I wanted to keep my birthday as simple as possible. No fuss; no muss. I was quite specific about this. My wife obliged by taking me to Restoran Malaysia… exactly what I wanted. Now, since I started this blog, one of the most memorable things I have eaten is Rendang Beef… enjoyed at an Indonesian restaurant in De Pijp, Amsterdam, called Sari Citra. I have been trying to recreate this meal ever since. Lured by the possibility of eating this elusive dish once again, we headed up the 404 to Richmond Hill in the hopes of arriving for lunch before our baby daughter fell asleep in the car.

Success! Molly is awake and ready for lunch… as are we. The staff greet us with smiles and seat us at a large table that comfortably accommodates both our stroller and the massive spread of dishes we’re about to order. We start with a delicious Red Curry Chicken that’s filled with generous pieces of White Meat, Cilantro and Red Peppers. The best part is that it comes with both rice & roti, which basically turns everything into a wrap. Amazing!

Next up: Nasi Goreng. Think Indonesian Fried Rice that’s full of Shrimps, Chicken and Mixed Vegetables (of the frozen variety), topped with a Fried Egg. Served with Shrimp Chips for scooping, this is a great dish for sharing; perfect for adding a little starch to your plate.

My wife is in the mood for noodles. The house recommends the Penang Char Kuay Teow which is a wok-fried mélange of Flat Rice Noodles with Egg, Shrimp, Bean Sprouts and Chives, tossed in Soy Sauce.

And then, finally, there’s the Rendang Beef. This dish is far too complicated to try at home (imo). It can perhaps best be described as stewing beef cured with ginger, chili, galangal, lemon grass, turmeric, garlic and shallots. Restoran Malaysia’s take on it is far less saucy than other variations I’ve tried in North America. More like a dry rub. Certainly the closest yet to Sari Citra’s rendition… with the added pleasure of a roti accompaniment.

Restoran Malaysia’s dining room is quite expansive and is packed full of families during our Sunday lunch visit. Check it out the next time you’re north of the city and maybe you’ll spot the Toronto Food Blog in action. As you can see above (my birthday was in Movember), I’m quite a happy camper. Lunch with my two favourite ladies and a large serving of Rendang Beef. Happy Birthday to me!