a must visit restaurant then. For me, when anyone mentions Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, there are a few names that comes up to my mind and they are Globe Silk Store, GS Gills, Coliseum Cafe, Minerva Book Store and Restoran Insaf and these are all part of my childhood memories. Coming back to this restaurant, in recent years there has been a management take over by one partner and hence the name had been changed to Restoran Insaf Baru. 

Restoran Insaf Baru along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

Inside the restaurant

This restaurant used to be only visited by the Indians and Indian Muslims in the early years but now you get a lot of Malay customers coming here too. The food has been consistent but the price has definitely sky rocketed. The restaurant has also undergone some renovation in the recent years but the way that it is run, is very much the same. Do note that it can be very busy during lunch hours and sometimes you may need to wait a while before being able to get a table. Once in the restaurant, you could either place your orders at the table or like me, prefer to walk up to the food counter and select the dishes over there as you are able to see all the dishes that have been prepared for the day and you can select according to your preference. Dining here is not very comfortable as you do not have the privilege of being able to sit long after your meal and have a conversation as customers are coming in and everyone is rushing for a table. At times, you may have people waiting behind your seats for you to finish your meal so that they can occupy your table next. Despite this, people are willing to sacrifice that comfort factor just because the food is really good.

A Busy Day At The Restaurant

Mango Juice @ RM 5.00

Almost everyone coming here would order the above Mango Juice. From those days, this has been extremely famous here as they prepare a really thick glass that is very satisfying. Here, they either use Indian  or Australian Mangoes only. These mangoes are also sold by the Kilo's at the entrance. I would strongly recommend anyone to try their Mango Juice. I would rate the above drink at 10/10 .

Mutton Briyani @ RM 15.00

Mutton Briyani @ RM 15.00

My all time favourite here is their Mutton Briyani. It is cooked according to the traditional 'Karaikudi' way, also known as the 'Chettinad' way. Mutton chunks with gravy is cooked along with the rice and this brings about greater flavours compared to cooking the rice and mutton separately. Definitely a heavenly preparation and I would rate their Mutton Briyani at 9.7/10 .

Chicken Briyani @ RM 13.00

Chicken Briyani @ RM 13.00

For the Chicken Briyani, you could go with their Original Briyani which has the chicken cooked along with the rice or just take the plain briyani rice and add a piece of Kurma Chicken like the above. Their original style is slightly on the spicy side and for those who cannot tolerate spiciness, then this is an option. Both are equally good. My rating for the above Chicken Briyani is 9.5/10 .

Dhallcha

Dhallcha

Do note that the above is not Sambar but Dhallcha. Both are different as this is cooked along with some chicken bones that brings about a much different taste. Some may confuse this with Sambar as both look similar but Sambar is a vegetarian dish and this is not. This goes very well with their briyani rice and additional top ups can be requested for no extra charge. I would rate their Dhallcha at 9.2/10 .

Cucumber Acar

Another compulsory sides that goes with this style of briyani is the above Vegetable Acar. Most often, cucumber and carrots are used in the vinegar infused base that gives the Acar a stinging yet sweet flavour to it. Their Acar was quite well prepared and I would rate this at 8.8/10 .

Mashed Brinjals in Black Pepper @ RM 6.00

Mashed Brinjals in Black Pepper @ RM 6.00

They just had two variety of vegetables and therefore I chose the above Mashed Brinjals prepared with Black Pepper. This was an extremely spicy dish that came in a very thick gravy. It didn't go well with the Briyani and perhaps would have gone better with Chapati's or other Indian breads. Nevertheless, as a dish, it was very well prepared and I would rate this dish at 9/10 .

Honey Chicken @ RM 10.00

Honey Chicken @ RM 10.00

I also ordered the above piece of Honey Chicken which was priced at RM 10.00 per piece. Come to think of it, it is expensive but it was really delicious. I love the way that the Chicken was prepared and it was not overly sweet and had just the right balance of sweetness and spices. Definitely a recommended dish. I would rate this at 9/10 .

Fried Masala Fish Roe @ RM 10.00 per plate

Fried Masala Fish Roe @ RM 10.00 per plate

The Fish Roe was coated in spices and deep fried to perfection. Being a Fish Roe lover, this was definitely a treat. I loved the way it was spiced and fried. Though the outer coating was crisp, the inside was still soft and had all the juices still intact. Do note that this is a spicy dish. I would rate this at 9.7/10 . 

This place surely has withstood the test of time and I am very glad that they are still serving excellent food despite the management takeover in recent years. The food is still superb, the service is speedy and though it is a premium price that we need to pay, I would still come back here anytime for a good meal.

Address: 158, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur.

Telephone: +603 2691 2806

Opening Hours: 1100 - 2100 Daily