Middle Eastern food might not be the first thing a ravaging Malaysian foodie thinks about, but they probably should. After all, the cuisine is a gateway to different cultures and culinary experiences, thanks to the many countries that fall under the region. You know most of them: Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. Although each country has its flair for certain dishes, some similarities bind them all together. And you get to taste it all here in the capital city. Hungry? Here’s where to get the best Middle Eastern food in KL.
Bookmark These Restaurants For The Best Middle Eastern Food In KL
A flurry of spices and grilled meats await you.
1. Turkish Cafe Istanbul
TTDI folks highly regard Turkish Cafe Istanbul as one of the best Arab restaurants in KL. From using fresh ingredients to the cosy and laidback atmosphere, this is where you get to taste a variety of authentic Turkish offerings. Think traditional Turkish breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs, cheese, and olives. Or perfectly golden brown falafels as appetisers and lamb mandy as the main course. For dessert, it’s of course baklavas.
Address: LG-08 Glo Damansara, 699, Jalan Damansara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours:
Mon – Thurs: 10am – 10pm
Fri: 10am – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 10pm
Contact: 03-7731 1644
Related: Where To Eat & Drink In TTDI If You Don’t Know What’s Good
2. Naab
True to its name, Naab (pure in Persian) presents Persian cuisine in an honest fashion. This commitment to authenticity has paid off, solidifying Naab as a go-to spot for the best Middle Eastern food on this side of KL. Regulars come for the Persian lamb stew, tasty dips for warm flatbread, and hummus. Don’t skip the kebabs, which are freshly sliced from the grill to order.
Address: 130, Bukit Bintang St, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm – 2am
Contact: 03-2143 3949
3. Halab Gate
If you’re in the mood for the best shawarma in KL, this buzzing location among tourists and locals is a safe bet. Each shawarma is packed with chicken or beef (or both if you’re fickle-minded) sliced fresh from the grill, then doused in its signature sauces ranging from garlic to cheese. The shawarmas come in smaller bite sizes for those who just want a quick snack.
Address: 51, Jln Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am – 4am
Contact: 011-1111 4423
4. Bedouin
Just right around the corner from Turkish Cafe Istanbul, Bedouin serves authentic and hearty Arabian fare including a variety of samosas, soups, hummus, tabbouleh, and mandi dishes. Spacious and consciously renovated, the restaurant lends a memorable atmosphere for anything between intimate meals and lively parties.
Address: 6, Jalan Wan Kadir, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Daily, 12pm – 11pm
Contact: 03-2389 0230 / 012-7374 712
Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Al Halabi Gourmet Restaurant
Located within Pavillion Kuala Lumpur, Al Halabi Gourmet Restaurant presents a memorable dining experience thoughtfully curated by Syrian chefs. For instance, you’ll find unique dishes like baba ghanoush and moussaka as well as fresh Lebanese bread for dipping into silky gravies. The expansive menu also consists of fatayers, which are savoury stuffed pies in a light-textured crust.
Address: 7.01.06, Level 7, Pavilion Mall, 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am – 1am
Contact: 03-2113 0061
Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Tarbush
With multiple outlets and a reputation for serving some of the best Middle Eastern food in KL, Tarbush has been in business for more than two decades. Each outlet is stylishly decorated to mimic a traditional Arabian restaurant, while the menu is an amalgamation of tasty dishes that regulars have grown accustomed to. From tandoori options to grilled seafood, you’ll find almost everything you need for a feast.
Address, Opening Hours & Contact:
Bukit Bintang
138, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Daily, 10am – 10pm
03-2142 8558
JW Marriot Hotel
Lot No.H1, Upper Ground, Adorn Floor, JW Marriott Hotel, No. 181, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Daily, 12pm – 12AM
03-2715 2785
Starhill Gallery
LG06, Starhill Gallery, Lower Ground floor of, 181, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Daily, 10am – 2am
03-9771 4988
Website | Facebook | Instagram
7. Sahara Tent
With its origins tracing back to New Zealand, Sahara Tent is among the best Arab restaurants in KL offering tantalising mains like fatosh, kozi, and lamb biryani. Don’t skip the grilled dishes too, especially the Sahara Chicken. It’s marinated boneless chicken topped with sauteed mushrooms and freshly-squeezed lemon juice. Have it with a side of basmati rice for a satisfying meal.
Address, Opening Hours & Contact:
Bukit Bintang
Plaza Berjaya, Lot G027D, No12, Jalan Imbi, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Daily, 11am – 2am
03-2144 8310
Ampang
Lorong Nibong, Taman U Thant, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Daily, 11am – 2am
03-4257 8310
8. Yahala Restaurant
Eating at Yahala Restaurant is a wholesome experience for the senses. Not only does it serve among the best Middle Eastern food in KL, the place is also equally remarkable. Upon arriving, you’ll be ushered into a three-storey building that looks like it’s been directly transported from the Middle East. From Turkish chandeliers to embellished carpets, the restaurant will have you believe this isn’t downtown KL. The lavish decoration is on par with the menu as favourites like kebabs, samosas, falafels, and lamb fahsa are usual suspects.
Address: 1, Jalan Nipah, Kampung Berembang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 2am
Contact: 03-4266 3552
Website | Facebook | Instagram
9. Damascus BBQ
The never-ending debate about the best shawarma in KL often falls between Halab Gate and Damascus BBQ. But as preferences often dictate in gastronomy, there are diehard supporters of the latter vouching for its mouthwatering grilled meats. Located just across the street from Halab Gate, Damascus’ shawarmas come stacked with fries for added crunch while the sauce selections consist of yoghurt, chilli, and even pomegranate.
Address: Bukit Bintang St, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Daily, 8am – 2.30am
Contact: 011-3717 2122
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Treat Yourself To The Best Middle Eastern Food In KL
We hope this list has spurred your appetite for some tasty Middle Eastern grub! It’s always slightly daunting to try something new, but rest assured that these best Arabic restaurants in KL will settle you right in, and feed you with colourful cuisines you’ll remember for weeks to come. Looking for more places to eat? Bookmark our extensive, heavily-researched food guides for the best eats in the Klang Valley and beyond, such as these underrated Kajang eateries and photogenic cafes in Melaka.
