Cover Ilham Alshahab is an interdisciplinary artist who majored in New Media Arts (Photo: Ilham Alshahab)
Ilham Alshahab is an interdisciplinary artist who majored in New Media Arts (Photo: Ilham Alshahab)
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Find out where Ilham goes for sushi and strudels
Ilham Alshahab lives, breathes, and sleeps digital art. As a full-time designer and freelance animator, Ilham has been commissioned by brands and companies such as Giphy, Chuck's, and Phil's Pizza to create works for them.
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Ilham is committed to telling stories in creative and unconventional ways. "Everything that I've ever made, or tried to, is a part of my exploration of different ways to tell a story," explains Ilham.
Much like her penchant for exploring different ways to tell stories, Ilham is keen on exploring different flavours and expanding her palate. "I think my openness to trying new cuisines comes from the fact that I grew up in a multicultural household—our home-cooked meals are always a fun mix!" gushes Ilham.
Here are Ilham's picks for her top weeknight hangouts and eats.
See also: 5 Foodie Finds: Visual Designer Nat Andrea's Favourite Takeouts
Al Halabi Gourmet Restaurant
"This is my family's go-to restaurant for Lebanese and Syrian dishes. The silky, soft, melt-in-your-mouth hummus and mixed grilled meats and vegetables are my go-to. Besides the food, I absolutely love the interior of the place, with the pointed arches and vintage Turkish lights and rugs. It's super cosy."
Al Halabi Gourmet Restaurant | Lot 7.01.06, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 168, Bukit Bintang St, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2113 0061 | Monday-Sunday, 10am-11:55pm
See also: 6 Places For Mouth-Watering Middle Eastern Cuisine In The Klang Valley
Strudels by Sara
"I'm pretty sure I've ordered these apple strudels a million times at this point, some for myself and some for friends. It's got a great taste and just the right balance of soft and flaky—I'm salivating as I'm writing this. Not to mention, the cute, hand-drawn style box it comes in. I almost want to keep them!"
Strudels by Sara | Delivery every Thursday-Sunday
See also: 8 Unique Pastries You Can Order Online In The Klang Valley
Carnaval Churrascaria
Above Beef rump at Carnaval Churrascaria (Photo: Carnaval Churrascasria/Facebook)
Beef rump at Carnaval Churrascaria (Photo: Carnaval Churrascasria/Facebook)
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"I come here on the days when I'm feeling particularly carnivorous. It's a Brazilian-style buffet, where they serve freshly cooked meat cuts at your table, one after another. The food is top notch but what I like about it the most is the dining experience. It's so fun just anticipating the next cut of meat to arrive!"
Carnaval Churrascaria | 77, Jalan SS 22/19, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya | +603 7725 2252 | Monday-Sunday, 6pm-11pm
See also: Tatler Dining Guide 2022: Where to Go if You're a Meat and Seafood Lover
Mitasu Japanese Restaurant
"Endless sashimi? Yes please! Thick, glossy, and succulent—nice to look at and even better to eat. I thought I didn't like sashimi before but after having my first taste here, I finally got the appeal. The beef and lamb butteryaki are good too!"
Mitasu Japanese Restaurant | Lot 306, Jalan Klang Lama, Batu 3, 58000 Kuala Lumpur | +603 7971 8878 | Monday-Sunday, 12pm-3pm & 6pm-9:30pm
See also: Where to Buy Sashimi-Grade Fish for Homemade Sushi
Lau Wan Kuetiau Goreng
"I had to include this because it feels like home. I've had Uncle Lau Wan's famous kuey teow goreng since I was a kid and it always tastes just as good as the first time I had it. There's just something about the zesty chilli sauce that comes with it. Also, you have to get the yummy tauhu bakar after your noodles to round it all off."
Lau Wan Kuetiau Goreng | Selera Wawasan, 13, Jln. SS 3/33, Taman Universiti, 47300 Petaling Jaya | +6012 661 4907 | Wednesday-Monday, 4pm-9:30pm
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Amanda is a KL-born and raised third culture kid, who lives to eat. If not found reading, writing for Tatler Dining, or snacking, she is most likely playing with her dog, Katsu, sourcing new Birkenstocks, or looking for a new restaurant to venture to.
Follow her on Instagram at @feedingamanda.
