Cover Nomad's Globe (Photo: Nadodi)

Straight from the pages of the latest instalment of the Tatler Dining Guide, here's the selection of the top Indian and Sri Lankan dining venues

A great Indian or Sri Lankan meal is flavourful and packed with aroma and spices, from glistening curries best mopped up with appam or hearty platters of biryani. Whether you're seeking comfort food in a familiar neighbourhood restaurant or looking for a fine dining establishment, we have a plethora of options for you to choose from here in Malaysia. 

You'll be spoiled for choice when deciding where to dine with our round-up of five of the city’s best restaurants for Indian and Sri Lankan food, in alphabetical order, from this year’s Tatler Dining Guide

Read more: Tatler Dining Malaysia’s Top 20 Restaurants of 2024

Sri Lankan   |   $ $ $ $   |   Damansara Heights
Tatler Asia
Above Jaffna Style Crab Curry (Photo: Aliyaa)

Must Try

  • The Aliyaa Experience
  • Jaffna Style Crab Curry
  • Tiger Prawns Varuval

Authentic and consistent, Aliyaa always delivers when it comes to hearty Sri Lankan cuisine. Dishes are beautifully presented and expertly executed, making use of premium ingredients. Since the restaurant’s opening, food has remained consistent, and staff are hospitable and well-trained. The Aliyaa Experience set is ideal for those who are new to the restaurant and gives guests the opportunity to try a range of signature dishes. Crab lovers will enjoy the Jaffna-style crab curry, a classic Northern Sri Lankan dish with whole crabs in a fragrant and flavourful curry.


Aliyaa

Address: 48, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur


Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Tatler Asia
Above Lobster with coconut sauce and mustard oil, served with Kerala prata (Photo: Flour)

Flour seeks to challenge preconceived notions that may exist about Indian cuisine with its bold and modern creations. Dishes are well-researched and expressed in a contemporary fashion. The restaurant’s location and elegant ambience make it ideal for an intimate celebration with friends.

See also: Tatler Dining Awards 2024: Best of the Year Awards


Flour

Address: 12, Jalan Kamuning, Off Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur


Indian   |   $ $ $ $   |   Damansara Heights
Tatler Asia
Above Crab Meat Xec Xec (Photo: Frangipaani)

Must Try

  • Crab Meat Xec Xec
  • Lamb Rack
  • Prawn Balchao

With a team hailing from different regions of India, it is no wonder that Frangipaani is home to a wealth of traditional recipes. The menu is designed to offer a range of tastes and experiences, from mild to spicy or vegetarian to meat dishes. Also available is a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to pair with the meal.


Frangipaani

Address: The Republik, Lot No.M.03, Mezzanine Floor, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur


Indian   |   Bukit Damansara
Tatler Asia
Above Hamachi Collar (Photo: Jwala)

Visit Jwala for elevated, authentic Northern Indian cuisine. The restaurant has an elegant ambience, while a piece of glass separates the kitchen from the dining space, allowing guests to watch as dishes are cooked in impressive tandoor ovens. Try the Hamachi Collar, as well as the croissant-inspired naan, which is innovative in concept. A meal is incomplete without the biryani, which is memorable. Each dish has an incredible depth of flavour, while the use of spice at the restaurant is nuanced and well-balanced.


Jwala

Address: E-2-02, The Five @ KPD, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, 50490


Indian   |   $ $ $ $   |   Bangsar
Tatler Asia
Above Curd Sago with Prawn Pickle (Photo: Kayra)

Must Try

  • Curd Sago with Prawn Pickle
  • Pineapple Pachidi Tart
  • Crab Chamandhi Pera

For punchy and delicious sharing plates, visit the South Indian restaurant Kayra, loved for its innovative and honest approach to authentic Kerala cuisine. The eatery boasts consistent food and friendly service in a casual, fun atmosphere. Its colourful dishes are some of the most vibrant in town, both visually and in terms of taste. A must-order is the signature Fish Moilee Biryani, a decadent masterpiece that features a grilled whole sea bass or snapper on a bed of basmati rice.

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Kayra

Address: F-8, 1, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur


Indian   |   $ $ $ $   |   Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Tatler Asia
Above Eggspectation (Photo: Nadodi)

Must Try

  • Degustation menu

With its innovative stance towards Indian fine dining, Nadodi is an important restaurant within Malaysia’s culinary scene. The many minds and hands that go into the menu are impressive, and every course is rich in narrative, balanced, and leaves a lasting impression. Featured is also a wide selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails, the latter of which are delicious interpretations of classic Indian flavours in liquid form.


Nadodi

Address: Level 7A, Four Seasons Hotel, Jalan Ampang, City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur


Sri Lankan   |   $ $ $ $   |   Bangsar
Tatler Asia
Above Black Pepper Crabs (Photo: The Lankan Crabs)

Must Try

  • Jaffna Crab Curry
  • Negombo Crab Curry
  • Black Pepper Crabs

Since 2020, The Lankan Crabs has been known for Sri Lankan dishes with a focus on crabs. While the restaurant stays true to authentic and traditional recipes, a touch of Malaysian culinary influence is sometimes present to tailor to the local palate. Signature dishes, which include the Negombo Crab Curry, Jaffna Crab Curry, and Black Pepper Crabs, are best savoured and shared with a group. Pair the food with the restaurant’s selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, which include beers, teas, and other refreshing drinks.

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The Lankan Crabs

Address: 4, Jalan Kemuja, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur


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