Bijan Bar & Restaurant

It’s hard to believe that this serene restaurant is just a stone’s throw from boisterous Changkat Bukit Bintang. Housed in a Malay-style bungalow, Bijan has visibly been around for the past decade, but this isn’t to say that it’s shabby—rather, the eatery revives memories of dining at your grandparents’ home. The semi open-air concept works beautifully for those who catch the chills easily. Swapping shrimp for tofu, the Cucur Bijan makes a good starter for vegetarians. Seeing how rare it is to encounter duck rendang, a dish classically prepared with chicken or beef, don’t miss out on the Itik Rendang Bijan. The poultry’s crisp flesh easily falls off the bone and the accompanying gravy isn’t too spicy. More a fan of seafood? Opt for the deeply delicious Sotong Hitam Manis, but take extra care if you’re wearing white. Despite its unsavoury name, the Pucuk Paku Goreng Tahi Minyak is one of the best vegetable dishes we’ve ever tasted. Coconut milk holds the creamy stir-fry together.

TATLER TIP

Bijan is busy year-round, but sees a spike in customers during the month of Ramadan. If you’d rather order from the à la carte menu than partake of the Ramadan buffet, make your reservations for later in the evening, well past iftar.

SIGNATURE DISHES

1. Opor rusuk

2. Ayam masak kuzi

3. Sotong hitam manis $50-200/PERSON

YES YES $50-$80/BOTTLE

3, Jalan Ceylon, Bukit Ceylon, 50200 Kuala Lumpur TEL: 03 2031 3575 bijanrestaurant.com