KAPITAN TANDOORI HOUSE ( PJ Branch ) — Restaurant in Petaling Jaya

Penang-based mamak restaurant which has expanded to ten outlets in the last couple of years. Six up north and four in the Klang Valley (refer to my photo for the full list complete with addresses).

Was actually on my way to get my usual ZUS cuppa when I popped in to see what they had in the food display.

Was immediately "ensnared" by the tempting ayam goreng bawang.

ZUS will have to wait!

Three-year old restaurant which is operating out of the double corner shoplot which was previously occupied by Papa Rich.

I ordered:

1. Ayam goreng bawang (thigh) @ RM6.50 Verdict: Tasty but not crispy. Plenty of onions. Onions and chicken both coated in tasty masala sauce which looked spicy but was not in fact. Was on the sweet side.

2. Teh tarik @ RM3.00 Verdict: Sweetness level just nice. But was not creamy nor frothy.

3. Atmosphere: Comfortable ambiance with Malay ballads playing at non-interruptive volume in the background. Not your usual mamak feel. Closer to a bistro. Indoor fully air-conditioned. With some outdoor seating on the walkways.

4. Service and attitude: No issue.

5. Toilet: Clean and nicely done up but too bad one of the taps and flush were faulty.

6. Business Hours: Daily 7am-11pm

7. Parking: I was early so was able to secure MBPJ street parking. Otherwise, would be a challenge.

8. Will I come back again? I don't mind. Not...

Visited: 28 April 2025

We stumbled upon Kapitan Tandoori House at Merdeka Square, PJ while waiting out a lunch break during an errand run at MPPJ — and what a pleasant surprise it turned out to be!

The restaurant is clean, airy, and comfortably casual, making it a perfect spot for a quick meal or a relaxed sit-down between activities. Sally and I shared a plate of Nasi Campur featuring Ayam Masak Merah (chicken in a rich, sweet-spicy tomato-chili gravy), paired with fried cabbage and fried bittergourd. The chicken was tender and flavourful, the vegetables added a delightful contrast of buttery softness and slight crisp bitterness, and the rice generously drizzled with mixed curry gravies tied the meal together beautifully. Simple yet so satisfying!

Prices are reasonable considering the generous portions and variety. Service was efficient and friendly too, making the whole experience feel smooth and welcoming.

Although our visit was initially unplanned, Kapitan Tandoori House left a memorable impression. Great place to recharge if you’re running errands around Merdeka Square or nearby offices.

Highly recommend their Nasi Campur spread for anyone craving hearty, home-style Malaysian Indian flavors!

Perfect for: Quick lunches, casual dining, office break meals, or a comfy wait...

We came here for lunch, after our important meeting at Wisma IJM. All three of us didnt have our breakfast earlier, so we were considerably starving by then. Hence, when my wife suggested that we have our lunch at Kapitan, nobody complained...

Parking was almost impossible, especially during lunch time. But there was a vacant space right in front of the restaurant. I was not so sure if it was allowed for parking, but a car was already there. Seeing a space there that could fit my car, I decided to just park there. Little that I knew that I would be issued a parking ticket later!!

We ordered a nasi kandar each, and my wife had hers with fried chicken wings and sotong goreng, together with teh tarik. Daniel had the similar order, but without the sotong. I decided to go for mutton curry and sotong goreng, and to be completed with a nice tall glass of manggo lassi...

We had our tummies filled, but the taste was just so-so, with nothing spectacular...Maybe next time I should order the Milani Lamb Claypot Biryani...hmmm...even the mention of the name had made me hungry all...