Top 10 Middle Eastern Restaurants in Kuala Terengganu
Are you craving the rich flavors of the Middle East while in Kuala Terengganu? From smoky kebabs to tender lamb mandi, the city offers a handful of authentic restaurants that bring Arabian hospitality to Malaysia’s east coast. Whether you’re a traveler looking for comfort food or a local eager for exotic spices, here are the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Kuala Terengganu you should not miss.
Here is a list of the top 10 Middle Eastern Restaurants in Kuala Terengganu
Restoran Aroma Arab Global
Location: 1081-T, Jalan Sultan Sulaiman, Kuala Terengganu
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Highlights: Authentic Nasi Arab, kebabs, shawarma, hummus, and lamb mandi
Facilities: Cozy dining, takeaway & delivery, wheelchair accessible
Price: From RM10 per person (very affordable)
Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Why Visit: Affordable, central, and tourist-friendly with generous portions
Customer Feedback: Guests praise the flavorful rice and kebabs, though parking can be a challenge.Restoran Makkah
Location: Jalan Simpang Sungai Rengos, Kuala Terengganu
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Sat & Sun from 9:00 AM)
Highlights: Yemeni specialties like zurbiyan lamb, kebabs, laban smoothies
Facilities: Family-friendly, cozy Middle Eastern décor, run by a Yemeni owner
Price: Moderate (drinks around RM3)
Google Rating: ★★★★★ (5.0, limited reviews)
Why Visit: A hidden gem with homely vibes and authentic flavors
Customer Feedback: Guests highlight excellent hospitality and authentic taste, though service may be slower during peak hours.Restoran Nasi Arab Al Joud (Chukai, Kemaman – near Kuala Terengganu)
Location: Kampung Geliga Besar, Chukai, Kemaman District
Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Fridays open 3:00 PM)
Highlights: Barbecue-style lamb, chicken mandi, shawarma, and falafel
Facilities: Ample parking, family-friendly environment
Price: Very cheap and budget-friendly
Google Rating: ★★★★★ (5.0 from few reviews)
Why Visit: Best for affordable, authentic Arab meals outside the city
Customer Feedback: Diners love the taste and portion sizes; some minor issues with order speed.Restaurant Al-Safina
Location: Kuala Terengganu city area (exact listing varies)
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Highlights: Variety of Arab rice platters and grilled meat dishes
Facilities: Simple setup, takeaway available
Price: RM15–RM25 per person
Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.9/5)
Why Visit: Great option for casual dining with Middle Eastern flavors
Customer Feedback: Good taste, though some reviews note inconsistency in service.Nasi Arab Terengganu
Location: Central Kuala Terengganu
Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Highlights: Famous for chicken mandi and mixed platters for groups
Facilities: Spacious seating, suitable for families and groups
Price: RM20–RM40 for sharing platters
Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
Why Visit: Perfect for group dining and sampling multiple dishes
Customer Feedback: Highly praised for portion sizes and value.Hadramawt Restaurant (Nearby – Kuala Nerus)
Location: Kuala Nerus, about 15 minutes from Kuala Terengganu
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Highlights: Yemeni mandi rice, lamb haneeth, mezze platters
Facilities: Air-conditioned seating, takeaway service
Price: RM20–RM50 depending on meat dishes
Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Why Visit: Known for slow-cooked lamb and authentic Yemeni rice dishes
Customer Feedback: Customers love the lamb tenderness and aromatic rice.Restoran Sahara Arab
Location: Gong Kapas, Kuala Terengganu
Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Highlights: Chicken kebabs, falafel, and mixed grill platters
Facilities: Casual dining, takeaway, limited parking
Price: RM12–RM25 per meal
Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.0/5)
Why Visit: Ideal for casual meals with generous portions
Customer Feedback: Popular among locals for consistent taste and quick service.Restoran Al Yemen
Location: Kuala Terengganu outskirts
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Highlights: Yemeni haneeth, kabsa rice, and Arabic tea
Facilities: Indoor dining with traditional Yemeni seating
Price: RM15–RM30 per person
Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
Why Visit: Authentic Yemeni experience with hearty portions
Customer Feedback: Guests appreciate authenticity and spice blends.Damas Restaurant
Location: Kuala Terengganu
Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Highlights: Syrian-inspired mezze, kebabs, hummus, baklava desserts
Facilities: Cozy interior, dine-in and takeaway
Price: RM20–RM35 per person
Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.0/5)
Why Visit: Perfect for those craving Levantine dishes with a sweet finish
Customer Feedback: Praised for authentic flavors, but desserts sell out quickly.Arabesque Café & Restaurant
Location: Kuala Terengganu town
Opening Hours: 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Highlights: Mix of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fusion cuisine
Facilities: Café-style with modern décor, family-friendly
Price: RM15–RM40 per person
Google Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Why Visit: Stylish option for couples and groups looking for a café vibe with Middle Eastern touches
Customer Feedback: Loved for ambience and Instagrammable presentation.
While Kuala Terengganu is best known for its local Malay and seafood dishes, the city also offers a variety of Middle Eastern restaurants where you can enjoy hearty mandi rice, succulent kebabs, and traditional Yemeni hospitality. From the budget-friendly Aroma Arab Global to the homely Restoran Makkah and the authentic Nasi Arab Al Joud in nearby Chukai, there’s something for every traveler and local foodie.
