Home Food ReviewsCuisineAsian Famous Islamic Restaurant, Singapore

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Mutton Briyani

Some wonder why I would step into Famous Islamic Restaurant in Singapore when I can stuff my face with ramen, burger and beer. Well, a few of my Muslim readers asked me where they could find halal food in Singapore. I asked some of my colleagues and they recommended this restaurant. Apparently, it’s their go-to eating place in Singapore.

Papadum

Famous Islamic Restaurant has been around since 1921 and is known for its briyani and mutton curry. Truth be told, I found the place very touristy and the décor quite passé. Service needed some polishing. The waiters were unfriendly and no pictures were allowed in the restaurant. I was however, allowed to take photographs of the food I ordered.

Chicken Briyani

Decent portion

For a place what commanded so much hype, the briyani was a letdown. While the grains were well separated, the briyani wasn’t fluffy nor did it have a good bite. On top of that, it lacked aroma and richness. I wasn’t bowled over by the chicken or mutton either. The former tasted one-dimensional while the mutton although tender, had a strong, gamey smell. I reckon it could be because I’m used to the deeply flavoured meats at JM Beriani and the briyani places in Batu Pahat.

Tender, but gamey mutton

Dhal curry

The squid curry was spicy but lacked aroma. I also thought it could use more richness from the coconut milk as this curry gravy didn’t leave me satisfied. The squid pieces were fairly tender, but they weren’t exactly the freshest as some parts of the tentacles tasted a bit fishy.

Squid Curry

Overall, I found the restaurant overhyped. While it’s reasonably priced – both the chicken and mutton briyani was SGD7.50 – the food was very average.

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Ambiance: 5/10
Price: 6/10
Food: 5/10 (halal)
Verdict: Reasonably priced but the food was nothing to shout about.

Famous Islamic Restaurant
745 North Bridge Road
Singapore 198713
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm
Tel: 6298 7563

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14 comments

Simple Person May 8, 2012 - 12:28 pm

maybe they afraid that you might copy the dish and start your own restaurant..
singaporean are very kiasu…
u didn’t tell them that you are BANGSAR BABE meh? kekekeke
then they will give you take pictures and maybe throw in some FOC fried chicken to you…

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Bangsar Babe May 8, 2012 - 1:28 pm

Hahaha!! No la…don’t think they will lor. :)

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The Yum List May 8, 2012 - 12:29 pm

squid curry looks alright

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Bangsar Babe May 8, 2012 - 1:28 pm

It wasn’t particularly bad…just not great.

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Sean May 8, 2012 - 2:44 pm

yikes to squid that isn’t fresh! but actually, based on the pics alone, i would have really wanted to order the squid curry, since i love the tentacles part of the squid the best, and i find that many other places don’t serve enough tentacles! :D

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Bangsar Babe May 8, 2012 - 2:48 pm

You wouldn’t want to eat these tentacles! Lol

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Michelle May 8, 2012 - 5:02 pm

what is a briyani without spices?

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Bangsar Babe May 8, 2012 - 5:09 pm

Exactly! -_-

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Timing May 9, 2012 - 8:16 am

Hmmm looking at my blogposts over the last 1 year since I moved to SG … I’ve only blogged one *ONE* halal restaurant ha ha … a sort of fast food-ish joint called 18 chefs (food was pretty crappy there too)

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Bangsar Babe May 9, 2012 - 11:53 am

Lol! That’s because it’s hard to find good halal food in SG.

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BJ May 10, 2012 - 5:30 pm

You cannot compare a south Indian briyani with a beriani gam or with a Hydrebad briyani. Each have their own elements of spice which makes them distinct in their own way. It’s like trying to compare Hakka Porridge with Teochew Porridge or Hokkien Bak Kut Teh with Teochew Bak Kut Teh. Although the basis is the same, there are many variations on the spices and cooking methodology.

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Bangsar Babe May 11, 2012 - 1:01 am

You’re right. I guess it’s a matter of preference. As for the service part…yes!! I felt like I was in a trial. Lol

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BJ May 10, 2012 - 5:47 pm

But I do agree, their service really sucks. They always make you feel like you are doing something illegal for some weird reason.

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FJ May 17, 2013 - 3:20 pm

hello BB,

Stumbled upon your blog when i was busy googling for the best makan place in KL area, as a good friend of mine wanted to treat his close friends dinner. I truly enjoy reading your blog, it’s straightforward with inviting beautiful photos. Keep on blogging and i would love to see more on Halal food postings on your blog. keep it up!

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