A Taste of Comfort and Tradition at Achi Ayahdorai
PETALING JAYA: Achi Ayahdorai, a cozy Indian eatery in PJ, has won the heart of famous Malaysian singer Sheila Majid, who has visited the restaurant four times in just six months. The restaurant’s brainchild, local filmmaker Kavi Nanthan, shares the story behind the name and the recipes that have made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
The Story Behind Achi Ayahdorai
Kavi, 39, credits his late maternal grandmother, who once ran an Indian restaurant in their hometown of Serdang in Kedah, for the inspiration behind Achi Ayahdorai. His mother, Vijayalakshmi, is the heart of the restaurant, overseeing quality control in the kitchen to ensure that the dishes are authentic and home-cooked. The restaurant’s name pays homage to Kavi’s grandmother, whose recipes now form the backbone of the menu.
A Cozy Ambiance
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 savor every bite. The menu’s star attraction is their banana leaf set, which takes tradition and adds unexpected twists.
The Menu
Instead of the usual raita, Achi Ayahdorai’s banana leaf set comes 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.
Curries and More
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 flavors. 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.
Unconventional Delights
For something unconventional, try the nasi minyak, available only after 6pm. It’s flavorfully 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.
The ‘Shellout’
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 flavor, perfect for sharing or indulging on your own.
Teatime Delights
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.
Conclusion
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.
FAQs
Q: What are the business hours of Achi Ayahdorai?
A: 11.30am-10pm (Closed on Monday)
Q: How do I contact Achi Ayahdorai?
A: 011-5919 2020
Q: Where is Achi Ayahdorai located?
A: 8, 1st Floor, Jalan 21/22, Sea Park, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Q: How do I get to Achi Ayahdorai?
A: Click here for location.
Q: Can I follow Achi Ayahdorai on social media?
A: Yes, follow Achi Ayahdorai on Instagram.