(REVIEW) From Tandoori Donburi to Nanini: TanBuri at Hyatt Centric KL Delivers Indian Cuisine with a Twist

We were fortunate to be invited for an exclusive tasting at TanBuri, courtesy of the team at Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur. Here are our thoughts:

A contemporary dining space filled with fire & spice

While Il Forno is perfect for romantic dinners and quiet family gatherings, TanBuri brings a vibrant, contemporary twist to traditional Indian flavours—ideal for a quick bite, casual lunch meeting, or a laid-back catch-up with friends.

Much like the decor featured all throughout Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur, TanBuri is casual, colourful, and buzzing with energy. The open kitchen—anchored by three custom-built charcoal tandoors—is a sensory spectacle where you can catch the sizzle of marinated meats, the aroma of baking naan, and the occasional flare of fire as chefs work their magic in full view.

Meanwhile, TanBuri offers a thoughtfully designed variety of seating options to suit every dining occasion—whether you're gathering around long communal tables for a lively group lunch, grabbing a quick bite at the high-top counters, or cozy standard seating perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or loved ones.

Elevating Indian classics, one donburi at a time

At the heart of TanBuri’s concept is its name—a clever fusion of two culinary worlds: “Tandoori”, the iconic Indian method of cooking over a clay oven, and “Donburi”, the beloved Japanese rice bowl.

TanBuri takes the rich, smoky flavours of traditional Indian tandoori meats and reimagines them in donburi-style bowls, through its signature rice bowls, where fluffy rice is paired with vibrant sauces, meats, and garnishes. The result is a dish that feels both familiar and refreshingly new—delicious Indian food with a twist.

Whether you go for beef, mushroom, prawn, salmon, beef, lamb, or chicken, each bowl is a colourful bowl of textures and flavours. We tried their LambBuri (RM40) which came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. The lamb was perfectly charred on the outside, tender on the inside, and generously spiced with a rich tandoori marinade. It sat atop a bed of fluffy rice, accompanied by a baba ghanoush, pomegranate, mixed salad, tomato salsa, coriander, and a garlic dressing that tied everything together beautifully making every bite a satisfying balance of smoky, spicy, and savoury experience.

Next on our list was the Chicken Tikka Tandoori Platter (RM28), which came with a side of butter naan and mint chutney. The chicken was beautifully charred and each bite was juicy and packed with flavour, perfectly complemented by the soft, buttery naan that was ideal for scooping up every last bit of the vibrant green chutney.

The platter struck a great balance between hearty and light—ideal for those who want a classic tandoori experience without the heaviness of a full dish. Our only wish was that there was more of it; the flavours were so addictive, we found ourselves scraping the plate for every last bite.

We also had the chance to experience TanBuri’s set lunch (RM40+), which offers a choice of one main from three options: Beef Nanini, Butter Chicken with Naan Bread or Basmati Rice, or LambBuri. For drinks, you can choose between Iced Lemon Tea or Mango Fizz, and the set includes a complimentary Coconut Ice Cream to round off the meal on a sweet note.

We opted for the Butter Chicken with Naan Bread as well as the Mango Fizz—a pairing that turned out to be both comforting and refreshing. The butter chicken was rich and velvety, with just the right balance of creaminess and spice, while the naan was soft, warm, and perfect for soaking up the flavourful gravy.

The Mango Fizz added a playful, tropical twist to the meal, offering a light, fruity contrast that cleansed the palate between bites.

Lastly, the Coconut Ice Cream was a delightful way to end the meal—light, creamy, and subtly sweet, with just the right hint of tropical freshness. Served in a chilled bowl, it offered a cooling contrast to the bold spices of the mains.

Some of the other highlights of the menu included their variety of Naninis, where TanBuri’s signature naan is transformed into a sandwich packed with flavorful proteins like mushroom, chicken tikka, or lamb kebab. These handheld delights are perfect for those looking for something lighter yet still satisfying—ideal for a quick lunch or a casual bite without compromising on bold, tandoori-inspired flavours.

Although the dishes discussed above are only available for lunch and dinner, TanBuri also has a special breakfast menu with local favourites such as Roti Canai (RM12), Nasi Lemak Pandan with Tandoori Chicken (RM16) and the Breakfast Nanini (RM18). These morning options are perfect for early risers looking for a hearty yet approachable start to the day, with lighter portions and familiar flavours that still carry TanBuri’s signature twist.

Refreshing pairings for bold bites

TanBuri’s drink menu is just as eclectic as its food. From Indian sodas and lassis to coffee, tea, kombucha, and even wine and beer, there’s something for every mood and moment.

As a sweet ending to the day, we opted for their Masala Chai (RM12)—a comforting blend of spiced tea that was both aromatic and soothing. Served warm with just the right balance of sweetness and spice, it was the perfect finale to our meal to wrap everything up.

TanBuri

TanBuri isn’t just another Indian restaurant—it’s a refreshing reimagination of what Indian cuisine can be in a modern, urban setting.

From its inventive donburi-style bowls to its playful Naninis and comforting classics, the menu strikes a balance between bold creativity and familiar comfort.

Whether you're popping in for a quick lunch, a laid-back dinner, or even a hearty breakfast, TanBuri delivers on flavour, presentation, and vibe. If you’re looking for something familiar yet refreshingly new in the heart of KL, TanBuri is absolutely worth a visit—and probably a few return trips too.

For more information check out their website or for reservations, click here.