A quest to find Brickfields' best biryani brings us to Hyderabad Biryani House, an unassuming hideaway located off Jalan Berhala. There is no proper signage, so let the smell of spicy masala lead the way to the nondescript setup sporting large aluminium pots of freshly cooked biryani. Try the sought-after Chicken Biryani (RM12), ladled onto a plate with onions, cucumber, a lime wedge, peanut curry and raita on the side. Cooked in layers with masala mix, meat and a touch of milk and saffron, the yellow-tinted long grains emerge soft and aromatic. Every so often, you'll scoop up a large chunk of rice-dotted chicken that supplies a shock of umami. The secret lies with their Hyderabadi cook, who developed the recipe from scratch to replicate flavours from home using local ingredients. He also recommends their Brinjal Kurma (RM3), velvety eggplant in a spicy sauce. Pro tip: Small eaters should order their half-portion biryani, which takes RM4 off the bill for a cheaper, waste-free meal.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

This decade-old Chinese restaurant in Taman Desa continues to be a focal point of the neighbourhood when it comes to vegetarian ideals. Previously a seamstress, matriarch Madam Gan established Fan Cai Xiang with hearty dishes inspired by her family's taste for good food sans MSG. With over 150 dishes in their menu, this restaurant replete with round tables and sturdy wooden chairs is the universal answer to an all-pleasing family dinner. Even if you are not pro-mock meat, try their vegetarian version of Honey Barbecue Pork (from RM17), which not only resembles real meat, but also manages to replicate a similar shiny lard-like sheen. As you work through the menu, it becomes apparent that the stalwart kitchen has mastered making vegetarian meats to look, feel and taste just like the real thing. The Basil Fried Egg (from RM15) is a perfect example — the mock egg dish is made from soybean sheets and then, scrambled beautifully with basil leaves for fragrant and fluffy results. In a league of its own is the Marmite Fish (from RM16). Be sure to try this tender brinjal creation, shaped like a fish and finished in a luscious Marmite and mushroom gravy.
Avg price per person: RM30
Photo by Burppler Amayzing

Never had it this way before and I must say it’s a nice and interesting combination

A Taman Desa Institution
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Charlie’s has earned a rep as a place for doing good on the plate and in the community. For RM5, you can feed a meal to the needy! Be warned, the space may not look like much, but it does fill up quickly during lunch hours. Tuck into bowls of laksa (Sarawak or Nyonya), and make sure to save room for the handmade desserts. Eat good, do good. A place that's worth bookmarking for your next meal out.