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Halab Gate Shawarma in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

Halab Gate Shawarma is a hidden gem in the heart of Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. It is located along Jalan Berangan, just off Jalan Sultan Ismail.

This Middle Eastern restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its authentic flavors and generous portions.

How to get here

Halab Gate Shawarma can be easily accessed by various modes of transportation.

By Car/Taxi: If you are coming by car or taxi, the best landmark to use as a guide is the Lot 10 Shopping Centre, which is located right next to the restaurant. You can enter the following address into your GPS or navigation app:

Halab Gate Shawarma, 158 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

By Public Transportation:

  • By Monorail: The closest monorail station to Halab Gate Shawarma is the Bukit Bintang station. From the station, it’s about a 10-15 minute walk to the restaurant.
  • By MRT: The closest MRT station is the Pavilion Bukit Bintang station. From there, it’s about a 10-15 minute walk to the restaurant.
  • By Bus: There are several bus stops in the vicinity of Bukit Bintang. You can check the RapidKL website for more information on bus routes and schedules.

Menu

Menu and Prices in 2023

The menu is extensive and includes a variety of Middle Eastern dishes, including shawarma, kebab, falafel, hummus, and tabbouleh.

The star of the menu, however, is undoubtedly the shawarma. The meat is marinated in a blend of spices and slow-roasted on a spit, resulting in tender and juicy meat with a smoky flavor. The shawarma is then wrapped in a warm pita bread and topped with fresh vegetables and a variety of sauces, including tahini and garlic mayonnaise.

One of the most popular shawarma options is the chicken shawarma, which is packed with flavor and generously filled with tender, juicy chicken. The beef shawarma is also worth trying, with its melt-in-your-mouth meat and bold flavors.

Large Meat Shawarma with Cheese (RM20.00)

Aside from the shawarma, the restaurant’s hummus is a must-try. The creamy chickpea dip is perfectly seasoned and served with warm pita bread, making it a perfect appetizer to share with friends or family.

Overall, Halab Gate Shawarma is a fantastic Middle Eastern restaurant that offers delicious food at affordable prices. The staff are friendly and attentive, and the portions are generous, making it a great value for money. If you’re in the area and looking for a satisfying and authentic Middle Eastern meal, Halab Gate Shawarma is definitely worth a visit.


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Jordan Hong Kong Restaurant Malaysia

If you’ve been to Wong Kok Char Chan Teng, Jordan Hong Kong Restaurant will be no stranger to you.

Jordan Hong Kong Restaurant is a Hong Kong-style restaurant that not only serves authentic traditional Hong Kong-style cuisine but is also committed to combining tradition and innovation.

How to get there

If you’re riding the MRT or monorail in the city centre, stop at Bukit Bintang MRT or monorial. Pavilion is a short 5 minutes walk from the stations.

However, if you’re driving, you can park in Pavilion itself or in the nearby malls like Fahrenheit 88, Lot 10, and Starhill Gallery.

Jordan Hong Kong Restaurant is on level 1 of Pavilion. 

Jordan Hong Kong Restaurant

In addition to the outlet in Pavilion, Bukit Bintang, there are already other outlets in Ipoh and other parts of the Klang Valley: Kepong, Sunway Pyramid, Cheras, and Klang.

The restaurant is brightly lit and spacious for small to big group dinings.

Anyway, I ordered the Braised Pork Belly Rice (below) at RM19.90 for lunch.

In addition to the braised pork belly rice, some of the recommended foods with the 👍🏻 are:

  • “La Zha” Noodle
  • Satay Beef Fried Rice
  • Scrambled Egg & “Char Siew” Fried Rice
  • Jordan’s “Char Siew” Rice
  • Signature Butter Polo Bun
  • Mini Brick Toast
  • Mangberry Snow Mountain-Big

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These 5 Unique Bookstores in Malaysia Bring You to New Worlds!

library photo

Looking for some quiet time, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life? Check out these 5 unique bookstores in Malaysia that you absolutely must visit!

1. Tsutaya Books

Location: Level 2 Orange Zone, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Persiaran Jalil Utama, Bandar Bukit Jalil, 57000 KL

Operating hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm

Tsutaya Books is one of Japan’s best and most beautiful bookstores, and it opened its doors to the Southeast Asian market, with Malaysia as its first destination.

Located in Pavilion Bukit Jalil, it houses an extensive range of books, a cafe, specialized merchandise, curated gifts, fine writing stationery and more – to put it simply, it’s a book lover’s wonderland. Head over to Tsutaya and sign up for an enlightening experience.

2. Lit Books

Location: P-1-11 Tropicana Avenue, 12, Persiaran Tropicana, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 1pm – 7pm

Owned by a Malaysian couple who are ex-journalists, Lit Books is an indie bookstore in Petaling Jaya that aims to instill love for reading in both adults and children with their carefully curated collection of books and cute merchandise that you can add to your cart.

Specializing in English literary titles, this bookstore boasts fiction and non-fiction books, classics, new releases and contemporary reads for all ages. The bookstore also has its own cafe, allowing you to browse or relax to your heart’s content.

