Halab @ Bukit Bintang

Middle Eastern flavours take centre stage at Halab, with a slight emphasis on Syrian specialities.

For an acquired-taste adventure, order the Damascus favourite of shakriya, a full-fat yogurt stew with tender pieces of lamb - slurp it up like a broth and shower it over firm, fragrant rice (RM23++). It may seem a little strange at first (imagine having hot, tangy yogurt with savoury meat), but it works well for a hearty, no-fuss meal.

Dairy devotees can have a field day here - it certainly helps to not be lactose intolerant if you want to try the ackawi white cheese (RM10), a creamy cheese that's very salty (even more sodium-packed than the cured black olives it comes with), and the ayran yogurt-based cold beverage (RM6).

Prices are pretty reasonable - you can order a fresh and well-spiced beef kebab wrap, rolled with tahini sauce, tomatoes and onions for RM10++, and it's easily enough for lunch. Bonus points too for Halab's bright, spacious setting.

Halab Restaurant
35 Jalan Berangan, Kuala Lumpur.