Beriani with a wider appeal
By Debbie Chan

A fmaily business that started with a family recipe, JM Bariani has come a long way since its humble beginnings.

With outlets already established in SS18, Subang Jaya, and Tesco Shah Alam, the restaurant recently opened another outlet in Tesco Ampang to serve the niche market of beriani lovers all over the Klang Valley.

"People who come to JM are those who know exactly what they want," said JM Beriani director Zulkarnain Mustapa.

The business, which had started off as a catering service, was pioneered by his parents who are from Muar.

"The catering service slowly expanded and we had a few tables righ toutside our ship. It was never meant to be a restaurant - we just served some regulars - but they soon demanded that we open a proper establishment," Zulkarnain related.

Zulkarnain's siblings, Hafiz and Zil-Atfi Mustapa, are also involved in the business. Hafiz is the head chef of the restaurants. JM Beriani specialises in Johor Beriani, which is different from the beriani found in most of the local mamak stalls.

"The local version has more Arabic influences and the spices are not too strong, compared to the beriani in mamak stalls which leans more to Indian influences," he explain.

According to Zulkarnain, this characteristic makes the local beriani more appealing to a wider range of customers as well as kids. An all-time bestseller at all the outlets is Beriani Gam.

"The way Beriani Gam is cooked makes it very healthy and interesting. The ingredients and rice are steamed together so that the flavours are retained," Zulkarnain explain.

Beriani Gam is one of the most difficult dishes to perpare.

"For me, mutton always goes best with beriani, but Klang Valley customers are more health-conscious and usually order the Chicken Beriani," he said.

Beriani Gam is served only on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and it is on these two days that the outlets are usually packed.

"However, the response at Tesco Ampang has been very encouraging to daye, so for the moment we are serving Beriani Gam every day," Zulkarnain said.

JM also uses only the best Basmathi rice to cook its beriani dishes.

"We are currently using the most expensive Basmathi rice in the market to ensure the quality is not compromised. There is less starch in Basmathi rice," Zulkarnain said.

Some interesting dishes to try at JM are Kambing Bariani, Daging Bariani, Ayam Goreng Rempah, Ayam Masak Merah and Ayam Bariani. JM also serves side dishes like Mee Bandung, with a soup base that is richly prepared with shrimp paste. There are also dishes like Tauhu Bakar and Acar Buah to complement the beriani meal. JM's signature beverage is Sirap Bandung, which is made using soda and milk.