3. Silverfish Books

Location: 63, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar, 59000 KL (Bangsar Village II)

Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 10am – 7pm

This bookstore is home to a variety of Malay and Indonesian novels, with a collection of fiction and non-fiction books written by local authors.

With rave reviews from visitors, this is your go-to place to find hidden gems – rummage through their bargain bin or the antique bookshelf in the back of the shop, and you might find something worth keeping.

4. BookXcess Pudu Jail @ Lalaport

Location: L1-13A & 13B, Level 1, Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

Operating hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm

Bookxcess’ latest store opened its doors at Lalaport Bukit Bintang, with a unique twist. Inspired by the former Pudu Jail, this bookstore repurposes elements of the penitentiary with an unconventionally eerie touch.

As you enter the bookstore, you will be greeted by an eccentric arch made out of repurposed materials from the former Pudu Jail, as well as a large collection of discounted books in many different categories, allowing you to save on your new reads with prices slashes ranging from 50% to 80% off year-round, plus free shipping with a minimum spend of RM59.90 if you buy from their website.

5. The Ink Library Cafe

Location: EcoWorld Gallery@Eco Grandeur, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor

Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am – 10pm

Last but not least (and let us cheat here), the Ink Library Cafe is more of a book cafe. Either way, this sanctuary for book lovers boasts ceiling-high bookshelves and a gorgeous interior, with its iconic bicycle welcoming you as you enter.

Located in EcoWorld Gallery @ Eco Grandeur, this container cafe carries indie magazines from the US and UK, a selection of fiction and coffee-table books in English, Chinese and Malay. Albeit the drive out from the city centre, enjoying a cup of coffee or a taste of their delicious dishes while admiring the sunset view makes it a trip worth your time.

Originally published on IQI Global.



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Authentic Middle Eastern Food at Tarbush Restaurant in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

“Strike while the iron is hot!” That’s what one of my friends said in anticipation for another foodie trip to a Middle Eastern restaurant for lunch.

Last week, we were at Balqis Restaurant in Putrajaya. I also left a review of Shawarma Damascus on Google Maps. We’re back at another Middle Eastern restaurant for lunch in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

How to get to Tarbush Restaurant

Today, we’re at Tarbush Restaurant at 138, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

If you’re taking the train, stop at the Bukit Bintang MRT or Bukit Bintang Monorial, and then walk towards Jalan Bukit Bintang. Tarbush is just directly opposite Lot 10 and Fahrenheit 88 shopping mall. 

Parking is not really an issue, as you can also park in Lot 10, Sungei Wang Plaza, or Starhill Gallery, and walk across to Tarbush. If you’re coming from Lot 10 parking lot, take the escalator or lift from the 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th floor down to the ground floor.

Tarbush Restaurant and Menu

Qualifying as one of Kuala Lumpur’s best dining experience, TARBUSH actually had extremely humble beginnings.

In 1998, it started with a small sandwich bar in Ampang Point serving shawarma and other small bites to the mall goers. Even then, TARBUSH’s dedication to using only the freshest and finest ingredients was paramount.

2001 saw the opening of TARBUSH Bukit Bintang. Strategically and conveniently located at the heart of the Golden Triangle, the casual dining outlet originally occupied only the ground floor. Today, with a newly renovated and upgraded interior, TARBUSH at Jalan Bukit Bintang doesn’t fail to impress guests with its classy ambience and of course, its wonderful dishes.

Tarbush embarked on their first ever fine dining restaurant on June 15, 2005. The invitation to open a restaurant at Starhill Gallery’s Feast Village was extended only to a few – TARBUSH being one of them.

Tarbush Website

Tarbush has a modern, interior design. At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a standing kebab griller.

The restaurant is multi-storey, so you can sit upstairs at the balcony and enjoy street view of Bukit Bintang. 

Browsing their menu, there is a wide spread of middle eastern and pizzas. Check out their menu below.


Learning from our experience at Balqis Restaurant and dining in a group of 10 people, we ordered:

  • Go Tarbush Mix Grill (RM65.00)
    • A favorite dish for grill lovers with assorment of delicious lamb, juicy chicken and premium type of prawns served in one special platter.
  • Mixed Grill (RM60.00)
    • Special grilled variety of juicy lamb and chicken with some onions and tomatoes on the side.
  • Mandi Lamb (RM60.00)
    • From the finest types of basmati rice with a chef’s touch, the original Arabic spices and ghee with fresh chicken or lamb in bone, we offer this dish for Mandi lovers.
  • Pepperoni Pizza (RM45.00)
    • We prepare pepperoni rings from the finest types of meat and baked it with mozzarella cheese with our special sauce.
  • Fatayer Cheese (RM22.00)
    • A pastry dish prepared from the finest fresh cheese, added with ghee and chopped parsley.

Check out what we ordered on instagram below. Swipe for more.


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Japanese Tokyo Ramen @ Lot 10, Kuala Lumpur

We’re back with another Japanese restaurant in Lot 10 at Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. In a previous post, I shared about my tonkatsu cravings from Malaysia to Japan.

