Yesterday’s lunch turned into a little adventure in Woodlands. I was visiting a friend around the Woodgrove area and we wandered into the commercial cluster nearby, one of those areas where you can find pretty much everything, from quick fast food to sit-down restaurants. We ended up at Al Sana Restaurant, an Indian Muslim eatery that looked bright, cool, and welcoming from the outside. The dining room had that clean, modern feel with warm wood accents, and the soft hum of conversation mingled with lively sounds from the open kitchen—pots clinking, curry bubbling, orders being called. It gave the room a cheerful vibe without being noisy. It has a strong air-conditioning, which felt extra nice on a warm afternoon.
Chicken Briyani was calling my name, so I went for it. When the plate arrived, it honestly felt like a mini feast. A generous mound of long-grain basmati rice took my attention, dotted with little saffron-gold and orange color from the spices. On top, a puffy papadam look really crispy. Off to the side sat a bowl of chicken curry, delicious and inviting, and a small bowl of veggies tossed in creamy yogurt. A hard-boiled, happy surprise... rounded out the plate.
First taste: that rice. The grains were beautifully separate and fluffy, carrying a gentle aroma of the spices. Each bite had a subtle flavor without overwhelming heat. I love when briyani rice is seasoned enough to be delicious on its own, and this one is perfect. The papadam added fun crunch... perfect for breaking into shards and mixing in for texture.
The chicken curry leaned mildly spicy, which is exactly my comfort zone. The gravy is nice, rich with notes of turmeric, cumin, and a little heat from the chilli. The chicken pieces were tender and soaked in the sauce, making it easy to spoon over the rice for that classic curry-meets-briyani combination.
The vegetable yogurt side did what all good sides do: cool the palate and reset the taste buds. Crisp cucumber and onion in tangy yogurt brought a refreshing lift between bites of curry. I kept alternating—curry and rice for comfort, sides for chill—and it made the plate feel balanced from start to finish. As for the “bonus” egg, the firm yolk added a simple, satisfying richness; I like slicing it and letting a bit of curry run over the top.
Portion-wise, this was hearty. If you’re arriving hungry (or sharing), Al Sana’s briyani will make you very happy. I left comfortably full and still had a little rice left on the plate... always a sign that the serving is generous. Service was efficient and the staff were friendly in that easy, everyday way. You order, you settle in, and before you know it the food arrives steaming and fragrant.
Overall, a really nice lunch experience: comforting flavors, a gentle spice level, and a cool, relaxed environment. I’d happily come back to Al Sana...maybe to try their mutton or egg briyani next time, or just to replay this same Chicken Briyani combo with extra veggie side (because that creamy crunch is addictive). If you find yourself around Woodgrove and want something satisfying without fuss, this is a great stop. I’m already thinking about my next visit.
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