Karache by Sani

The lunch-hour queues at this hole-in-the-wall canteen testify to the high-quality Malaysian food. Expats and those in the know flock to the daily bain-marie set-up – a bright assortment of stews, spicy curries, seafood and tender halal meat spanning beef, lamb and chicken.

While the options rotate daily, the beef rendang – fall-off-the-bone beef with a deep, rich coconut flavour – is a must. Ayam masala (chicken curry), ikan bakar (barbequed fish) and lamb shanks have also made memorable appearances. At the buffet, order your pick of meat, seafood and vegetable combinations, served with fluffy white rice or lightly spiced biryani. A side of the roti telur, the lesser-known cousin of the roti canai, comes recommended. It’s flaky, but the fried egg filling gives the pastry a satisfying chewiness, and it holds enough structure to scoop up your choice of dahl or curry. You might also find fluffy karipap (curry puffs) and beef martabak, a thin-crust pastry that’s tightly packed with spiced beef.

After lunch, the teh tarik (Malaysian condensed-milk tea) and an assortment of kuih (petite, glutinous desserts common in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia) offer a sweet finish – and are perfect to take back home or to the office.