SRI NIRWANA MAJU

"Home of the famous bitter gourd fritters"

Having exhausted myself on Banana Leaf in KL (a pleasurable defeat), I finally climbed the steps to Nirwana Maju after much debate and self-introspection. I generally avoid tourist spots, or places that too many people recommend, and seeing the long line outside I was struck with curiosity and fear. Was it a tourist trap? Was it really that good?

In short, the banana leaf was tasty, the bitter gourd fritters were standout but the chicken curry was quite a muted experience. The reason so many people cram in here is possibly its location, but also the fact that people are like sheep and follow top Yelp or Google reviews not knowing that far better places lie a few streets away shaded in secrecy.

There is no shame in eating at Nirwana Maju, the food is solid, but I'm telling you there are far better places to whet your appetite if you just trust your gut and venture into the unknown.

​These recommendations are just personal opinions based on my palate, things change, chefs get fired or replaced, places open-close, relocate, so take it all with a pinch of MSG  and discover your own gems too. But please do try a few of these, they have been researched exhaustively.