Top 10 Middle Eastern Restaurants in Kuching

Top 10 Middle Eastern Restaurants in Kuching
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Looking for the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Kuching? From authentic Yemeni mandi rice to flavorful shawarma, hummus, and falafel, Kuching offers several excellent spots that bring the rich tastes of the Middle East to Sarawak. This guide covers the top 10 Middle Eastern restaurants in Kuching, complete with details on location, opening hours, highlights, prices, facilities, and customer reviews.

Here is a list of the top 10 Middle Eastern Restaurants in Kuching

  1. Al-Yemen Restaurant

    Location: Riveredge Commercial Centre, Petra Jaya, Kuching
    Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    Highlights: Authentic Yemeni mandi, lamb zurbian, falafel, shish kebab
    Facilities: Air-conditioned, outdoor seating, reservations, takeout, street parking
    Price Range: From RM 10 per person
    Google Rating: ★4.8/5
    Why Visit: Widely praised as a “hidden gem,” Al-Yemen offers authentic, affordable Middle Eastern cuisine in Kuching.
    Customer Feedback: “Food was divine and portions generous. Truly a taste of Yemen in Sarawak.”

  2. Yalla Yalla Arabic Cuisine

    Location: Lot 4912, Jalan Uplands, Kuching
    Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (closed Sun & Mon)
    Highlights: Shawarma, Arabic rice, hummus, falafel
    Facilities: Indoor and outdoor seating, casual dining
    Price Range: RM 8 – RM 35
    Google Rating: ★4.5/5
    Why Visit: Known for its flavorful shawarma and friendly service, this spot is a favorite for casual Middle Eastern dining.
    Customer Feedback: “Amazing falafel and well-spiced shawarma at reasonable prices.”

  3. Lima Tujoh Café

    Location: Near Carpenter Street, Kuching
    Opening Hours: Café hours (typically morning till evening)
    Highlights: Lebanese-inspired small plates, nasi lemak with Middle Eastern twists, labneh, falafel
    Facilities: Cozy vintage setting, cat-friendly café
    Price Range: RM 6 – RM 12
    Google Rating: ★3.5/5
    Why Visit: A unique café with Lebanese-Mediterranean influence and a relaxing atmosphere.
    Customer Feedback: “Charming café with cats and simple yet delicious dishes.”

  4. The Dulang

    Location: Central Kuching
    Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    Highlights: Kashmiri biryani, mandi rice served on traditional dulang (platters)
    Facilities: Group-friendly dining, halal-certified menu
    Price Range: RM 20 – RM 40 per set
    Google Rating: ★4.2/5
    Why Visit: Perfect for families or groups looking for a unique communal dining experience.
    Customer Feedback: “The biryani platter was beautifully presented and full of flavor.”

  5. Arab Rice (The Spring Mall)

    Location: The Spring Shopping Mall, Kuching
    Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
    Highlights: Quick-service mandi rice, kebabs, shawarma wraps
    Facilities: Mall dining, air-conditioned, takeout available
    Price Range: RM 12 – RM 25
    Google Rating: ★4.1/5
    Why Visit: A casual and convenient option when shopping at The Spring Mall.
    Customer Feedback: “Tasty, affordable Middle Eastern rice – perfect for a quick meal.”

  6. Atmosfera Restaurant

    Location: Near Kuching Waterfront
    Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
    Highlights: Pakistani and Middle Eastern dishes, roti naan, chicken curry, chai
    Facilities: Indoor dining, budget-friendly
    Price Range: RM 10 – RM 20
    Google Rating: ★4.0/5
    Why Visit: Affordable and authentic; popular among students and locals.
    Customer Feedback: “Good naan and curry, with decent Middle Eastern-style dishes.”

  7. Mr. Shawarma & Potato

    Location: Kuching City Centre
    Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Highlights: Shawarma wraps, loaded fries with Middle Eastern spices
    Facilities: Takeaway and casual seating
    Price Range: RM 10 – RM 20
    Google Rating: ★4.2/5
    Why Visit: Great for quick street-food style Middle Eastern eats.
    Customer Feedback: “The shawarma is fresh and delicious, perfect for a snack.”

  8. Desert Retreat Restaurant & Coffee Shop

    Location: Central Kuching
    Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Highlights: Mezze platters, hummus, baklava, Turkish coffee
    Facilities: Coffee & dessert-friendly, dine-in and takeaway
    Price Range: RM 15 – RM 30
    Google Rating: ★4.3/5
    Why Visit: Ideal for those who love Arabic desserts and mezze with coffee.
    Customer Feedback: “Loved the baklava and strong Arabic coffee.”

  9. Kafe Table Talk

    Location: Satok area, Kuching
    Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    Highlights: Mixed menu with Arabic rice and Middle Eastern fusion dishes
    Facilities: Halal café, casual atmosphere
    Price Range: RM 10 – RM 25
    Google Rating: ★4.0/5
    Why Visit: A fusion café with touches of Middle Eastern cuisine.
    Customer Feedback: “Nice blend of local and Arabic-inspired food.”

  10. Habibi Restaurant

    Location: Pending area, Kuching
    Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    Highlights: Yemeni mandi, mixed grill platters, kebabs
    Facilities: Family-style dining, halal-certified
    Price Range: RM 20 – RM 45
    Google Rating: ★4.4/5
    Why Visit: Known for flavorful mandi rice and large sharing platters.
    Customer Feedback: “One of the best mandi rice experiences in Kuching.”

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If you’re craving authentic Middle Eastern food in Kuching, these 10 restaurants offer everything from casual shawarma to full Yemeni platters.

  • For authenticity and value: Visit Al-Yemen Restaurant.
  • For shawarma fans: Try Yalla Yalla or Mr. Shawarma & Potato.
  • For desserts and coffee: Don’t miss Desert Retreat.
  • For communal dining: Experience The Dulang.

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