Merah

Merah is a Malaysian restaurant on Osborn Street in Whitechapel, a welcome specialist in the complex, fragrant and deeply satisfying cuisine of Malaysia in an area dominated by Bangladeshi and South Asian food. Listed in the Hardens Guide, Merah serves authentic Malaysian cooking -- the country's remarkable fusion of Malay, Chinese and Indian culinary traditions -- in a relaxed, welcoming setting close to Aldgate East tube station.

The menu covers Malaysian classics: a rich, coconut-based laksa; nasi lemak (the national dish of Malaysia, fragrant coconut rice with sambal, anchovies, peanuts and a fried egg); char kway teow noodles wok-fried over fierce heat with prawns, Chinese sausage and bean sprouts; rendang; roti canai with dhal; and a selection of Malaysian curries and rice dishes. An excellent and affordable option in E1. Halal certified. Open daily for lunch and dinner.