Top 5 Middle Eastern restaurants in Kuala Lumpur you must try

Angela Goh

12 Oct 2016

updated the 14 November 2016 à 11:26

If you’re in the mood for a cuisine with sophisticated flavours that will leave you sated, look no further.

1/5
Al-Amar Lebanese Cuisine
A favourite amongst the Lebanese crowd in Kuala Lumpur, Al-Amar is well known for its traditional and authentic fare. Start off the meal with traditional hot and cold mezzes such as Shanklich, Lebanese cheeses infused with labneh and spices with a fresh tomato and onion topping, or the unique Cherry Kebab - minced lamb strongly flavoured with sweet and sour cherry, before moving on to a huge beef and chicken shawarma platter to share amongst friends. With live Middle Eastern music and belly dancing on weekends, Al-Amar makes for a great night out.
Lot 6.10, Level 6, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang
Photo: Al-Amar Lebanese Cuisine Facebook
2/5
Naab Restaurant
Naab is often overlooked as a bit of a tourist trap - just look at the overwhelming number of reviews from international visitors on TripAdvisor! With such international acclaim, they must be doing something right. Located just off the chaotic Bukit Bintang, Naab dishes up flavourful and authentic Persian fare, rivalling that of Iran itself. From their traditional Persian drinks (the Dough, a cooling blend of yoghurt and mint, is a must try) to divinely tender lamb shanks to sweet and soft Baklava served with Iranian tea, it’s no wonder Naab is a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike.
Lot 130 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100
Photo: Naab Restaurant Facebook
3/5
Arabesque
Known for serving up gloriously Middle Eastern flavours that aim to surprise and delight, the cosy restaurant of Arabesque is a good place to go if you’re in the mood for a change from the local cuisine scene of Malaysia. If you’re a meat lover, indulge in the mixed grill (pictured) for a hearty carnivorous feast. The hummus with lamb is apparently a juicy and delicious choice, too. If you’re a vegetarian, their falafels will not disappoint.
92 Petaling Street, 51000
Photo: Arabesque Facebook
4/5
Hadramawt Restaurant
If you’ve not yet had the pleasure of tasting Yemeni Mandi, you’re in for a treat. Huge cuts of spiced lamb are cooked in a special underground charcoal oven for hours, resulting in a deliciously tender and toothsome dish. Even the name, meaning ‘dew’, reflects upon just how tender and moist the meat is. What’s even better is the perfectly cooked rice spiked with raisins and pine nuts served alongside the lamb. If that’s got your attention, head to Hadramawt Restaurant to try their own traditional rendition of this amazing dish.
Lot 314 Jalan Ampang, 50450
Photo: Hadramawt Restaurant Facebook
5/5
Arab Shawarma
Don’t let their simple, rustic exterior put you off. With raving reviews on TripAdvisor, Arab Shawarma is apparently the place to go for great service and the best shawarma in town. Try their mouthwatering vegetarian falafel wrap for a quick and delicious mid-afternoon snack. With incredibly affordable choices, the offerings at Arab Shawarma will make for a great on-the-go lunch.
7A, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 50000
Photo: Arab Shawarma Facebook

There’s just something about Middle Eastern cuisine that gets us to start salivating. Is it the beautiful spices used to flavour everything? Or perhaps the delightful aromas of grilled meats and traditional mezze dishes? One thing’s for sure, there’s nothing quite like Middle Eastern fare. Thankfully, Kuala Lumpur is home to a decent number of stunning restaurants that offer a variety of Middle Eastern dishes to satisfy even the pickiest of taste buds.

From flavoured Lebanese cheeses to mouthwatering falafels that will please any vegetarian, amazing shawarma sandwiches to delicately spiced rice pilaf with dried fruit, take your pick from the list of superb restaurants we have curated in the gallery above.

Angela Goh

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