The One and Only Lebanese food at Al-Amar, Pavilion

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One day, when I was invited to go for Lebanese food, I was suspicious because I have never heard of Lebanese food before in Malaysia, or at least in KL. So, armed with an excited feeling, I headed to Pavilion to visit Al- Amar, which is the one and only Lebanese food restaurant found in KL. Walking into the restaurant definitely surrounded me with a sense of awe. (All pictures courtesy of Saucer )

Exotic ceiling lights

The restaurant was set with such posh and grand furniture that one almost feels like a royalty dining there. Luscious plush red arm chairs with impeccable table settings as well as Arabian music in the background. There’s no where else one can get a more authentic Lebanese atmosphere.

Luscious table settings and chairs

Contrary to popular belief, Lebanese do drink! And happily so! The variety of alcohol provided in this restaurant alone is enough to baffle anyone. Once we took our seats, the hospitable owner Joseph asked us to order our drinks. And he highly recommended the beer, red wine as well as white wine!

My Almaza Lebanese beer

Not a fan of wine, I chose the beer and boy, was it good! It was smooth, easy to drink and not bitter! Almost like Shandy just that it’s not sweet. It’s definitely one of my favourite beer! Plus, even though it tasted mild, I felt a little giddy after finishing my glass! *LOL*

Mezze

We started our course with some Cold Mezze or Appetizer. The Shanklish is a type of cheese from Lebanon that is soft and mild in flavour. At Al-Amar, the Shanklish is served with finely-chopped tomato, onion, mint and olive oil. Mixing everything together went very well with the hot and fluffy pita bread.

Shanklish

Did you know that Saucer and I didn’t mix the Shanklish up at first, and we were spooning up some tomatoes and cheese into our pita to eat. The waiter behind us saw this and he quickly picked up the bowl and mixed it before placing it back on the table. Only then we knew that we were eating it the wrong way. *LOL*

While we’re at it, may I just take this opportunity to rave about the pita bread! It was so darn soft and warm and fluffy! I couldn’t stop myself from having a second helping of it! Best of all? Al-Amar serves pita bread for FREE!!! That’s right, you can have unlimited servings of it and you won’t go broke.

Unlimited servings of pita bread – best bread ever!

The hommos or hummus is a special spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic, which also goes well with pita bread. Not to mention that it’s healthy!

Mhammara, Moutabal and Hommos

I noticed a platter of vegetables set on the center of the table and thought it was for decoration. Just out of curiousity, I asked Joseph about it and what do you know! It was actually meant to be eaten, not seen! *LOL* If you look closely, there’s actually a knife hidden in the midst of the vegetables, and one is encouraged to eat those vege with any of the fillings on the table. NOW we know…

Vegetables platter

Joseph told us that the Romaine lettuce from the platter goes very well with Tabbouleh Harra, which is Lebanese version of salad. Tabbouleh is yet another Lebanese dish made from finely chopped parsley, bulgur, mint, tomato, spring onion, and other herbs with lemon juice, olive oil and various seasonings, popular as mezze.

Tabbouleh Harra

For something more familiar, Batata Harra hits home with its familiar fried sweet potatoes, only that these are fried using olive oil. Healthy food that still tastes great!

Batata Harra

Something else hits home too! The Falafel, is a fried ball made from ground chickpeas, and it tastes very similar to Vadai that can be found from Indian/mamak stalls here. Of course, the falafel is more healthy since it’s fried with olive oil. Again, another option of healthy food that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Falafel

Joseph said, “You must dip it in the sauce!” and so we did! And boy it made a big difference to the taste. Try it and you’ll see.

Falafel with the compulsory tahini sauce

When the plate of lamb sausages arrived, the smell was just too strong to resist. Tender, flavourful lamb sausages with that hint of gamey taste that was neither too strong nor mild.

Soujouk (Lamb sausage)

Rice

Take it with the Oriental rice for a more Malaysian meal. The oriental rice may look dull and colourless but man, I was pleasantly surprised with my first bite! It was so very fragrant and each spoonful was bursting with the taste of herbs and spices.

