Briyani was always something rif enjoyed eating, and his fondness for this dish has somewhat rubbed off on me. For the uninitiated, briyani is a fragrant rice dish comprising a mixture of spices, basmati rice and marinated meat with yogurt. This mixture is slowly cooked, allowing herbs and spices to fully flavour the meat and rice.
Mango lassi & milk tea
I’m accustomed to eating briyani served in a metal pot, but this is my first time trying the claypot version at Legend’s Claypot Briyani. There are currently two outlets in Brickfields; one is facing the main road (same row as EON Bank) and the newest outlet is located next to the Vivikenanda school. rif and I went to the latter. 
The Claypot Chicken Briyani (RM14.90) boasted fluffy rice grains, tender chicken chunks and a hard-boiled egg in a sizzling hot claypot. I especially enjoyed the crispy rice bits at the bottom of the pot.
The deeper one digs in, the more heady the aroma. This was delicious with raita. No curry gravy was needed, as the rice was already moist and flavourful. Portion was decent – it could feed two small eaters. Of course, I could easily eat a whole serving myself. 
For more variety, I ordered the Banana Leaf Set (RM7.50) and a side of Chicken Varuval (RM6). 
While the banana leaf rice was quite good, it was the chicken varuval that stole the show. This dish had a paste-like gravy which was spicy, fully flavoured and fragrant. It complemented the banana leaf rice beautifully. 
I spied a few patrons having the mango lassi (RM5) and decided to follow suit. Boy, this was good! It was very thick and smooth – almost like a yogurt. rif’s tea with fresh milk (RM2.50) was nothing to shout about. It wasn’t as rich or as creamy as the condensed milk version. But for those who like their tea “kurang manis”, this would be a good choice.
All in, I was pleased with lunch and would definitely return for more. Our meal came up to RM35.90 – not cheap, but it’s affordable considering the portion and good food.
*edited (Jan 4, 2011) – one of my readers Rudran told me they were the first to serve claypot briyani in 2003.
Ambiance: 6/10
Price: 6/10
Food: 7.5/10 (rif gave it an 8/10)
Verdict: One of the better briyani around. Go in a bigger group and order more things to try!
(Next to Vivekananda School)
Jalan Vivekananda,
50470 Kuala Lumpur
016 321 1940 (Murugan)
*Legend’s has a few outlets; Serdang, Brickfields (2) and another one coming up in Mid Valley
13 comments
I love briyani! If not for the fact that it's fattening, I would have eaten it more often, especially the claypot version! This one looked divine!
claypot style? thats a first!
but rm7.50 for a plain banana leaf rice set is a bit expensive rite? not that i should complain because i can get next to peanuts for 2.50AUD
Blar-dy cheap if you ask me! It's a decent lookin clean place, and across the road from moi! Thanks BBabe, good find! xx aly
Yo Joe … HAPPY NEW YEAR, mate. Doubt you could even get peanuts at RM7 :-) Heh!
SL … The chicken looks divine, and I love that top-down shot of your 2 drinks. The tea looks miniscule!
Wow. That is one delicious looking claypot of carbs! :D
*drool*
J – Mmmm hmmm…I can't wait to revisit this place! :)
Julian – Thanks Julian! Decided to try something different. ;)
aly – Oooo…then you should try it!
Joe – Ya…I found the BLR slightly pricey. But it's a lot tastier compared to the usual BLR places. The sides are nicer and service is much better.
FYI, banana leaf rice now cost RM6 in Nirvana. I'd rather spend the extra RM1.50 and get better food and friendlier service. :)
iamthewitch – That's why you have Lionel ma…can share! ;)
my fav is their strawberry lassi!!
hi, just my 2cents, i had Legends in its birthplace in Serdang, b4 it upgraded to its Claypot Standard…. it was a simple shop, truly the food was nice, price was gr8 n service was moderate. After the upgrade the food was bad, service was a booohh…., price is really too much comparing the food quality. Wen you talk banana leaf, it means 1 thing only; all you can eat laid on a Ieaf…. simple concept, but here its limited as their given in small pots, craze….. if u wana say meats limited i might get it, but vege oso wana b so stingy ha…… OMG…. dun blive me, try comparing with this shop in Puchong, Its called Radha’s Restaurant, Bandar Puteri, Near Giant, Bside Nasi Kandar Kayu. Go as a customer, dun intro urself as a food blogger, i blive u wil be shocked of the difference in price, food quality, service is excellent. the vege’s changes for every day…… No hard feelings yeah…. tc bye
Thanx for the blog babe.i went to this restaurant,on mothers day..its jam packed and people wait at outside for their turn.I ask one customer there,why its so packed.He said,people willing to wait for the food coz,its taste.For me,its very hard to find a cleanness restaurant in brickfield area nowadays and the service is quit fast.I tried the claypot briyani chicken.its worth the money i spend..go and try.
Dear guna,
Thank you for your comment. Am glad you enjoyed the briyani. :)
Hi..may I know is it halal for muslim???
Yes, it is certified halal.