Rich Maha, Melbourne CBD by Ruby Grapefruit

Rich Maha is a little difficult to find as it’s actually located in Equitable Place off Little Collins St. I thought I knew the city well but I’ve never even noticed this laneway before. Word has obviously spread about this eatery because it was jam-packed with customers at lunchtime. The place is cramped and the décor grungy, but at these prices you can’t really expect anything too flash. Service is fast and cheerful, but a little chaotic.


According to their website they specialise in Southern Indian cuisine as well as Malaysian, Sri Lankan and Singaporean dishes.

I ordered the Nasi Lemak (coconut rice) with beef curry ($8.50) which was served with ikan bilis (dried anchovies), peanuts and hot sambal. Unfortunately I didn't get a photo of the dish but it looked very similar to the one below. The rice didn't really stand out for me so I would say it was just okay. The highlight was the beef curry which was delicious – very tender meat and a spicy, tomato based sauce. (Rating 7/10)

My lunch companions tried other dishes and gave the following comments and ratings.



Nasi Lemak with Chicken 65 - I was disappointed with my dish but that was because I thought I had ordered something else! That said the chicken 65 was delicious, hot and spicy but very manageable palate wise. The dried anchovies did not add much to the dish. All in all I will give it 5/10.


Masala Thosai - The dips served with it were quite flavourful, but the potato filling could have been a bit more spicy, it was a bit lacking in flavour. (Rating 6/10).



Chicken Briyani - Not bad. The flavours and aroma of the rice were pleasant. The chicken was firm but a little dry, not unacceptably though. (Rating 6.5/10)



Eggplant Masala, Chicken 65 and Beef Rendang (Lunch special) - The flavour of the eggplant was good although the dish was a little sloppy. The Chicken 65 was quite good, the Beef Rendang was nicely tender but a little lacking in flavour. (Rating 6.5/10).



Roti Telur - The biggest downside was the confusion … I was one of the first to get my food but it turned out not to be mine. The upsidewas how friendly and helpful the waiter was … my food arrived within a few minutes of asking. When I finally got to eat I was hungry and the food was tasty and filling .. but that was all. Rating: Food 6/10 (because I’m a generous soul). Service 5/10, with one extremely helpful, patient waiter.

Verdict
Food - 6
Ambience - 5.5
Service - 5
Price - 7

Address
Shop 9, 343 Little Collins St (but actually in Equitable Place)
Melbourne VIC 3000
Ph: (03) 9670 8998