Singaporean and Malay Food and Beer In London - how we research and choose

Spot the Malaysian flag? It has the crescent moon, multi point star, and horizontal red and white stripes.
 

My family is in touch with expats who live in or used to live in Singapore and Malaysia. We often meet in London once a year at a Singaporean or Malay restaurant.

Food and Drink

The requirements are

 A good Signaporean or Malay food restaurant. Or an Asian restaurant serving these and more. 

A nearby bar serving Tiger beer where we can meet in advance, and wait for latecomers..

Location

Not too far from a station, to limit waking for the older ones. And reduce the risk of people getting lost and arriving late.

Reconnoitre

Somebody who lives in or near central London has to check out a few restaurants to find one which is suitable. 

Why not go to last year's or pick one at random? Firstly, they want a change, a novelty. Secondly, the food has to be good. Thirdly, restaurants oepen and close all the time.

Whaat could limit the choice? 

Malaysia is a Moslem country and does not produce wine. Although some places produce alcoholic drinks from rice. And alcohol is served to non moslems in Johor Bahru and parts of the country.  However, beer is produced. 

No Alcohol?

Non-moslems are allowed alcohol. What about other Moslem countries? They vary. Lebanon produces wine, particularly from or for the Christian community. 

Beer

Regarding alcohol, many, indeed most, of the authentic Malay restaurants do not serve alcohol because the Malay owners are Muslims, serve halal food and no alcohol. Some of them permit Westerners to bring in alcohol and  the restaurant charges corkage.

See my previous post on Tukdin.

Useful Websites

https://wineanddinewithangela.blogspot.com/2024/05/dine-without-wine-but-wonderful-malay.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_in_Malaysia

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