Tokyo Ramen

Tokyo Ramen is on the 4th floor in Lot 10. The 4th floor – J’s Gate Dining – is commonly and famously known as the Japanese food floor. As for Tokyo Ramen itself, it is in the private dining area – Isetan Kuala Lumpur.

Grounded by warmth and humility through service and hospitality, values inherently associated with the Japanese tradition of Omotenashi, The Tokyo Ramen inherits the ambience The Tokyo Restaurant has to offer.

An epicentre that connects family, friends, and acquaintances, underneath the blush of coral tapestry and amber incandescence. Elegant booth seats and leather-grain furniture further cosset you away from the strains of the world beyond.

“A bowl of happiness from Japan, served fresh for Malaysia”

Sink your teeth into the umami-rich ramen option from THE TOKYO RAMEN! Made with authentic Malaysian free range chicken, The Tokyo Ramen incorporates The Tokyo Restaurant’s rich flavours and is the perfect gathering spot for ramen lovers of all races and religion. Celebrate the deliciousness of true Japanese ramen, and fill your heart and bellies with joy and satisfaction! Strictly no pork used.

Isetan KL – The Tokyo Ramen

Menu

Let’s dive into their menu. Hungry for lunch, we ordered the Asakusa Sho-Yu Ramen (signature ramen), Bara – Chirashi, and Tori Chashu Don.

“Halal Authentic Ramen, Produced by Japanese Muslim Chef”.

The Asakusa Sho-Yu Ramen (RM30)

The “Yukiri” process in the cooking of Japanese noodles like ramen, udon, and soba involves pulling the noodles out of hot water and shaking them free of liquid in a colander so that they retain their delicious springy and perfect texture.

This method ensures that the liquid in the noodles does not dilute the soup, leaving you with textural perfection as well as an intensity of flavours that soothe the soul. All expert noodle-makers are well-versed in this art; but you, too, can be your own expert by properly draining your ramen noodles at home!

Bara – Chirashi : Assorted Sashimi Sushi Rice Bowl
Tori Chashu Don : Chicken Chashu Rice Bowl

You can follow Tokyo Ramen on their instagram below or click “Menu” above to explore their menu online.

Credits to:

https://www.isetankl.com.my/the-tokyo-ramen/

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Tonkatsu Cravings from Malaysia to Japan

When Ma Maison Ebisu at Lot 10, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur opened, I was first introduced to tonkatsu. What is tonkatsu? A Japanese dish of meat coated in breadcrumbs and fried.

All set meals come with rice, tonjiru (miso soup with pork), cabbage, and pickles:

  • Rosu Katsu (Deep Fried Pork Loin)
  • Hire Katsu (Deep Fried Pork Fillet)
  • Okonomi Katsu (Variety Katsu)
  • Iroiro Katsu (Assorted Katsu)
Rosu Katsu (Deep Fried Pork Loin with Cheese)
Sakana Set (Deep Fried White Fish)

If you’re coming from Lot 10 parking lot, take the escalator or lift from the 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th floor down to the 4th floor. But if you’re coming from the Bukit Bintang MRT or monorial, take the escalator or lift from the ground floor up to the 4th floor. The 4th floor is also known as Js Gate Dining, where there are only Japanese food on this level in Lot 10.

Then in 2019, when I was holidaying in Japan, I ate the tonkatsu at Tonkatsu Wako Pole Town, Sapporo, Hokkaido.

Pole Town is an underground mall in Sapporo. As for Tonkatsu Wako Pole Town, it is very near to the Susukino Station.


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Swee Lee Social Club

Craving for other than the 4th floor Japanese food in Lot 10? Head one level down to Swee Lee Social Club. Swee Lee Social Club is is a signature cafe and experiential space nestled within Swee Lee’s store in Lot 10, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.


Where is Swee Lee Social Club

Swee Lee Social Club is strategically located in Lot 10, Bukit Bintang.

Lot 10 is located at a cross junction. It is the intersection where Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail meet. Many cars wait at the traffic lights and cross the junction.

Furthermore, the Bukit Bintang MRT and Bukit Bintang Monorial are just outside Lot 10. Parking is not really an issue as customers can also park in Lot 10 or Sungei Wang Plaza, and walk to the cafe in Lot 10.

Swee Lee Social Club

How to get to Swee Lee Social Club?

If you’re coming from Lot 10 parking lot, take the escalator or lift from the 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th floor down to the 3rd floor. But if you’re coming from the Bukit Bintang MRT or monorial, take the escalator or lift from the ground floor up to the 3rd floor. Swee Lee Social Club is not hard to miss, as it is directly opposite the indoor basketball court in Lot 10.

Swee Lee Social Club is a signature cafe and experiential space nestled within Swee Lee’s store in Lot 10. Swee Lee is Asia’s leading Music Store and distributor of musical instruments and pro audio brands, representing brands like Fender, Taylor, Roland, and more. On one side of the store is the music store, and the other side is the cafe.

Check out Swee Lee Social Club’s menu:

Even though it was lunch, why not go for the Big Breakfast?


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