I have been very interested in briyani lately. I have recently tried Allaudin’s Briyani Pte. Ltd which serves decent briyani at affordable price in Tekka Centre.
My colleague suggested I try Islamic Restaurant, which turned out to be one of the oldest briyani restaurants in Singapore.
Islamic Restaurant was established in 1921 by Mr. Abdul Rahiman who was then Head Chef of the rich Alsagoff family. The restaurant has been passed down through the generations and it is currently managed by third-generation Mr. Kalil.
The 98 years of history is clearly present in the decor of Islamic Restaurant. The yellow walls and red patterned tablecloth speaks of the 1990s. The walls are filled with framed photographs of celebrities that have dined at the restaurant.
First President Yusoff Bin Ishak, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, Malaysia Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loon, Brunei royalties and ministers have all dined here.
Islamic Restaurant serves different types of briyani and curries.
This is Islamic Restaurant’s signature Mutton Beryani [S$11]. I am amazed at how fluffy the basmati rice is. I thought Allaudin’s Briyani’s basmati rice is already very fluffy, but Islamic Restaurant’s is even fluffier. The mutton is so tender and aromatic from the exotic blend of species it is cooked in.
I was told that lassie, an Indian yogurt drink, is the best drink to go with briyani, so I ordered this Lassie (Mango) [S$5]. I can tell from the uneven sweetness that they used fresh mangoes which are blended with yogurt. It is sweet, creamy and reshreshingly-cold. The best part? It is much healthier than soft drinks and aids in digestion.
I am no expert in briyani nor have I tried enough briyani to conclude if Islamic Restaurant’s beryani is the best in Singapore, but 98 years of history should say something about this restaurant.
Islamic Restaurant
Address: 745 North Bridge Road #01-01, Singapore 198713
Telephone: 6298 7563
Catering/Dial-a-Beryani: 6296 1161
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday, Saturday – Sunday 10am – 10pm; Friday 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 10pm
Email:enquiry@islamic.sg
Website: http://islamic.sg