GEM Restaurant @ Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur

GEM Restaurant is one of those places that need's no introduction. It is one that has been around for ages with a number of outlets overseas as well. A semi fine dining restaurant that specialises in both North and South Indian dishes. I have been dining here for decades now and have never returned an unsatisfied customer. Being a vegetarian today, instead of going for the usual Banana Leaf Meals, I decided to drop over and try out their Vegetarian Briyani instead.

The Restaurant Located In Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur

A Cosy Set Up

This restaurant is located along Jalan Tun Sambanthan, right opposite NU Sentral Mall. It is almost impossible to miss this place. Open daily from 11.30 am till 11.30 pm, the place offers a great atmosphere and fantastic food. Chefs and staffs are all from India and one is guaranteed of being served great food all year around. I was also thrilled to see that they now do delivery service as well, with a minimum order quantity. I can't recall how much that was but that is surely a welcomed initiative. It was a little after the usual lunch hours and even then, there were customers coming by. I think I walked in around 3.30 pm and huge groups were just leaving then. In a way it is good as I would be able to get my food faster. 

Their Menu

Soups Menu

Briyani and Meal Sets

Bread and Deserts

Drinks Menu

Warm Water in a Copper Vessel

They had a great variety at offer and the above are just some of their menu pages. It took me a while to go through them but then, since I had already made up my mind as to what I wanted to have, that made it easier. Time was taken when I was deciding on the soup and desert. Even then, the waiter patiently waited while I confirmed my orders. Once that was done, I was served some warm water in those lovely copper vessels. Just love it when they go by the books like this. The only one that was missing was the Papadam's and Mint Sauce. Well, I guess they only serve those to larger groups. Once again, this is only my assumption. Since I had quite a bit to finish, I didn't bother asking them for it. 

Vegetarian Corn Soup @ RM 5.90

Vegetarian Corn Soup @ RM 5.90

My soup arrived in about 15 minutes. I know that that may seem like a long waiting time but please note that everything is made to order here. Nothing is pre prepared. So, a little wait time like this afternoon is common. Anyway, wouldn't we all prefer our food to be freshly prepared. Coming back to the soup, I ordered the above shown Vegetarian Corn Soup and it was priced at RM 5.90 . Fairly reasonable I think looking at the portion size which is just about the usual that we commonly get at those Western restaurants. A slightly sweet preparation made with starch, corn, peas and diced carrots and it tasted pretty good. Something different for a change and I loved it. I would rate this at 8/10 .

Vegetable Briyani @ RM 12.90

Huge Portion

Another lovely preparation that came with loads of vegetables and the Briyani tasted so good. I could eat this on it's own without any of those sides. Each bite was a treat to my taste buds. Amazing stuff and I would rate this at 9.5/10 . For RM 12.90 in such a classy restaurant, I felt that the price was very reasonable as well. 

Onion Raita

Their Onion Raita was one of those sides that were provided with the Briyani Set and the preparation was just awesome. I literally dipped my fingers into the container and enjoyed it thoroughly till the last drop. It was so concentrated and tasted amazingly good. I would rate this at 10/10 . Excellent!

Sambar

Their Sambar was tasty as well. Again, this was one that was provided complimentary with the Briyani sets. Do note that this is not the common version that is found in Malaysia. This preparation is like the one that we find in Tamil Nadu. A few additional spices are added and that gives it a much deeper and bolder taste. I loved it and as such, would rate this at 9/10 .

Banana & Pistachio Kulfi @ RM 8.00

For those who do not know, Kulfi is the Indian version of Ice Cream. Today, it was Banana and Pistachio Kulfi. I am a huge fan of Kulfi and the preparation here was just excellent. Vanilla Kulfi is a common variety but the special mix of Banana and Pistachios, are a rare find and I was glad that they had made this today. Rich with milk and bananas, it's a great protein fix for vegetarians and it tasted so good. I would rate this at 8.5/10 .

Masala Tea @ RM 5.00

Masala Tea @ RM 5.00

After a sumptuous Indian Meal, it would not be complete if I did not have a cup of Masala Tea. Just like the rest of the food, this too was perfectly fixed.  A rich blend of tea and Indian spices, a must have after a feast. Loved this too and I would rate this at 9/10 .

In summary, I was in a state of bliss after my meal here. Every single dish was exceptionally good. Not a single dish that I tried was a let down. And for the kind of restaurant they are, truly very reasonable prices. This is definitely a place that I would highly recommend!!!

Address: No. 124, Jalan Tun Sambanthan. Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Opening Hours: 1130 - 2330 Daily

Telephone: +603 2260 1373