There are many variations of the briyani — Hyderabadi Briyani, Pakistani Briyani, Sri Lankan Briyani, Iranian Briyani and many more. But the version I’m most accustomed to is the Malaysian Nasi Briyani, with my favorite being the Nasi Briyani Gam from Batu Pahat, Johor.

When we don’t feel like driving all the way to Batu Pahat, rif and I usually get our briyani fix from this briyani place in Subang Jaya. However, we decided to try some place new — Restoran Ruz Aladdin in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail. The outlet has air-conditioning, which is a relief in this crazy hot weather.

Lamb briyani is pretty common but lamb shank briyani isn’t; at least not to me. When I spied Briyani Kaki Kambing (lamb shank briyani) in the menu, I ordered one to try. It turned out to be pretty good. The lamb, cooked till tender and falling off the bone, was well-infused with spices. The briyani rice was adequately moist and fluffy with a good aroma.

I enjoyed this with generous helpings of dhal and chicken curry. The latter was thick, spicy and flavourful. You also get a side of acar (vegetable pickles) and papadam with your briyani. For RM25 per serving, it is slightly on the pricey side but still worth trying. Portion is pretty generous, so two small eaters can opt to share this.

rif’s Briyani Ayam Masak Merah (RM13) was nothing to shout about, partly because we were given the chicken breast. While he wasn’t very petty about this, I was. The meat was dry at the centre; a shame because the tomato-based gravy was quite tasty. If I were to order this in future, I’d insist on getting the chicken leg.

The Sirap Bandung Johor (RM4.50) is made using rose syrup, evaporated milk and ice cream soda. Ruz Aladdin’s version was ‘kau’ and fizzy; very refreshing in the hot weather. Some people might find this a tad sweet, but that’s how good sirap bandung should taste like.

On a whole, we were pleased with lunch. Service was friendly and attentive, and the food was decent.

Ambiance: 6/10
Price: 5/10
Food: 6/10 (halal)
Verdict: If you want Briyani Gam Johor without having to drive all the way to Batu Pahat, check this place out.

Restoran Ruz Aladdin
32, Jalan Datuk Sulaiman,
Taman Tun Dr. Ismail,
60000 Kuala Lumpur
03-7729 6463