Convivencia Cafe - Mandi Rice Lamb
Location: Bukit Tunku, next to ISTAC
Type: Middle East
Price: ~RM90 with drinks for 2pax
Verdict: Utmost Recommendation if you like Lamb cuisine
The idea of visiting first came as we had some errands on Jalan Ipoh, and are in search for a place for lunch. I had this pinned on my Google Maps, but cannot for the love of god remembered how I pinned it (turns out it was suggested by my friend! Thanks Vik!).
After some indecisiveness, I was like ahh to hell with it, let’s go try it out.
However, this place is really off the beaten path. We drove up some hills, and head scratched that if we came to the right place, as the entrance is having “STOP, POLICE CHECK” notice (but no one at guard house lolz). After driving in, there is a big institute building, and some chalet-like residence houses, but the restaurant is still nowhere to be seen.
After double confirming on the Google Maps, and locating a parking place (that we manoeuvred for some time as many are reserved for institute staff and residents), we walked down from the car, cluelessly trying to find the restaurant. We asked someone and they pointed to me the general direction, which we have to scale three staircases to reach the restaurant.
Interior
When we saw the place, the interior awed us, with the woody on white theme, and the impressive ceiling. When we are seated, it feels like we are on a restaurant chalet at Cameron Highlands.
Drinks
Persian Latte
Fragrant saffron swirled with espresso and milk — a golden sip of Persia.
It has some pleasant smoky and sweet taste, quite similar to a rose latte.
Slimming Tea
A vibrant fusion of hibiscus and Persian herbs — tart, floral, and gently cleansing.
Somewhat sour, tangy and sweet, like a Ribena tea without sugar. Notice the local Nanyang vibes of the cup and saucer xD
Mains
Mandi Rice Lamb
Smoky-flavored spiced rice served with tender marinated lamb, with a touch of fresh green vegetables, comes with savoury soup and spicy sambal.
Absolutely GOATed Mandi Rice Lamb, I dare to say it is one of the best Biryani that I have tasted so far (in Malaysia). The rice are filled with smoky aroma, while the lamb are marinated to perfection to have the right amount of spiciness, well-balanced lamb unique taste and most importantly, it fells off the bone and tear apart easily!
For lamb lovers like us who will at times order mutton curry at Mamak restaurant, it is a dreamy feast that we will not forget for a long time. The Spicy Sambal also helps to cleanse the palette.
Look at this lovely chunk of meat!
Spice Trail Chicken
Boneless Mediterranean-spiced chicken leg, flame-grilled to perfection, paired with fresh garden salad and our signature sauce-bold, juicy, and full of character.
I suspect this dish is being overshadowed by the Mandi Rice Lamb that arrive first, that first thing we notice is the small portion of the chicken. The sauce while taste good, still the chicken is slightly bland and not as impactful.
However, paired with the garlic (!) yogurt which add a bit of spiciness, along with the flatbread and fries, then it is still quite an enjoyable meal. Maybe there are meant to be eaten together this way.
If you are looking for a meaty meal though, perhaps you can look for some other choices.
Verdict
While it may not be the place we will frequent (Alhamra Restaurant @ Seri Kembangan is closer to us and having a friendlier price), it left deep marks in our heart that we will not hesitate to Strongly Recommend if you are a Middle East Cuisine lover.