Yemeni cuisine is a rich blend of fragrant spices, slow-cooked meats, and freshly baked breads. Across Malaysia, restaurants are bringing authentic flavors from Yemen to locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re in Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Cyberjaya, Johor Bahru, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, or Penang, these spots serve hearty, flavorful dishes perfect for family gatherings or casual dining.
Top 10 Yemeni Restaurants
| Rank | Restaurant Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wadi Hadramawt Restaurant | Famous for tender lamb mandi, mulawwah bread, and authentic Yemeni flavors in a spacious setting. |
| 2 | Hadramawt Palace | Serves fragrant rice, juicy lamb dishes, and Middle Eastern delicacies; popular for group dining. |
| 3 | Hadramawt Kitchen | Homely setting offering saltah, lamb fahsa, and maqlouba; a taste of Yemen’s capital in KL. |
| 4 | Royal Dream (Arabic & Yemeni Food) | Vibrant atmosphere with Madghout Kabsa and lamb kebabs, perfect for lively dining. |
| 5 | Yemeni Restaurant – المطعم اليمني | Shah Alam favorite known for generous portions of mandi, madghout, and lamb specialties. |
| 6 | Restoran Half Moon | Blends Yemeni and Middle Eastern flavors with charcoal-grilled kebabs and lamb dishes. |
| 7 | SABA Restaurant | Popular in Cyberjaya for flavorful mandi and kabsa; family-friendly and consistent. |
| 8 | Sana’a Restaurant | Offers lamb shank mandi, falafel platters, and freshly baked flatbreads in Cyberjaya. |
| 9 | Hadramawt Restaurant – Langkawi | Beachside dining at Pantai Cenang with Yemeni comfort food like salta, zurbian, and haneeth. |
| 10 | Al Yemen Restaurant – Langkawi | Budget-friendly spot serving grilled fish with Arabic salad, hummus, and variety of dishes. |
Yemeni Restaurants Kuala Lumpur
1. Wadi Hadramawt Restaurant — Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Price Range: $$$$
- Rating: 3.8 (403 reviews)
- Highlights: Lamb mandi, mulawwah bread, hummus
- Why Go: Spacious interiors and authentic flavors make it a favorite for diners seeking genuine Yemeni cuisine.
2. Hadramawt Palace — Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Yemeni
- Price Range: $$$$
- Rating: 4.2 (235 reviews)
- Highlights: Fragrant rice, juicy lamb dishes, Middle Eastern delicacies
- Why Go: Popular for buffets during Ramadan; perfect for group dining or casual meals.
3. Hadramawt Kitchen — Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Yemeni
- Price Range: $$$$
- Rating: 3.8 (123 reviews)
- Highlights: Saltah (Yemeni stew), fresh bread, lamb fahsa, maqlouba
- Why Go: Homely setting for an authentic taste of Yemen’s capital.
4. Royal Dream (Arabic & Yemeni Food) — Kuala Lumpur
- Cuisine: Kebab / Yemeni
- Price Range: $$$$
- Rating: Not listed
- Highlights: Madghout Kabsa, lamb kebabs
- Why Go: Vibrant atmosphere for lively dining with classic Yemeni flavors.
5. Al-Nafoura Restaurant — Kuala Lumpur
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Yemeni
- Price Range: $$$$
- Rating: 4.3 (159 reviews)
- Highlights: Rateeb bread, saltah, Yemeni specialties
- Why Go: Ideal for exploring less commonly found Yemeni dishes.
6. Damai 12 by Sahara Tent Restaurant — Kuala Lumpur
- Cuisine: Yemeni / Middle Eastern
- Price Range: $$$$
- Rating: 4.2 (71 reviews)
- Highlights: Famous for Yemeni mandi in a cozy setting
- Why Go: Perfect for intimate dining or a quiet evening.
Yemeni Restaurants Shah Alam / Selangor
7. Yemeni Restaurant – المطعم اليمني — Shah Alam
- Cuisine: Yemeni
- Price Range: $$$$
- Rating: 4.7 on Tripadvisor
- Highlights: Mandi, madghout, lamb specialties
- Why Go: A local favorite for authentic Yemeni meals.
