What’s the first thing on your mind when it comes to Arabic food? Is it the well-marinated, tender meat? or fragrant rice? Over the years the demand of Arabic cuisines are increasing in Penang. There are many Arabic restaurants in Penang, and some of them are really good. So here’s our recommendation, top 10 Arabic Restaurants in Penang you can try!
10 Arabic and Middle Eastern Restaurants in Penang
We felt like Middle Eastern Cuisine in Penang is underrated. That said, we’d love to show you where to try this cuisine. From George Town to Seberang Jaya Penang, here are 10 places for you to eat Middle Eastern food.
1. Al-Araby Mathaam
Set in Tesco Seberang Jaya, Al-Araby is considered one of the best Arabic restaurants in Penang. The beautiful, elegant setting resembles the palace scene in the Middle East. Customers get to enjoy a wide array of Middle Eastern dishes in a comfortable ambiance. Many raved about their Nasi Arab Lamb. The tender, slow-cooked lamb served with fragrant rice, so good. Their portion is huge so bring more hoomans okay? Did we tell you that TV3 once filmed in Al-Araby? This place is famous people. Besides Arabic cuisines, Al-Araby also serve Western cuisine.
Address: 2762, Persiaran Sembilang, G3-G4, Tesco Extra Seberang Jaya, 13700 Seberang Jaya, Penang.
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. (Daily)
Hotline: 013- 5000 900
Facebook: Al Araby Mathaam
2. Dandy Modern Food
Our favourite place when it comes to Mediterranean food. Dandy Modern Food is a contemporary place that promotes their local Middle Eastern dishes with a local twist. The open-kitchen concept allows customer to watch how their meal is prepared. Dishes like falafel, shawerma and hummus bread are some of the must-order. They have a wide selection of menu. Not just Middle Eastern food, but also Western, Italian cuisine and French pastries. Though not a Arabic-cuisine-only restaurant, Dandy Modern Food has to be in our Arabic restaurants in Penang list.
Address: 72-1-17, Arena Curve, Jalan Mahsuri, Penang, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Closed on Tuesday)
3. Mr. Shawerma
As the name suggests, Mr. Shawerma is all about the meat on the rotisserie. Huge chunk of marinated meat roasted and cut to thin slices upon ordering. You get to choose either chicken or lamb. Though the menu is limited, it has what it needs to keep one happy and full. We love the shawerma, the portion is filling and it’s loaded with meat and ultimate sauce— garlic sauce. Mr. Shawerma is one the simplest and delicious Arabic restaurants in Penang and is available in few locations.
Read also: Penang Halal Food Guide
Address: Inside Queensbay Mall and Gurney Plaza’s food court.
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Daily)
Now Read: 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Tanjung Tokong
4. Rubin Mardini Cafe& Restaurant
One of the most highly rated Arabic restaurants in Penang. Rubin Mardini has what it takes to live up its fame. The service, food, ambiance and the price are all on point. Expect pretty authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. You can find falafel, baklava, hummus and other signature dishes here. Rubin Mardini is also perfect for vegetarians. What to order? Mandi lamb of course.
Address: No . 389 Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Batu Ferringhi, 11100 George Town, Penang.
Operating Hour: 12 p.m.-12 a.m. (Daily)
5. Lebanon Restaurant
Looking at the name we know it sounds fancy. Previously located at Batu Feringghi before moving to now Tanjung Bungah. Lebanon is a casual fine dining restaurant that serves Arabic cuisine. Expect the most comfortable and sophisticated setting while scrolling through their lengthy menu. Though the price is on a higher point, Lebanon craft and prepare each dish with care. If you’re looking for fancy Arabic restaurants in Penang, Lebanon it is.
Address: No.15, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang.
Operating Hour: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. (Daily)
6. Restoran Seruan Rahmat
Although Seruan Rahmat has no fancy setting like other Arabic restaurants in Penang, it is really popular among the locals. During their opening hours, there’s no escape from the queue. It’s a small roadside stall that sells addictive Nasi Arab. You can to pick your own dishes to pair with the nasi Arab, a cousin to nasi Briyani. Blended with spices and cooked with passion, the steamy nasi Arab is to die for.
Address: 19, Jalan Bertam, 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 6 p.m.-1 a.m. (Daily)
7. Qasar Hadramawt Restaurant
A hidden gem in Bukit Mertajam, Qasar Hadramawt has been a staple for locals when it comes to Arabic food. Many praise for its reasonable price and fast service. Their must-order dish has to be the Lamb or Chicken Madghout Rice. The portion is perfect for sharing as it’s huge. Besides that, some workers are Arabic and the cook is from Yemen. So expect some high quality Arabic food here in Qasar Hadramawt.
Address: No. 9, Ground Floor, De’ Rendezous, Jalan Perda Selatan, Bandar Perda, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 10:30 a.m.-10:45 p.m. (Daily)
8. Al Shami Restaurant
Located right opposite of USM, Al-Shami is an exquisite Arabic restaurants in Penang with a simple, comprehensive menu. The portion is huge, ideal for sharing. Get their Arabic tea to pair with your mains. We recommend you to try out their lip-smacking Shish Tawook. It’s a traditional dish in the Middle East. How can your Arabic meal be complete without rice and meat? Simply amazing.
Address: 2-1-4, Plaza Ivory, Jalan Bukit Gambir, Sunway Bukit Gambier, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 12 p.m.-12 a.m. (Daily)
9. Nasi Arab Beratoq
This is again not the typical Arabic Restaurants in Penang. Nasi Arab Beratoq is a neighbourhood-friendly small setup in a village hidden in Penang. The menu is simple, you only get to choose your desired meat to pair with their fragrant rice. It’s a very down to earth place with simple meal to fill up your tummy. Don’t be skeptical as their Nasi Arab is pretty damn good. Head over to try it for yourself.
Address: Pusat Jualan Genting Lot Kampung Permatang Tepi, 5, Jalan Sungai Nipah 2, Taman Genting Emas, 11020 Balik Pulau, Penang.
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Fri) 4 p.m.-11 p.m. (Closed on Wednesday)
10. Pakeeza Safa Marwah
This is the place where you could find Pakistani, Arabic and Italian food. Located at Batu Feringghi, Pakeeza serves fresh batch of dishes everyday. Kebabs, butter chicken, and briyani rice are some of the favourites. Expect really friendly service from the staff. It’s a fail-proof restaurant we’re talking about. What’s best? It’s located near the beach. you could have a walk after meal.
Address: Jalan Batu Feringghi, 11100 Penang.
Operating Hour: 9:30 a.m.-2 a.m. (Daily)
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