Nestled in the suburbs of the Malaysian capital, the Aliyaa Island Restaurant and Bar stands out as a pioneer in offering authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in Kuala Lumpur. Its promises an authentic dining experience with its friendly and professional staff, tasteful decor, and cosy atmosphere.
Drawn by its inclusion in the Michelin Bib Gourmand list, our food hunting adventure led us to Aliyaa. Intrigued by its reputation, we decided to explore the full spectrum of its culinary offerings through the Aliyaa Experience sets, curated by Head Chef Siva Suppaiya. This set, also available in vegetarian options, allows diners to sample all the Sri Lankan specialties without breaking the bank.
Starters and Soups
Our meal commenced with the Crab Samosa. These crispy delights were generously filled with succulent crab meat, perfectly seasoned with spices that balanced the sweetness of the crab. Each bite was a delightful introduction to the flavors that lay ahead. Next, we savored the Atukkal Rassam, a traditional South Indian soup. The soup’s tangy and spicy notes were invigorating, with the lentils adding a hearty texture. It served as a refreshing palate cleanser, preparing us for the main course.
Main Course
The main course was a feast, served on a tray and featuring an array of dishes. The Fish Sothi was a mild, coconut-based curry that was light yet flavorful, with tender pieces of fish absorbing the aromatic spices beautifully. The Prawn Varuval stood out with perfectly cooked prawns coated in a robust, spicy sauce that left a lingering heat. The Deviled Chicken offered a burst of flavor, with juicy chicken pieces in a spicy and slightly sweet glaze that was incredibly moreish. The Mutton Curry was rich and hearty, featuring tender mutton in a curry packed with deep, complex flavors.
The Cashewnut Paal Curry was a unique dish with creamy cashews in a delicate curry sauce, providing a pleasant contrast to the spicier dishes. The Brinjal Moju featured caramelized eggplant with a tangy and slightly sweet finish. The Nei Soru, or ghee rice, was fragrant and buttery, serving as the perfect accompaniment to the rich curries. The Nethili Sambol, a spicy dried fish relish, added a delightful crunch and an umami punch, while the Vallarai & Carrot Sambol was a refreshing, crunchy salad that offered a cooling counterpoint to the heavier dishes. The meal was rounded off with crisp and spicy Papadam & Chilli, providing a satisfying crunch and extra heat.
Dessert
Our meal concluded with Sweet Apam, a traditional Sri Lankan pancake. Light and fluffy, it was subtly sweet and the perfect end to our feast.
Additional Dishes
Eager to explore more, we also tried the Kulaiyal and Kothu Seafood. The Kulaiyal, a traditional pot mix packed in a banana leaf and oven-baked, was a symphony of flavors and textures, with the slow cooking process melding the ingredients beautifully. The Kothu Seafood, a Sri Lankan street food staple, was a delightful mix of chopped roti, seafood, and spices, with each bite bursting with flavor.
Beverages
To complement our meal, we enjoyed a variety of refreshing beverages. The Elderflower Cooler, a refreshing mix of elderflower syrup, fresh lemon, mint leaf, and soda water, offered a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus. The Watermelon, Lychee & Basil Cooler was a delightful concoction that was both hydrating and flavorful, with the basil adding a unique twist. The Mal Kumari, a cocktail of Ceylon Arrack, nutmeg, pandan, egg white, and citrus, was aromatic and well-balanced, with the arrack providing a distinctive kick.
Aliyaa Island Restaurant and Bar truly lives up to its reputation, delivering an authentic Sri Lankan dining experience that delights the senses. Each dish, meticulously prepared and beautifully presented, showcased the rich culinary heritage of Sri Lanka. The Aliyaa Experience set, in particular, is a fantastic way to explore the diverse flavors without feeling overwhelmed. For anyone looking to embark on a gastronomic journey through Sri Lanka, Aliyaa is an unmissable destination.
For more information, check out Aliyaa’s website at https://www.aliyaa.com
