Indian Food Review: Annapurna Restaurant (Rimbayu)

Social media platforms have become the go-to for discovering where to dine, what to eat, and which restaurants to try. That’s how I came across Annapurna Restaurant, a well rated Indian restaurant in Bandar Rimbayu, Selangor, Malaysia (16 G, Jalan Flora 1/1, 42500 Telok Panglima Garang). Their tagline, “Spices That Speak,” promises authentic Indian flavours, a tempting offer (EASIEST VEGETARIAN NASI LEMAK).

 

(Watch the full Indian dining experience at Annapurna Restaurant Rimbayu in Selangor on our YouTube channel)

We arrived at 10:30 a.m. on a Sunday to beat the lunch crowd. At that time, we were the only two diners. The ambiance was serene, clean, and welcoming, exactly how an Indian restaurant should feel.

Among the more-than-enough dishes listed on the menu, we opted for
• Vegetarian Plain Meal (RM 12.00)
• Thiruvalla Keda Kolambu / Bone Marrow Mutton Curry (RM 10.00)
• Dum Prawn Biryani (classic South Indian biryani) (RM 23.00)
• Saffron Kulfi (Indian ice cream dessert) (RM 7.50)
• Kombakonnam Degree Coffee (South Indian filter coffee) (RM 6.00)
• Warm Water (RM 1.00 each)

Our meal began with the Vegetarian Plain Meal. A fresh banana leaf was laid on the table, topped with rice, three Indian-style vegetables, pickle, and rasam (the famed Indian pepper soup). The vegetables were cooked just right, not overly soft - and the curries were well-seasoned with deep, satisfying flavours. Refills of curries were available, whether sparingly or generously atop the rice.

Within five minutes, the Thiruvalla Keda Kolambu, or Bone Marrow Mutton Curry, arrived in a small silver bucket - a visually appealing presentation. The thick, spice-rich gravy came with three sizeable bone marrow pieces (EASY MUTTON CURRY WITH TURMERIC CABBAGE). The meat was tender and came off the bone easily, though getting the marrow out required a bit of effort. Nonetheless, it was a much-loved and truly delicious curry.

(Indian Bone Marrow Curry In Bucket)

About ten minutes later, the Dum Prawn Biryani was served on a silver platter lined with banana leaf, accompanied by raita (Indian yogurt salad), papadam, and prawn curry. Presented in a silver pail, the biryani featured vibrant, grainy rice enhanced with spices and fresh herbs. It came topped with a boiled egg, and sizeable prawns were beneath the rice. The flavours were bold and distinct. The heat was a bit much for me, though my hub had no issue with the spiciness.

(Dum Prawn Biryani Set Meal with Prawn Curry, Raita, & Boiled Egg)

The Saffron Kulfi (Indian ice cream) was creamy and luscious without being overly sweet. Flecks of pistachio and the distinct aroma of saffron made it a truly melt-in-the-mouth treat (PAYASAM INDIAN DESSERT). What impressed me most was the range of kulfi flavours on offer - almond, pistachio, Oreo, mango, saffron, rose, chocolate, and pandan. It was my first time encountering such a creative and diverse selection of kulfi flavours.

(Saffron Pistachios Kulfi/Indian Ice-Cream)

To end the meal, we shared a Kombakonnam Degree Coffee (we requested a sugarless version). This Indian filter coffee was robust, aromatic, and creamy, reminiscent of Bru coffee. A fitting end to the meal.

As a food critic, I offer genuine and honest reviews, and Annapurna Restaurant in Rimbayu delivered everything we look for in Indian cuisine. Truly affordable, as we paid a total of RM59.90 for the generous portions of main meals. Not to mention, the authentic tastes and their customer service must be raved about as well. All big ticks for Annapurna Restaurant, and yes, it’s all spices and all things nice, I must reinforce.