Oriental Rice

From the Grill

The Grilled fish fillet is a new addition to the menu, for those who prefer to stay away from meat and for a good protein fix.

Grilled fish fillet (Garoupa/Grouper)

For large groups of people, I would recommend the Mixed Grill which can serve up to 6 persons. This grill contains a variety of dishes such as Lamb Mechwe, Lamb Cutlets, Kafta Antabli, Kafta Khishkhash and Grilled Fish Fillet topped with some pita bread slices.

Mixed Grill including Lamb Mechwe, Kafta Antabli and Kafta Khishkhash

Kafta Khishkhash tastes very much like meatballs, except that it’s in the shape of a sausage. Every chew was a delight as the meat was tender and juicy with just the right amount of spices.

Kafta Khishkhash

Lamb Mechwe

Kafta Khishkhash with pita

And now, let me present to you iamthewitch.com Star Dish award of the day – the fabulous Lamb Cutlets! Seriously one of the best I’ve eaten, and most on the table agreed. It was apparent with the fact that this plate was cleared up almost immediately after it was served. Also, let’s just say Saucer had more than his share of lamb for it was just too good! Very aromatic and delicious. Best!

Lamb Cutlets

Finally, with all of us satiated and full, the dessert came in the form of Baklava – A rich, sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It was so sweet that I couldn’t get myself to finish one piece. So people, the size is small but content is huge! Each person only needs that one small piece to fulfill his dessert needs.

Baklawa

When we thought dinner was over, Joseph said, “Are you ready for something I want to show you?” with a glee. It turned out to be their famous Arak Fakra that has an alcohol content of 53% and is one of the best known brands of Lebanese Arak. It is mixed in approximately with a ration of 1 part arak to 2 parts water, and ice is then added. This dilution causes the clear liquor to turn a translucent milky-white colour because the anethole (essential oil of anise), is soluble in alcohol but not in water. It has a strong aroma of anise that I still had to acquire my liking towards.

Saucer is red and enjoying his arak

witch saying Cheers!

Joseph, who comes from Beirut, Lebanon reiterated that

“Lebanon is a country which has a unique and diverse history and culture together with a renowned cuisine. Al-Amar hopes to bring these flavours to Kuala Lumpur so that Malaysians can experience these dishes themselves without the need to travel all the way to Lebanon. We import around 50% of our ingredients from Lebanon and therefore these new dishes should truly signify the taste and flavour of the country”.

There you have it, words from the wise owner himself. Any more authentic, you’ll have to fly to Lebanon to eat!

witch with Joseph

Joseph also mentioned that for all the dishes that we had that night, it won’t cost more than RM100/person (inclusive of 1 glass of alcohol) or he would top up the difference! All of us heard him saying that, so make sure you head on down and take his challenge of eating more than RM100.

Before we called it a night, it was Coco‘s birthday! She’s turning 21 years old, old enough to enter the Casino! *LOL*

Happy birthday Coco!

Her cake was made by Sunny, and they were not only pretty but delectable!

Muffins surrounding the main cake

Colourful fruit cake and muffins

Coco and witch

Ever had shisha? I haven’t before! Well, not until that night, when Joseph asked us to give it a try. We had the apple-flavoured tobacco which was not too strong. I just took a few ‘sips’ to try out.

Charcoal burning

Saucer getting high

Finally there’s smoke coming out!

We had an awesome dinner that night, with laughter and merry-making, as well as Coco’s birthday!

Group picture with the rest: Bok, Coco, Sunny, Sidney, Ken, Saucer, Edward and Richard with the owner Joseph

Get a taste of the new and delectable dishes at Al-Amar Lebanese cuisine only at Pavilion KL now.

Al-Amar Lebanese Cuisine
Lot 6.10, Level 6, Pavilion KL,
168, Jalan Bukit Bintang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-21661011
Fax: 03-21551300
Opening hours: 10am to 2am

*NOTE: Special belly dancer every Saturday night starting from 9.30pm