Welcome to Achi Ayahdorai, a cosy Indian eatery tucked away in PJ. This unassuming spot is the brainchild of local filmmaker Kavi Nanthan and his wife, and pays homage to his late maternal grandmother, who once ran an Indian restaurant in their hometown of Serdang in Kedah.
“My grandmother was a very good cook and this was passed down to my mum. My mum loves cooking. So, I thought why not leverage that and start a restaurant,” Kavi, 35, shared with FMT Lifestyle.
He mentioned that the restaurant itself is named after his grandmother, whose recipes now form the backbone of the menu. With Kavi’s mother overseeing quality control in the kitchen, diners can expect nothing short of authentic, home-cooked flavours.
Walking into Achi Ayahdorai feels like stepping into a comforting embrace. The restaurant’s chill vibe, adorned with vibrant wall paintings, exudes calmness, inviting patrons to relax and savour every bite. This casual yet artfully designed setting perfectly complements the food: simple, soulful, and full of character.
The menu’s star attraction? Their banana leaf set, which takes tradition and adds unexpected twists.
Instead of the usual raita, theirs is studded with juicy pomegranate seeds, offering a refreshing burst of sweetness. The pineapple pachadi replaces the ubiquitous mango pachadi, adding a tangy zing, while the thinly sliced fried cabbage provides a crispy, lighter alternative to the usual fried bitter or snake gourd.
You can choose from six curries – three vegetarian and three non-vegetarian – which will taste like something your mother would cook at home. Pro tip: go bold and try all six for a spectacular explosion of flavours. The best part? They are all refillable!
Adding to the feast is the fried sotong, generously portioned, fresh, and coated in a perfectly balanced batter.
The mutton varuval, meanwhile, is tender and packs a spicy punch. The restaurant also offers a variety of meat and vegetables dishes for you to add on.
For something unconventional, try the nasi minyak, available only after 6pm. It’s flavourful and slightly oily in the best way possible, served with sambal chicken that’s rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. This dish brings a festive flair, rare to find in a typical Indian restaurant.
And then there’s the “shellout” – an exciting addition to Achi Ayahdorai’s repertoire. Imagine a medley of mud crab, tiger prawns, mussels, cockles, lala, corn, and broccoli, all tossed in your choice of curry, sambal, kam heong, or buttermilk sauce. Every bite is generous, fresh, and packed with flavour, perfect for sharing or indulging on your own.
Thirsty? The mango lassi here is a must-try. Made with rainbow mangoes and a touch of salt, it’s thick, luscious, and refreshingly different from the norm.
Pair it with their teatime delights available from 4pm onwards, such as the fluffy brown sugar appam. With its puffy texture and creamy coconut milk, it hits just the right balance of sweetness.
Other teatime staples like thosai, idli, chapati, roti canai, and poori complete the offering, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re craving a traditional banana leaf meal or something more adventurous like “shellout” or nasi minyak, Achi Ayahdorai promises an experience that’s as comforting as it is memorable.
Don’t just take Sheila Majid’s word for it; come and taste the magic yourself.
Achi Ayahdorai
8, 1st Floor
Jalan 21/22, Sea Park
46300 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Business hours: 11.30am-10pm (Closed on Monday)
Contact: 011-5919 2020
For location, click here.
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