8. Restoran Half Moon — Seri Kembangan
- Cuisine: Yemeni / Middle Eastern
- Highlights: Charcoal-grilled kebabs, lamb dishes, traditional bread and dips
- Why Go: Known for variety, consistency, and a balanced blend of Yemeni and Middle Eastern flavors
Yemeni Restaurants Cyberjaya
9. SANA’A Restaurant — Cyberjaya
- Cuisine: Yemeni
- Highlights: Lamb shank mandi, falafel platters, freshly baked flatbreads
- Why Go: A must-visit for authentic Yemeni flavors in Malaysia’s tech hub
10. SABA Restaurant — Cyberjaya
- Cuisine: Yemeni
- Highlights: Flavorful mandi, kabsa, family-friendly setting
- Why Go: Popular for consistency, generous portions, and welcoming environment
Yemeni Restaurants Johor Bahru
11. Yemen Restaurant — Johor Bahru
- Cuisine: Yemeni / Middle Eastern
- Highlights: Affordable, delicious Middle Eastern cuisine
- Why Go: A local favorite with authentic Yemeni flavors
12. Dallah Restaurant — Johor Bahru
- Cuisine: Yemeni / Middle Eastern
- Highlights: Traditional dishes with a modern twist, helmed by a Yemeni chef
- Why Go: Experience Yemeni hospitality and contemporary dining
13. Zaituna Restaurant — Johor Bahru
- Cuisine: Yemeni / Middle Eastern
- Highlights: Grilled meats, rice specialties
- Why Go: Cozy spot for family dinners or casual meetups
Yemeni Restaurants Langkawi
14. Hadramawt Restaurant — Pantai Cenang, Langkawi
- Cuisine: Yemeni
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Highlights: Salta, Zurbian, Haneeth
- Why Go: Comfort food with a beachside vibe; popular with locals and travelers
15. Al Yemen Restaurant — Cenang, Langkawi
- Cuisine: Yemeni / Middle Eastern / Indian fusion
- Rating: 4.0/5
- Highlights: Grilled fish with Arabic salad, hummus
- Why Go: Budget-friendly with a variety of dishes
Yemeni Restaurants Kota Kinabalu
16. Hala Hadramout Restaurant — Kota Kinabalu
- Cuisine: Yemeni / Middle Eastern
- Highlights: Dubai chocolate, kunafa, kebabs
- Why Go: Friendly atmosphere offering a taste of Yemen in Sabah
17. Mashawi Grill — Kota Kinabalu
- Cuisine: Yemeni / Middle Eastern
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Highlights: Grilled meats, traditional Yemeni dishes
- Why Go: Cozy spot for authentic Yemeni flavors
Yemeni Restaurants Penang
18. Halab Penang Restaurant — George Town, Penang
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Yemeni
- Highlights: Creamy hummus, grilled chicken with fragrant rice, fresh salads
- Why Go: Ideal for family gatherings or authentic Middle Eastern dining
19. Damas Penang — George Town, Penang
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Yemeni
- Highlights: Luxury ambiance, freshly baked pita, variety of Middle Eastern dishes
- Why Go: Perfect for special events or functions
Malaysia offers a rich selection of Yemeni dining experiences, blending aromatic spices, slow-cooked meats, and traditional breads. The top 10 restaurants span Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Cyberjaya, and Langkawi, each bringing authentic flavors from Yemen.
- Kuala Lumpur dominates with classic spots like Wadi Hadramawt, Hadramawt Palace, and Hadramawt Kitchen, famous for lamb mandi, saltah, and maqlouba.
- Shah Alam features the highly rated Yemeni Restaurant, known for its generous portions and traditional dishes.
- Cyberjaya offers family-friendly favorites like SABA and Sana’a Restaurant, perfect for hearty mandi and kabsa meals.
- Langkawi delivers seaside dining experiences at Hadramawt Restaurant and Al Yemen Restaurant, ideal for travelers seeking flavorful Yemeni specialties like salta, zurbian, and grilled fish with hummus.
Must-Try Yemeni Food
| Dish | Description | Must-Try Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Mandi | Fragrant rice cooked with meat (usually lamb or chicken) and a blend of Yemeni spices. | Look for slow-cooked lamb mandi; it’s tender and aromatic. |
| Kabsa | Similar to mandi but slightly sweeter and more spiced rice with meat. | Often served with a side of tomato sauce or salad. |
| Saltah | Yemen’s national dish: a stew of meat, vegetables, and fenugreek, usually served with flatbread. | Try it with Yemeni bread (Mulawah) for dipping. |
| Shakshouka | Poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. | Great for breakfast or brunch. |
| Fahsa | Spiced meat stew, traditionally cooked in a clay pot. | Often served with Yemeni bread to scoop up the stew. |
| Samboosa (Samosa) | Fried pastry stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables. | Popular during Ramadan and as a snack. |
| Bint Al-Sahn | Yemeni honey cake made of layered pastry and drizzled with honey. | Perfect as a dessert with tea. |
| Maraq | Yemeni-style soup or broth with meat and vegetables. | Ideal for a light meal or starter. |
| Fatoot | A breakfast dish of fried dough, sometimes with eggs and honey. | Try it with coffee or tea. |
| Harees | Cracked wheat cooked with meat into a porridge-like consistency. | Hearty and filling, often for festive occasions. |
Final Thoughts
Malaysia’s vibrant food scene is a melting pot of cultures, and Yemeni cuisine has carved a special place among locals and visitors. From lamb mandi and kabsa to saltah and malawah bread, these restaurants bring the rich culinary traditions of Yemen to Southeast Asia. Whether you’re in Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Cyberjaya, Johor Bahru, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, or Penang, these spots are a must-try for anyone seeking authentic Yemeni flavors.
