Motormouth From Ipoh – Malaysian Food & Travel

Mix Appetizer M.S (Malika Saba) (RM25/USD8) – A platter of various appetizers to start off with, in case you’re intimidated by the awkward names like I was. I could only identified hummus and tabbouleh from my limited vocab/experience with Middle East fares.

Now, Malika Saba arrived on the scene at the right time, I’d reckon. Just when the food & beverage scene has slowed down to a snail pace in Ipoh (new eateries concentrated in the NEW AEON IPoh Station 18, but being mere mimics of their counterparts in malls all over Klang Valley), with nary an outlet that excites the senses anymore, this Middle Eastern restaurant with an outlet in Wangsa Maju, KL took a gigantic leap of faith … and opened another in Greentown of Ipoh.

Mullawah – A humongous in size traditional Arabic bread that came crispy on the sides and yet retaining that distinct aroma from the charred bits (possibly from the torched peripherals of the clay oven), and went well with almost any dips or salads that you may want to have.

Once in a blue moon, I would go for a Middle Eastern fare. Just for the sake of variety; and trust me that Yemeni/Arabic cuisine encompasses more than your average kebab or hummus.

Hummus is a dip made from mashed boiled chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, oilve oil and a pinch of salt and garlic. Usually eaten with Arabic breads, at times this can also be eaten with chips or crackers (usually outside of Middle East countries).

Lamb Haneeth (RM15/USD5) – Served atop a bed of Mandy rice (using Basmathi; long grain rice) with two special chili sauces, the selected cuts of lamb were marinated in spices and cooked in the aluminium foil for 2 hours; resulting in very tender meat that flawlessly separates from the bones.

Started off with a platter of appetizers; one being the hummus as mentioned, and another being a similar looking dip made from eggplants (named “Mutable”) with generous portion of olive oil in a stagnant pool within the crater made from the mashed dip. The slices of apples and oranges were slightly off though, and would be best left untouched if you will. The Arabic salad was a light toss of mixed vegetables with Sumak (a flowering herb that rendered a distinct flavour to the dressing), and came with the platter itself.

However, we were not aware nor informed by the waiter who took our orders and actually recommended for us to order another serving of the Arabic salad (RM7/USD2.30). Service was not as attentive although we were the only customers there, and the slight barrier in communication medium was a slight letdown.

The famous HALAL beer; Barbican! And the Arabic salad (extra order) and Arabic coffee that appeared to be more like a cup of herbal tea than actual coffee; yet tasted like the latter.

The Mullawah (Arabic bread) reminded us of a cross between roti canai and naan, without the ghee or any form of grease at all. A healthier option, with irresistible crispy bits that went well with the dips and salads. This came complimentary when you order the appetizers.

Mix Grilled M.S (RM25/USD8) – A carnivorous dream came true, we waited for more than 30 minutes for this. Barbecued platter of prawns, fish, chicken, lamb and sausages. Served with a side dip of sour cream and fries.

Portions may be fit for sharing; like in the case of the platters of appetizers and grilled meats. There are individual portions as well, if you’re dining alone or in two’s. Most of the items on the menu did not resonate with us, because this was no doubt the first Middle Eastern dinner with my family. But prices are generally within the affordable range, with most starters around RM6-8 each, and mains around RM15-20. Best is to come in a family of 4′s or more, and order more side dishes to be shared. The breads come complimentary depending on what you order, but can be ordered separately at a very minimal price.

We skipped desserts for the long wait between the mix grilled platter and the rest prior to it had us feeling slightly bloated from the dips and breads.

The Barbecue menu of Kebabs and such, but be prepared for a slight wait if you’re ordering these.

A distinct structure juxtaposed against the backdrop of Syuen Hotel and Bangunan MBI in Greentown Ipoh, this is located on the side of the road opposite of Tower Regency Hotel, and next to the garden beside the tall Bangunan MBI next to the field.

One word of warning though; the beverages can be a little too sweet to your liking, thus would be best to ask for less sugar if you’re not fond of sickening sweet drinks.

Will I be back? Definitely. For the other items on the menu that sounded intriguing and the fact that there are not a lot of Halal restaurants in Ipoh that we can actually dine together with our Muslim friends.

 RESTORAN MALIKA SABA (Facebook page) (HALAL)
No 43, Jalan Seri Ahmad Said,
30450 Greentown, Ipoh, Perak.
Business hours : 11am -12am daily.
Tel No : 019-318 3628, 014-732 0600
GPS Coordinates : 4.599017,101.08816
Google Map to Malika Saba, Ipoh
Directions : Coming from Bangunan Persekutuan’s direction (David’s Diner, Macoy’s on your RIGHT, go further until you see Bangunan MBI; the tall building on your LEFT. Next to the building, behind Syuen Hotel, is a garden. Malika Saba is next to the garden, right before you see the turn to Yum Yum Restaurant on your LEFT, and Tower Regency on your RIGHT.

Here’s an article published on NST