Breakfast @ Yarl, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur

 

Finally after a long while, I am back home. And there is nothing more typically Malaysian than having something spicy for breakfast. With that in mind, all fingers will end up pointing to Brickfields, aka Little India. The Little India area is nothing short of special to me, as I attended law school in BAC when the campus was still in the area. A lot has changed and to some extent, for the better. This part of the city has always has a gritty feel to it. So, having things being a bit more clean and tidy does help make things feel more safe. However, one thing that does not change is it being a hotbed of great South Asian food. 

Cozy

Yarl is a Sri Lankan restaurant that really takes their food seriously and bring to you a more refined approach to your usual staples. A mamak, this is not. Being my first visit, there is nothing better than breakfast, in the form of idiyappam standing at RM9.50.  A classic breakfast staple that would easily satisfy

What an ensemble

Also called putu mayam in some parts and string hoppers in English speaking communities, these classic breakfast staple was done really well. The noodle strands were soft and had such a great texture. The stringy consistency also help allow condiments to cling onto it like a jealous lover. Speaking of condiments, the grounded coconut was a great highlight. 

Glorious

Also called iddi sambal, it was earthy, spicy and, of course loaded with coconut flavour. It bounced well with the idiyappam. Slathered alongside some onion curry and you get something very special. I do admit that maybe the lack of such a treat in Japan has made me appreciate this simple dish even more. I have not encountered this dish during my entire stay in Japan thus far. But that does not detract how good this is. 

The classic

And to wash it down, I got a cup of hot and milky masala coffee. This has such a nice flavour as it was loaded with various spices. The first sip already introduced a punchy ginger aftertaste, with some hints of cinnamon and cloves present. This stood at a slightly steep RM5.60.

Back for seconds!

The breakfast was so good, that I eventually visited it again a week after and got myself another classic breakfast combo. Chickpeas and upma. For the uninitiated, upma is a pasty dish that is made of semolina. A classic breakfast staple, I am always impressed as to how it is not that well known outside the Indian community. Well, consider this a CSR initiative from my side!

Despite its pale exterior, there is so much flavour going on. 

 It has a unique textural profile. Imagine mash potatoes and couscous combined and you get the picture. It may have a very simple exterior but it was packed with loads of flavour. It had a strong onion and garlic profile, with hints of curry leaves and mustard seeds scattered around it. Accompanied with a side of onion curry sauce and that amazing iddi sambal, this was a spicy treat. 

Such a killer combo. 

The chickpeas were also well spiced and was such a joy to just gobble down. The spices used seem somewhat similar to that to the upma. However, the flavours from the chickpeas themselves, help lend a more unique and nutty experience. This was incredible as well and was a decent protein option for this great breakfast. It should be noted that the upma and chickpeas are not on their main menu and is there on their food display. So the price will depend on the size of your portions. For a sense of scale, my plate stood at RM8.50 which was a serious bargain. 

A peek at the menu. 

So if you are looking for a spicy way to start your day, it is hard not to recommend this establishment, especially if you are in the Brickfields area. It should be noted they have other branches as well. However, if the Brickfields branch has caught your attention, do yourself a favour and pay a visit. The address is as follows:

50, Jalan Padang Belia, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Front of the house. You cannot miss it.