My partner has introduced me to quite a few good places over the years, but every now and then, he recommends somewhere that completely catches me by surprise.
This time, it was a small Pakistani eatery called De Tandoor.
“You have to try the cheese naan here,” he said.
I’ll be honest… I wasn’t completely convinced. After all, I’d already found my favourite cheese naan at Tandoori Hut in Ampang, and that’s been my benchmark for years. Whenever I’m craving really good cheese naan, that’s the place that immediately comes to mind.
Still, curiosity got the better of me.
If he was recommending it so confidently, I figured it was worth giving a try.
So one evening, we headed to De Tandoor for dinner to see if it could really live up to his recommendation.
The only question on my mind was…
Could it really be that good?
✅ About De Tandoor & First Impression
De Tandoor is a corner-side eatery located inside a local food court in Taman Kajang Utama. The menu focuses on authentic Pakistani and North Indian favourites, from freshly baked naan and smoky tandoori dishes to rich curries and fragrant rice prepared using traditional cooking methods.
One of the highlights here is the tandoor, a traditional clay oven used to bake naan and cook meats over high heat. The intense heat gives the bread its signature soft texture with lightly charred edges, while the tandoori chicken develops a smoky flavour that’s difficult to achieve with ordinary grilling.
The food court has a relaxed, open-air atmosphere that makes it a comfortable place to enjoy a leisurely meal. There was no long queue, no loud crowd, and no pressure to finish eating quickly. We could simply sit back, enjoy the food, and take our time.
It might not look like much at first, but I’ve learned not to judge a place by its appearance. Some of the best meals I’ve had have come from the most unexpected places, and De Tandoor is one of them.
✅ The Menu & What We Ordered
Now for the part I’d been looking forward to the most…
The food.
The menu at De Tandoor offers a variety of authentic Pakistani favourites, from freshly baked naan and smoky tandoori dishes to curries, biryani, kebabs, and chapati. There are plenty of options to choose from, but for me, there was never really any question about what I wanted to order.
My partner had already convinced me that the cheese naan was the star of the menu, so naturally, that was the first thing we ordered. To complete the meal, we also added a tandoori chicken because, in my opinion, the two belong together. I couldn’t resist trying their chapati as well, just to see how it compared.
✨ Cheese Naan
This was the dish I’d been looking forward to the most, and thankfully, it didn’t disappoint.
What I loved about it:
- Generously stuffed with cheese. Unlike some places that skimp on the filling, De Tandoor goes all out. Every slice came with that satisfying cheese pull every cheese lover hopes for.
- Soft, fluffy naan with slightly crisp edges. The contrast in texture made every bite even more enjoyable.
- Hari chutney (green chutney). Made with fresh coriander, mint, and green chillies, it added a refreshing, herby kick that balanced the richness of the cheese beautifully.
The naan was also served with dhal gravy.
I’ll admit…
Dhal just isn’t my thing. 😂
So I asked if I could swap it for curry instead, and I’m so glad I did. The curry was rich, fragrant, and packed with flavour. It paired beautifully with the cheese naan and made every bite even more satisfying.
✨ Tandoori Chicken
Whenever I order cheese naan, I almost always pair it with tandoori chicken because, for me, they’re simply the perfect combination. 😂
The chicken had everything I look for in a good tandoori. Beautifully charred on the outside with that vibrant reddish-orange colour, yet still juicy and tender on the inside. The smoky aroma from the tandoor came through in every bite, while the yoghurt and spice marinade added plenty of flavour without overpowering the chicken itself.
One little tip… don’t skip the squeeze of lime.
That burst of citrus brightens the spices beautifully and adds just the right amount of freshness. Paired with the sliced onions and cucumber, every bite becomes the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavours.
✨ Chapati
I also couldn’t leave without trying their chapati, and it turned out to be another pleasant surprise.
It was soft, freshly cooked, and had just the right texture. Not too chewy and not too dry, just the way I like it.
Traditionally, it’s served with dhal gravy, but since I’d already swapped the dhal for curry with my naan, I did the same here. Personally, though, I’d still choose sambal sardin if it were available. It’s one of my favourite pairings with chapati, but unfortunately, De Tandoor doesn’t serve it.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter than naan, the chapati is definitely worth ordering.
More to Explore
Although we only tried a few dishes during this visit, the menu has plenty more to offer. From fragrant biryani and rich curries to kebabs and other Pakistani favourites, there’s still plenty I’d love to come back and try.
You can browse their full menu here: De Tandoor Menu
✅ Was It Worth the Price?
Without a doubt, yes.
One of the things that impressed me most about De Tandoor was just how much food we got for the price. The portions were generous, and by the end of the meal, both of us left feeling completely satisfied.
The cheese naan was large enough to share, the tandoori chicken was meaty and filling, and even the chapati came in a good portion. Everything felt freshly prepared, and the quality easily exceeded what I expected from a food stall.
What surprised me most was the value for money.
Despite serving authentic Pakistani food made with quality ingredients, the prices were very reasonable. You get restaurant-quality flavours at food court prices, which isn’t something you come across every day.
If you’re looking for a satisfying meal that won’t break the bank, I genuinely think De Tandoor offers excellent value for money.
✅ Location & Opening Hours
De Tandoor is located in Taman Kajang Utama, Kajang, and it’s fairly easy to find once you’re there.
Parking was another plus. There are plenty of free roadside parking spaces nearby, so unless you’re visiting during peak hours, finding a spot shouldn’t be too difficult.
📍De Tandoor
Medan Selera Kajang Utama,
Taman Kajang Utama,
43000 Kajang, Selangor.
🕒 Opening Hours
Daily: 1PM – 12AM
✅ Final Thoughts
I came to De Tandoor hoping to find a cheese naan that could live up to my expectations.
I’m happy to say it did.
While Tandoori Hut in Ampang is still my personal favourite, De Tandoor comes incredibly close in both flavour and quality. The cheese naan was everything I was hoping for, generously filled with cheese, freshly baked, and wonderfully satisfying. Paired with the smoky tandoori chicken, it made for a meal I’d happily come back for again and again.
What makes De Tandoor even more enjoyable is that everything feels worth the price and judging by the number of returning customers during my visits, it’s easy to see why this place has become a favourite among many locals. If you’re around Kajang and craving authentic Pakistani food, I genuinely think De Tandoor is well worth a visit.
Wanderhoney Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Until my next foodie adventure,
X, Auri 🌻
