Mutton lovers would love the Mutton Poriyal. I like the spiciness that it brings and I liked its texture the most. It’s dry enough to taste its spicy and yet aromatic flavours of Indian spices used. The mutton is tender as well. I believe they spent quite an amount of time preparing this dish with the steps needed to cast away the gamy taste that most other outlets have with the meat. That having said, to have it tender to the palate without exuding much strength is a skill where the time and fire need to be carefully monitored. Having this dish in an Indian setting adds a personal touch to the dining experience!

If you prefer chicken, you can order the Green Chicken Rendang at Rumahku Gallery and Cafe. But beware, this dish is only for the brave ones as it is the most spicy dish on the menu. The chicken is blanched in oil before tossed in a paste of cili padi and onion. Although my lips burned due to its spiciness while having this, but I can’t seem to stop myself as the dish is very additive! Amidst the extreme spiciness, you could taste a hint of sweetness from the caramelised onions and the fragrance from the oil when it was blanched in hot oil to firm up the chicken.

Rumah Ku Gallery and Cafe is shielded by the lush greeneries along Jalan University so look for Diver’s Den. It is just next to it. It serves heartwarming and tummy filling home cooked meals which satisfy even the pickiest eater. It serves Malay, Indian and Chinese dishes but some are modified and modernised to suit the local taste buds. Start off the meal with Tuna Cutlet. This set of five cute little cutlets is wonderfully done with slightly breaded crispy outer layer and soft and moist mixture of tuna and mashed potatoes. I like its texture where it sort of melts in the mouth without having to chew vigorously. It also carries a strong flavour of spices which makes it a very intriguing and exciting dish. Each cutlet is of the same size, without being inconsistent and bite sized hence easier for consumption.

For something ‘normal’ and less spicy, have the Portuguese Fish. This is not your average Portuguese fish where it comes in grilled form. The fish cutlets are deep fried before mixed with a combination of mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. It is tangy in flavour and is indeed an enjoyable dish with the right balance of mayonnaise and sweet spicy chilli sauce. At least this is an escape from all the spiciness around!

Another dish to try would be the Indonesian Claypot Prawn from the Chinese trait. It is also a spicy dish which emits the natural sweetness from the prawns. Its curry would be slightly thicker than Masak Lemak Cili Padi and tasted just as good with a hint of sweetness, probably from the coconut milk used. The prawns are also fresh and succulent. This dish is best paired with white rice.