The Dead Cockroach: Mohammed Raffi Muslim Food Stall (Koothurar Nasi Briyani) @ Blk 17 Beach Road

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This is actually an accidental find during one of my many trips to Golden Mile Food Centre. I was walking past the coffee shop at Blk 17 when my nose caught a whiff of curry in the air.

Once, I got home, I began googling for "blk 17 beach road curry" and the term "koothurar" turned up. A further search revealed that Johor Kaki, Seth Lui and Dr Leslie Tay have all blogged about this stall before.

Well, this can only mean that a visit to Koothurar is imminent!

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This unassuming stall does not have a signboard but you can easily identify them by the queue.

I was there just a few minutes past their opening time and a line had already formed in front of the stall. However, it is going very slowly as there are people ordering takeaways by the dozen!

When I finally reached the front of the line, I ordered a mutton briyani for $6.

My initial plan was to dine-in but the space-limited coffee shop is already full so I had no choice but to opt for take-away instead. The journey home was nothing short of a misery as I cannot wait to dig in!

I requested for the mutton to be packed separately as I do not want the rice to be soaked in its oil. I am surprised there is a small pack of fish curry (I could be wrong though) as well.

See what I mean about the oil which would have otherwise been in the rice if I did not request for the mutton to be packed separately?

I have always liked mutton for its tenderness and especially the heavily spiced ones that have fully absorbed the flavors of the spices.

It is pure joy to sink your teeth into the tender meat and feel the party of the spices in your mouth.

The pack of fish gravy.

The fluffy basmati rice is not oily and does not make one feel heavy at the end of the meal. Also, it is well-infused with the spices without being overwhelming.

Another thing that I like is how there are no stray cardamom seeds and clove waiting to be chomped on accidentally. How wonderful!

I can have this basmati rice any day because it is so aromatic.

The mutton is fork tender with minimal gamey smell. Alas, there is more bone than meat. Hope I will get a meatier piece next time!

Koothurar's nasi briyani is pretty good. I will definitely be back for their chicken and fish version. I only have one question though: Where's the achar huh?