Restaurant

Bijan Bar & Restaurant

Like a grand dame set in her ways, this 17-year-old establishment is resistant to change. Why fix something that isn’t broken—or tweak one’s signature recipes? Speaking of, start with the Otak-Otak served with soft white bread—this isn’t a dish suited to crusty European bread. Next, get acquainted with the Opor Rusuk starring fall-off-the-bone beef ribs. Seafood lovers should try the Sotong Hitam Manis, although the squid dish’s viscous sauce makes it hard to finish a full portion. As far as desserts go, the steamed Gula Melaka Cake is best paired with a cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. It can’t be an easy task trying to stay as authentic as possible while also catering to the Caucasian crowd that haunts Changkat Bukit Bintang from dusk until dawn; nevertheless, Bijan elegantly manages both.

TATLER TIP

Try the cocktails—they are sure to surprise you with their localised slant.