Cover Nearly impossible to reduce to a single dish, Middle Eastern cuisine is a composition of various countries and regions. Find some of the best in TTDI (Photo by Deb Lindsey)
Nearly impossible to reduce to a single dish, Middle Eastern cuisine is a composition of various countries and regions. Find some of the best in TTDI (Photo by Deb Lindsey)
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Middle Eastern restaurants do not come in a shortage in TTDI, and if you’re ever in need of some good hummus and bread, these are our top spots
The vibrancy and diversity of Middle Eastern cuisine is nearly impossible to reduce into a singular dish, with foods encompassing various countries and regions, ranging from North Africa to Western Asia. The rich culinary fabric holds flavours, techniques, and ingredients shaped over centuries, with many traditions unchanged. Bread, one of the cornerstones of Middle Eastern cuisine, is one of the oldest foods in the world, and is believed to have originated in 8000 BC Egypt.
It comes as no surprise that Middle Eastern cuisine is well-loved in Malaysia, as it is a cuisine that is synonymous with fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and communal dishes—very similar to Malaysian culinary and dining culture.
TTDI in particular is where many of our go-to spots congregate; in this list we've rounded up our favourite locations.
In case you missed it: Where to eat in TTDI: Best brunch spots that go beyond the usual
Yafa
This Palestinian restaurant was opened by Zara Riza as part of honouring her father-in-law, who was born in Yafa, Palestine. In the spirit of preserving Palestinian culture, Riza serves up classic Palestinian dishes such as maqluba, arayes, fatayers, and many more.
If you would like to learn more about Palestinian culture and food, they host workshops where you can learn the traditional dance, Dabke, or learn Tatreez, a form of traditional Palestinian embroidery.
Yafa Restaurant, 7 Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 7, TTDI, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, @yafarrestaurant.kl
Bedouin
Above The smoky grilled skewers from Bedouin (Image: @bedouin.my)
The smoky grilled skewers from Bedouin (Image: @bedouin.my)
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Authentic Arabian food is what Bedouin prides themselves on. Whether you’re going in for a quick grab of their shawarma for lunch, or ordering sharing dishes for dinner, it’s a tried and true spot in the area that hits the brief every time.
Bedouin, 6, Jalan Wan Kadir, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, +6012 737 4712
Al-Sham
What started off as a stall within Rasta TTDI has now grown into brick and mortar in Damansara Kim—a five minute walk from TTDI MRT!—serving up Palestinian food with a twist. Chef Ahmed hails from Khan Yunis, in Gaza, and shows off his culture through food.
Not only do they have classic Palestinian dishes served, find specials such as shish tawook on a margherita pizza, and their freshly baked baklava and kunafa.
Al-Sham, No. 27, Jalan SS20/11, Damansara Utama, @alsham.malaysia
Zaataru
The newest to open among the roster, Zaataru is a Levantine and Japanese inspired restaurant with an interior and menu that’s bound to draw anyone in. At the helm is chef Joel Kirk, with support from chef Ameer Alzalek of Leen’s and SAJ.
Think about shared plates with a fun merging of different cultures—natto and bonito infused hummus, miso garlic butter over grilled seafood, and more.
Zaataru, 21-1, Lorong Rahim Kajai 13, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, @zaataru_ya
Leen’s
Above The baba ghanoush salad from Leen's (Image: @leens.kl)
The baba ghanoush salad from Leen's (Image: @leens.kl)
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A beloved restaurant for guaranteed satisfaction, chef Ameer Alzalek brings his expertise from different restaurants around the world to the forefront in his hearty cooking. You can expect freshly baked bread moving in and out of the kitchen from their incredible traditional bread oven, bringing a toastiness that is hard to replicate any other way.
Our favourites are their smoked hummus and babaghanoush salad, along with any of their pide topped with your choice of meats or vegetables.
Leen’s, 136, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, @leens.kl
S.A.J Bistronomy
S.A.J Bistronomy is the more experimental arm of sister restaurant Leen’s, which is known for traditional Middle Eastern food.
Find some fusion menu items mixed in with the classics. Don’t miss out on their Bayildi, which is a roasted aubergine, topped with pomegranates, salsa, and walnuts for the perfect appetiser to whet your appetite.
S.A.J Bistronomy, 130, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, @s.a.j_kl
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Keandra's expertise lies within writing deep dives into the culture and anthropology of food, sometimes with a philosophical twist. With a background in London's F&B consultancy scene, she's excited to be back in Kuala Lumpur to champion the local dining scene.
Reach her at keandra.hing@tatlerasia.com, @keandruh
