Halab Penang Arabic Restaurant — Restaurant in George Town

Halab is easily one of the top Middle Eastern restaurants in the area, and for good reason. From the moment you arrive, the experience is smooth and inviting. One of the major plus points is the private parking area located just behind the restaurant—very convenient, especially during busy hours. Just look out for the small road right beside the restaurant that leads you directly to it.

The atmosphere at Halab is warm and elegant, with beautifully themed Middle Eastern decor that sets the tone for a relaxing and enjoyable meal. It’s spacious enough to accommodate both small groups and larger gatherings, and the overall ambiance makes it suitable for family meals, casual meet-ups, or even date nights.

Now onto the food—everything we tried was delicious and clearly prepared with attention to detail. The lamb mandi was a standout: the meat was incredibly tender, well-marinated, and paired perfectly with the fragrant rice. It’s a dish that showcases the richness of Middle Eastern flavors without being overwhelming. We also ordered the salmon, and it was impressive not just in taste but also in size. For the price, the portion was generous, and the fish was perfectly cooked—moist on the inside with a nice outer sear.

There’s also a wide selection of other dishes and drinks on the menu, from mezze platters to grilled items and freshly made bread. If you enjoy variety, it’s worth exploring different items across a few visits.

The service deserves a special mention. The staff were all friendly, polite, and attentive throughout our visit. Whether it was taking orders, offering recommendations, or checking in during the meal, their hospitality really added to the overall experience.

In short, Halab offers a complete dining experience—delicious food, great service, and a comfortable, inviting environment. It’s definitely a place we’ll keep...

We are here in Georgetown Penang for 10 days to try the various fusion cuisines. We came here to try the local Arabic fare, and it was superb.

I love their lavash puff bread, it is hot, and it is just the right size so that you can tear it into three parts to act as a pockets for all the other goodness. Thin, flavoursome, with just the right chew on it.

We ordered fattoush with pomegranate juice, a half kilo of various grilled meat, and a trio of hummus dips, including one interesting one with pistachio.

For me the hero of the grill plate was the lamb kebab - it's marinade was among the best I've ever had, anywhere. Really difficult to pin down the flavours and excellent.

The only small criticism I have is that a few of the lamb cubes on the player were quite tough, while others were tender. Not sure why.

The fattoush was delightful. It was fresh, crispy and tangy. The pomegranate juice highlighted it wonderfully.

We really enjoyed Halab. The staff were welcoming, friendly and helpful. Very easy restaurant to recommend.

And yes, the nutmeg cardamon tea is delicious too!

We ended up coming here three times in a week. After trying the best local nonya, northern and southern Indian, and beach bar grill places, Halab was easily the tastiest, most consistent restaurant on the island that we found.

Can't get enough of the fattoush and the lamb kebab meat. The seasoning is superb, every time. And the hummus.

And the Syrian Pita bread is among the best breads I've ever had in any middle eastern cuisine. The manager was kind enough to let me watch it being cooked.

The manager and staff were great, and it was clear that they are really committed to providing a great and consistent...

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 A refined dining experience at Halab Penang – Arabic Restaurant

Halab Penang is hands down one of the most elegant and well-maintained restaurants I’ve visited in Malaysia. The atmosphere is modern, sophisticated, and regal, with a beautifully designed interior that feels both welcoming and upscale. Everything was spotless—from the dining area to the presentation of the food—and the attention to detail was evident throughout.

The service was absolutely top-notch. The staff were attentive, courteous, and made us feel genuinely cared for. It’s rare to find such warm hospitality paired with such professionalism—definitely a 10 out of 10.

Now, the food: spectacular. We ordered the flatbread (as seen in the photo), a shawarma roll, and a falafel roll. Each item was bursting with flavor and perfectly prepared. The bread was outstanding—soft, fresh, and beautifully seasoned with sesame seeds. It’s the kind of bread you remember long after the meal.

To finish, we had a banana dipped in chocolate for dessert, and it was absolutely delicious. A simple dish, but executed with care and flavor that made it a perfect ending to the meal.

What really impressed us was the pricing. For a restaurant located in George Town’s Chulia Street, one of Penang’s most popular and tourist-heavy areas, the prices were very reasonable. You get high-quality food, exceptional service, and a luxurious setting without breaking the bank.

If you’re in Penang and looking for a place that combines authentic Arabic flavors with a refined dining experience, Halab Penang is...