Trusted for Middle Eastern fare for more than 25 years, Tarbush has launched one of the city's most lavish venues for classics like kabsa to tajine, mezze to mixed grill, fatayer to shawarma.
Thriving in The Exchange TRX since May 2024, Tarbush's latest restaurant spans two levels, complete with open kitchens for a shawarma station and clay ovens. Take the spiral staircase to the upper floor, basking in natural sunshine by day, charmingly lit in chandeliers by night.
Tarbush sustains its tradition for excellence here - its proprietors personally travel to Turkey every three months to secure spices, seeking the region's best in cinnamon, coriander, cumin, cardamom, cloves and much more.
Lamb lovers should bookmark Tarbush - the restaurant receives a consistent supply of freshly slaughtered lamb every morning, ensuring captivatingly tender, clean-tasting meat.
Perfect for families, shoppers and corporate customers, this is an elegant entry into Tarbush's roster of Malaysian locations, ranging from The Starhill and JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur to Awana SkyCentral in Genting Highlands.
Tarbush offers a transporting experience in The Exchange TRX, blending soulfulness with stylishness in KL's most modern mall, bringing the spirit of the Middle East to Malaysia. It's no surprise that the space upstairs is regularly reserved for private events of up to 40 persons.
Tarbush's menu is wide-ranging - we could eat here for a week and still have more to explore. The top temptations emerge in hearty, heady servings, sumptuous for sharing.
The Kabsa Pot (RM85) is a compelling choice for fans of meat with rice.
This Syrian staple is cooked in a claypot, its top draped in dough before entering the beautifully crafted brick-exterior oven.
Served while the claypot remains aflame, the contents are poured open to reveal superbly succulent chunks of lamb with basmati rice, memorably aromatic with a medley of spices and vegetables for a floral, nutty uplift to the firm, long grains.
Also lift the lid on the Tajine Lamb (RM85), oven-cooked too, unveiling a princely, peel-off-the-bone shank, fleshy and lively with a sharp, appetising tang, balanced with the mellow sweetness of vegetables. Full-bodied fun for red-meat carnivores.
The Tarbush Mixed Grill (RM110) is a protein powerhouse - subtly smoky heat permeates these prawns, chicken and lamb in a parade of preparations, including kebab-style, cushioned with flatbread and fries. A spectacular sampler of authentic Middle Eastern flavours.
For starters and sides, order the Mazze I (RM130) - choose any four items in the categories of cold appetisers or salads, served with bread, such as the earthy chickpea-based Hummus, sultry eggplant Mutabal, red pepper Muhammarra, or Fetush, a crisply invigorating ensemble of romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber and white radish, topped with toasted Lebanese bread, tossed with lemon juice, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Also indulge in time-honoured, oven-baked pies and flatbread recipes.
Fatayer is the Middle Eastern equivalent of pizzas, showcasing airy, easy-to-chew flatbread, shining the spotlight on the toppings.
Fatayer Cheese is stretchy and savoury with fresh cheese, ghee and chopped parsley (RM35), while Fatayer Spinach is a vibrant vegetarian pick, packed with spinach leaves, walnuts, olive oil and pomegranate concentrate (RM30).
We're also satisfied to snack on the Lamb Bil Ajin (RM60), expertly charred with fresh minced lamb meat, vegetables, pomegranate concentrate and Tarbush's robustly zesty spices.
Tarbush earns praise for its shawarma, scoring high among KL's favourite - the Shawarma Chicken Platter is stacked with fresh chicken breast grilled in Tarbush's potent secret spice mix, complete with saj bread, garlic cream, fries, cucumber pickles and intense pomegranate sour (RM55), while the Shawarma Lamb Platter features lamb with saj bread, yoghurt, white onion slices, parsley leaves and sesame tahini (RM75).
Fun fact: TRX tenants and employees can enjoy a special rate for shawarma takeouts - terrific for busy workdays when you crave a fuss-free, fulfilling meal on the move!
Arabian Tea is available to accompany the meal - sip serenity in the soothing steeped loose-leaf black tea, perky with herbaceous notes, buoyed by a selection of sugar and mint leaves.
Juices come in thick, vibrant choices, including Mango Juice (RM25), Watermelon Juice (RM25), Orange Juice (RM25) and Lemonana (RM35; lemon with mint).
Both floors at Tarbush TRX feature Turkish treats for sale, from desserts like Turkish delights and baklava to olives, spices, tea and tableware.
Fun fact: Tarbush is also known for catering services; its central kitchen reliably services not only the brand's restaurants but special events across the Klang Valley and beyond.
Tarbush Restaurant @ The Exchange TRX
Lot.02.0 & PL.03.0, Level 3 and Park Level, The Exchange TRX, Persiaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, 55188 Kuala Lumpur.
Open Monday-Friday, 9am-12am; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-2am.
Tel: 018-983-1802
