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.
