Arabic restaurants emerging to meet local demand for Middle-Eastern food

The most popular Arabian dish, the Kabsah rice which has meat, vegetables and a mixture of spices in it, though pricey is much sought-after as the taste suits the local palate.

In Kota Tinggi, Johor folk around the area are flocking to Ali Baba Restaurant, located in Taman Daiman Jaya.

According to its manager, Rohman Ahmad, the restaurant which started operating in February 2016, serves a variety of dishes ranging from appetizers, main dishes, side dishes to desserts.

"We engage an Egyptian chef to provide the real Arabic flavour," he told Bernama, here, recently.

"In the past, we only had the opportunity to taste Arabian dishes when performing Haj or Umrah in Makkah.

"However, nowadays we can enjoy Arabian cuisine anytime and anywhere as more Middle-Eastern restaurants are opening up around us," he said.

Apart from Kabsah, other popular Arabic dishes are the Mandy, Maqluba and Bukhari rice dishes which are served with chicken or lamb, the flat bread, side dishes of kefta, tahini and gursan, and more.

"We also accept bookings and provide catering service for a variety of events. For large groups of people the dishes are served and shared from a tray, Arabic style," he added.

Diners at the restaurant are also provided with a choice of grilled meat or kebabs such as kofta beef, shawarma and pizza.

The restaurant which opens daily from 11am to 10pm, except Mondays, also provides surau and air-conditioned conference facilities as well as free WiFi access.