A Foodie’s Guide to Jalan Berangan and Jalan Beremi: Best Restaurants & Dishes in 2024
Jalan Berangan and Jalan Beremi, often overshadowed by the vibrant Changkat Bukit Bintang and bustling Arab Street, are culinary treasure troves in Bukit Bintang offering a wide range of international and local cuisines. From authentic Levantine dishes at Halab KL and savoury Indian curries to Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Congkak and traditional Northern Malaysian fare at Nasi Kahwin Hari-Hari, these streets provide an exceptional dining experience.
As someone passionate about uncovering hidden gems, I believe these two streets deserve more recognition for their unique gastronomic offerings. With a variety of Middle Eastern, Indian, and Malaysian aromatic spices, this article showcases the best restaurants worth exploring.
Halab KL (HALAL)
Halab KL introduces a refined Middle Eastern dining experience to Bukit Bintang, serving authentic Syrian and Arabian cuisine in a warm, elegant setting. The inviting ambiance, coupled with exceptional service, makes it a standout for both locals and tourists. I personally celebrated my birthday here in 2019, and the experience was nothing short of memorable.
Menu: Soup, Salads, Sandwich, Appetisers, Shawarma, Spaghetti, Main Courses, Grills, Seafood, Sweets
Highlights: Maklouba Lamb, Chicken Mandi, Lamb Arayes, Hummus Beiruti,
Drinks: Fresh Juices, Cocktails, Milkshakes, Coffee & Tea
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday 10AM to 2AM.
Website: https://halab.my
Southern Spice Banana Leaf Restaurant Changkat KL
Tucked behind Pub Street, Southern Spice is a haven for lovers of authentic Indian cuisine, offering dishes packed with spices and flavours that truly awaken the senses. The restaurant’s daily-changing menus feature a variety of Thali sets and Indian specialties, including Madras Fish Curry, Chettinad Chicken, and Butter Chicken Masala. With live sports broadcasts, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy both spicy food and entertainment.
Menu: Signature Dishes, Soups, Starters, South & North Indian Main Courses, Tandoori, Naans, Briyani, Rice, Thosai, Roti Canai, Malaysian Delights, Western
Highlights: Mutton Biryani, Chicken Chindamani, Madurai Nattukozhi Curry, Idly
Price Range: RM10 to RM50 per person
Operating Hours: 8AM to 3AM, Everyday
Madhby Al Yemen
Madhby Al Yemen offers an authentic taste of Yemeni and Arabian cuisine, featuring traditional dishes like Madhby, Shafoot, Fahsa, Haneeth, and Mandi. The name comes from an ancient method where seasoned meat is grilled on flat stones over embers, creating a distinctive flavour. With its rustic, traditional ambiance, the restaurant provides an immersive cultural dining experience. Value Lunch deals are available from 12 PM to 4 PM, making it a great option for both lunch and dinner.
Menu: Appetisers, Salads, Soups, Sandwiches, Seafood, Grilled & BBQ, Main Dishes, Desserts
Highlights: Mandy Lamb, Mandy Chicken, Chicken Haneeth, Chicken Madghout, Sanonah
Price Range: RM40 to RM80 per person
Operating Hours: 11AM to 2AM, Everyday
Shawarma Alqas Aliraqi Restaurant
Shawarma Alqas Aliraqi Restaurant specialises in Iraqi cuisine, with a focus on shawarma and grilled meats. The menu includes beef, chicken, and vegetarian options, often served with fresh vegetables and hummus. The standout dish here is the Sujuk, a spicy beef sandwich that tastes similar to tandoori. It’s a popular spot for those craving hearty meals around the clock.
Menu: Shawarma, Falafel, Sandwiches, Pizza, Fatayer, Rice, Kunafa
Highlights: Sujuk Shawarma, Alqas Beef, Beef Shawarma
Price Range: RM25 to RM50 per person
Operating Hours: 7AM to 5AM, Everyday
Nasi Kahwin Hari-Hari
Nasi Kahwin Hari Hari is the most budget-friendly spot on the list, serving rare Northern Malaysian dishes traditionally found at weddings—hence the name. Originally a humble stall, it now has both a restaurant and stall located near each other with distinct vibes. The restaurant is more comfortable, suited for casual dining, while the stall exudes a street food charm, attracting a quick, on-the-go crowd. Both are popular during peak hours with locals and spicy food lovers.
Menu: Rice Set Meals, Add-ons of curries, side dishes and fried foods.
Highlights: Ayam Rose, Ayam Madu, Gulai Ikan Temenung, Kambing Pesamah, Nasi Hujan Panas
Price Range: RM10 to RM25 per person
Operating Hours: 10.30AM to 9PM, Everyday
Congkak
Congkak takes its name from a traditional Malaysian game and celebrates local culture through its heritage Malay and Javanese dishes. Awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand, this restaurant is known for its masterful use of rempah (spices) and beautifully presented dishes in a setting that reflects classic Malaysian vibes. I wholeheartedly recommend Congkak for the attention to detail in both the flavours and the presentation, and its immersive tribute to Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage.
Menu: Nasi Ambeng, Rice, Noodles, Starters, Beef, Poultry, Seafood, Vegetables, Dessert
Highlights: Nasi Ambeng, Ikan Wayang, Rendang Tok, Nasi Goreng Congkak, Nasi Dendeng Daging, Gulai Udang Galah Nenas
Price Range: RM60 to RM120 per person
Operating Hours: 12PM to 10PM, Everyday
Website: https://www.facebook.com/congkakkl/
A Celebration of Asian Spices and Heritage
Nestled between Changkat Bukit Bintang and Arab Street, Jalan Berangan and Jalan Beremi offer a rich blend of Arabic and local flavours. Savour the spices of an Iraqi Sujuk or a hearty Indian Mutton Briyani. Indulge in sweet and spicy Nusantara cuisine, featuring highlights like Javanese Nasi Ambeng and Northern Malaysian Ayam Rose.
Notably, Halab KL and Nasi Kahwin Hari-Hari have outlets in both streets, while Congkak proudly holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. Whether you crave Middle Eastern delicacies or authentic Malaysian cuisine, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring these traditional culinary experiences.