Written by Natasha Christopher
The cuisine of the Middle Eastern, particularly, is diverse with their flavors, spices, seasonings, and even generous portions with a variety of sides too. It’s aromatic and appetizing food has captivated people from all walks of life to dine together in the name of love for Middle Eastern food.
Middle Eastern cuisine comprises countries with food influences from Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, and many more. They implement many uses of lamb, mutton, goat, or camel meat. Let’s not even forget their thick and rich in taste sauces to dip your bread or rice into! There have been many successful Middle Eastern restaurant establishments in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor areas that should not be missed out. Here’s our pick!
1. Al-Amar Lebanese
The direct translation of “the moon” in Arabic for Al-Amar, it provides an almost starry-starry night feeling when you dine in here. Its romantic warm lights and stylish terrace design would make a good date night place too. However, what will make it an even greater day for you is their authentic Lebanese dishes. Al-Amar’s team of highly experienced Lebanese chefs with some of the freshest ingredients flown in from Lebanon, it’s no secret that Al-Amar won Time Out’s best Middle Eastern restaurant four years consecutively. Some of the dishes that are a must-try there is their Batata Harra which is a spicy potato dish, The Al-Amar Hommos (or hummus), and their meat platter!
Address: Lot 6.10.00, 168, Bukit Bintang Street, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Business Hours: Opens daily from 10 am to 12 am
Contact number: 03-2110 0855
2. Halab KL
Located in the busy streets of Bukit Bintang, Halab KL is another gem of a middle eastern restaurant that one should not miss. Halab brand recognition within families, business lunch professionals, and large touristic groups in search of authentic Middle eastern gastronomy. Serving slight emphasis on Syrian cuisine, you can find hints of olive oils, nuts, eggplant, and fruits when you indulge in here. Some of their food here includes shakriya, a full-fat yogurt stew with tender pieces of lamb, their moutabal (roasted eggplant), and their mixed grilled Halab that’s filled with beautiful pieces of grilled prawns, lamb, and chicken meat.
Address: 35, Jalan Berangan, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Business Hours: Opens daily from 10 am to 11 pm
Contact number: 03-2110 4146
3. Hadramawt Kitchen
Ever wondered what Yemeni food tastes like? Hadramawt Kitchen tantalizes all the right taste buds and makes you crave for more Yemen food. Located in Shah Alam, this place presents a spacious area for family and friends to dine in. As for their food served here, Hadramawt Kitchen doesn’t disappoint. A quarter of their tender Mandi lamb can serve for up to 2-3 people as it’s portion is a lot plus, it’s aromatic too. Their chicken and lamb cubes are made from scratch and are grilled over super-hot charcoal for the freshest servings. Following your main course, you can indulge in their sweet desserts and fresh fruit juice too! Be sure to experience a full 100% Arabia experience by sitting on the floor table with a comfortable cushion. Full-on food coma!
Address: Jalan Penguasa A U1/53A, Kawasan Perindustrian Temasya, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor
Business Hours: Opens daily from 11 am to 10 pm
Contact number: 03-5569 0690
4. Al Rawsha Restaurant
“Al-Rawsha” is a restaurant that is named after the famous legendary rock in Beirut, Lebanon. The cliff overlooking the rock is famous for its restaurants, which serve exquisite Lebanese cuisines, it’s with that in mind they are serving you irresistible Middle Eastern cuisines. Also, hence why you’ll immediately notice its rock-like structure building as you enter in. Besides that, its top quality of Middle Eastern food is what keeps bringing new and regular back here. They serve up to 5 different types of kebabs, a variety of lamb cooking styles, and kabsa rice styles which are all delicious. Wash it all down with their hot tea which is refillable.
Address: No. 8, Jalan Kampung Pandan, Kelab Golf di Raja Selangor, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Business Hours: Opens daily for 24 hours
Contact number: 03-9200 6600
5. Bedouin Arabian Cuisine
The indigenous people of the Arab world are the Bedouin, where their diet relies on a lot of dates, dried fruit, nuts, wheat, barley, rice, and meat. Hence, you find a lot of these fresh ingredients infused into their famous cuisine here. The falafel here is a must try as it’s a deep-fried ball or patty made from chickpeas, fava beans, or both. The Bedouin shakshouka which is served on a lava stone dish is another must try there. Plus with their mixed grill dishes. If you’re opting for a slightly “just nice” dish for one, you can try their sandwich of falafel, chicken kebab, lamb, or shish tawook. Their prices are also affordable considering the huge portion they give too. Perfect place for big families to dine here.
Address: 6 Jalan Wan Kadir, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Business Hours: Opens daily from 12 pm to 10 pm
Contact number: 03-7731 4712
6. Istanbul Turkish Cafe
This cozy Turkish run cafe is the newest and sweet spot for all those who crave for amazing filled food from the Land of the Legends. Previously in TTDI has now been situated right in the heart of NU Sentral area, this place serves one of the most authentic Turkish dishes like su boregi (traditional savory pastry), kunefe, homemade simit, meat kofte and not forgetting Turkish coffee to wash down after eating. This restaurant could be a great place for you to explore a new cuisine that is in the direction of Middle Eastern cooking with your friends and family.
Address: Stall No. 17 Level 3 NU Sentral Mall No 201, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Business Hours: Opens daily from 11 am to 8 pm
Contact number: 013-326 9144
7. Oregi Restaurant
If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, great food, and “lepak” with shisha in your hands, oregi is the place to be. Although it can be packed with many people during dinner time. There’s an indoor and outdoor area for you to chill and eat. Oregi has been around for some time and is famous among students here. The meat dishes here promise tender and soft texture that is easy on the fork plus with its fragrant rice. Besides that, Oregi is known for its variety of dishes that not only is centered on Middle Eastern cuisine but also in Western. They have lamb chops, fish and chips, plates of pasta and many more.
Address: No.53 Jalan SS15/4B Subang Jaya
Business Hours: Opens daily from 11 am to 2 am
Contact number: 010-294 5796
8. Julio’s Restaurant
Known for its superb grills and affordable pricing, it’s no wonder Julio’s restaurant is mostly packed during the day and regulars often come back. They have an array of Eastern dishes from biryani, shakiria rice, beans, Jordanian Mansif, mandi lamb, and of course their kebab. It offers its customers’ delicious food and also a peaceful ambiance for people to spend some good quality time there. Owned by a Syrian, you know you’ll be tasting some of the most authentic dishes when you visit their Kota Damansara restaurant.
Address: Unit G-25 Cova Square Jalan Teknologi, Kota Damansara PJU 5, Petaling Jaya
Business Hours: Opens daily from 11 am to 4 am
Contact number: 03-7629 4094
There you have it, some of the top Middle Eastern cuisines you can indulge in. How about bringing your loved ones to some of our best picks and try them out for yourself?
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