Soft fluffy naans, juicy tandoori chicken and a cup of chilled lassi can make anyone go wild. These dishes are from north India and Pakistan, and they are full of the spicy but comforting flavour of that region. Here in Malaysia, you can find tandoori dishes in classy restaurants as well as your favourite neighbourhood mamak. Here are ten places to satisfy your Tandoori cravings: (The restaurants are listed in no particular order. Some of the establishments below are not halal)

1. Restoran Beriani Asif

Nestled in the busy area of Bukit Bintang is this elegant Pakistani restaurant with the most beautifully plated naans you will ever see, similar to works of art. Taste wise, you can expect the toppings of whatever naan you order to be generous. We highly recommend the garlic naan because the added coriander really gives it that extra ‘uumph’.

2. D’ Tandoor

You can expect that an international franchise like D’Tandoor will offer quality service, and you won’t be disappointed. The interior reminds one of a hotel dining area, and the waiters are highly cultured and impeccably dressed. No doubt dining here will make you feel like a Maharajah. Apart from the wide selections of naan and Tandoori meat dishes, you can select your share of briyani and pulao rice and various vegetable dishes too.

3. Indian Kitchen

If you’re looking for a place in the Telawi area of Bangsar for North Indian cuisine, this is it. Try the refreshing ginger and mint lassi when you order your spicy Tandoori dishes for that immediate cooling effect. The naan here are slightly thinner than other places but the good thing is that the tandoor is open the whole day.

4. Jassal Tandoori House

Conveniently located directly opposite Nu Sentral shopping mall, this restaurant in KL has their Tandoori section open after 6pm. Apart from usual Cheese naan and garlic naan, do try their Kashmiri Naan which has dried fruits and nuts if you’re up for something sweeter. You can also check out their dessert counter piled high with milk candies, jalebi, Gulab Jamun and other Indian sweets.

5. Moghul Mahal

Great and prompt service is the highlight of the Moghul Mahal dining experience. Waiters were very attentive and the food was served warm. The naan breads here are very varied, and you should try their egg naan, stuffed with spiced boiled eggs. The Palak Paneer (blended spinach with cottage cheese) is also superb in flavor.

6. Namaste

This unassuming restaurant in TTDI is the epitome of relaxed dining. The yellow dhal comes highly recommended as an accompaniment to any naan bread you order. Just as delicious is their deep fried bitter gourd slices and cheese thosai. The portions of food are really generous and satisfying, as are the little condiments you receive together with any bread or rice you order.

7. Nathan’s Corner

Nathan’s corner used to be very challenging to find as you needed to wind through OUG, but not anymore with a newly opened direct road there from Bukit Jalil. The most famous dish here is of course the cheese naan with a large amount of grated cheese on top. You’ll never find anything like it elsewhere in KL or Selangor. Pair your cheese naan with some Tandoori chicken and you’ll have the tastiest meal ever!

8. Piccadilly

Technically speaking, Piccadilly isn’t an Indian restaurant and their menu is extremely extensive, covering Thai, Chinese, Malaysian and Western favourites as well as famous North Indian cuisine. However, Tandoori dishes are only served after 6.00pm. Do try their Afghani chicken which is cooked fresh in the tandoor oven, a fitting accompaniment to any naan bread.

9. Uncle Aru’s Tandoori

For those not living in Ampang, Uncle Aru’s stall may be a tad bit hard to find. It’s actually located in a food court with no name opposite Ampang Point. The food court serves other Malay dishes like satay, otak-otak, yong tau fu and fried rice but most people come here for Uncle Aru’s naan. His naan comes in the normal flavours, but have a really outstanding texture, crispy at the edges and fluffy in the middle.

10. Uncle Rahmat

The Tandoori dishes at Uncle Rahmat have got to be the most underrated in all of the Klang Valley. The garlic cheese naan came with hot melted cheese that simply oozed out when we picked it up and the accompanying Tandoori chicken is the juiciest, most succulent and tender meat we have ever bitten into.