Al-Amar Express, Bukit Bintang
1 Jul 2011
As a Melbourne chick born-and-raised, I know a thing or two about chawarma. Greek is my favourite but I have time for Lebanese when it’s done as well as it is at Al-Amar. And now, they have made it that much easier to enjoy their chawarma by opening an outlet on the street outside Fahrenheit88, opposite Pavilion KL. There is more to the menu than kebab-like creations, with Lebanese pizzas, falafel sandwiches (these are delicious) and salads aplenty. And most welcome of all, they also have the hummus and pitta that I adore from their big sister outlet over in Pavilion.
But it’s the chawarma that serves you best. Arriving in double-quick time, as you would expect from an “express” outlet, the meat inside is succulent, more than living up to the authentic approach of marination and insistence on the highest standards in preparation that you would hope for from a quality Lebanese restaurant. It comes with a crisp fresh onion, tomato and pickle salad with tahina and fries.
The price for such a treat was RM30, which isn’t cheap for somewhere that is aimed either at a quick family lunch or a late night (possibly post-cinema—it is open 24hours on weekends) snack. But then you get what you pay for; in this case a large portion of excellent quality food. And besides, the price is competitive with the other Middle Eastern restaurants in Bukit Bintang.
While dining in a glass box isn’t everyone’s idea of an intimate dining experience, there is unquestionably something about Al-Amar Express that imports the air of romance from its more salubrious sibling across the street. This is a fun date eatery, with the added benefit of being ideally located for peoplewatching along the busiest street in KL. Next time you are there, I recommend you give it a try for yourself.
Details
Address: LotG44, Ground Floor, Fahrenheit 88, 179, Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL
Telephone: 03 2141 3814
Website: http://www.al-amar.com