Yahala Restaurant has steadily risen to become one of Malaysia’s most recognisable names in Middle Eastern dining, celebrated for its blend of authenticity, hospitality, and grandeur. Founded with a vision to showcase the diverse culinary traditions of the Arab world, from Türkiye to Yemen, Yahala has grown from a single outlet into a multi-branch brand across Kuala Lumpur, including Ampang, Chulan, TTDI, and Taman Melati.
With the upcoming launch of Yahala Royal, an eight-acre flagship in the heart of the capital, the restaurant is poised to redefine luxury dining while preserving the warmth and generosity of Arabic culture.
Recognised as one of News Hub Asia (NHA)’s Top 10 Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Malaysia, Yahala’s story is a testament to how authentic cuisine and heartfelt service continue to bridge cultures and elevate Malaysia’s vibrant culinary scene.
In this interview, Irfan Noradnan, who manages Yahala’s public relations, shares insights into the brand’s journey, upcoming projects, and its enduring commitment to excellence.
NHA: Yahala Restaurant has become a standout name in Malaysia’s Middle Eastern culinary scene. Could you tell us about the origins of the restaurant and the journey that brought it to where it is today?
Irfaan: Yahala was founded with a heartfelt vision to embody the true essence of Middle Eastern dining, blending the rich culinary traditions of Turkey, Yemen, and the wider Arab world. From the very beginning, our mission was to introduce Malaysians and international guests to an experience that captures both the authenticity of heritage recipes and the warmth of Arabic hospitality.
What started as a single outlet has now flourished into a multi-branch brand in Kuala Lumpur, known not just for food but for creating a cultural journey where every dish, every detail and every gesture reflects the spirit of Middle Eastern excellence.
NHA: We’ve heard exciting news about Yahala’s expansion plans. Can you share what’s next for the brand? Are there new branches or concepts in the pipeline?
Irfan: Absolutely. After successfully establishing Yahala Ampang, Yahala Chulan, Yahala TTDI, and Yahala Express in Taman Melati, we are now preparing to open our fifth branch in Bukit Jelutong. This marks a significant step for us, as it represents our expansion beyond Kuala Lumpur and our commitment to making authentic Middle Eastern dining more accessible to Malaysians.
Beyond that, we are also embarking on our most ambitious project yet; Yahala Royal, right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Spanning eight acres, it will be the largest Middle Eastern restaurant in Malaysia and a true flagship destination. With Yahala Royal, our vision is not only to offer world-class dining but also to set a new benchmark for Arabic hospitality and culinary excellence in the region.
NHA: The ambiance and décor at Yahala are incredibly immersive. What was the inspiration behind the design, and how does it reflect the restaurant’s cultural and culinary identity?
Irfan: At Yahala, we believe dining should go beyond just food, it should be a journey. Our inspiration comes from the richness of Middle Eastern artistry, from intricate geometric patterns to warm, earthy tones reminiscent of the desert landscape. Each of our branches is carefully designed to transport guests into the heart of Arabic culture, blending timeless heritage with a touch of modern elegance.
But for us, ambiance is more than aesthetics. It’s about elevating the entire dining experience. We create refined yet welcoming spaces where guests can truly unwind, complemented by attentive, personalised service that reflects genuine Arabic hospitality.
Perfection is not just our goal; it is our obsession. Every detail from the artful presentation of each dish to the atmosphere within our restaurants is meticulously curated to surpass expectations. This harmony of culture, design and detail ensures that every visit to Yahala is not just a meal, but an unforgettable experience.
This philosophy will reach its grandest expression with Yahala Royal, our upcoming flagship project in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Set across eight acres, it will showcase the very best of Middle Eastern design, hospitality and culinary excellence, a destination that redefines luxury dining in Malaysia.
NHA: Your VIP dining options have gained a lot of attention for offering a luxurious, private experience. What can diners expect from these exclusive offerings, and what makes them so popular among your clientele?
Irfan: Our VIP dining spaces are designed around three pillars; privacy, comfort, and service, ensuring an experience that goes far beyond dining.
First and foremost, privacy is at the heart of our VIP offerings. Yahala has become a trusted choice for diplomats, royal families, ministers, embassies, artists, business leaders, and families who value discretion. Our staff are highly trained to focus on their roles with professionalism, ensuring guests feel completely at ease to conduct business or enjoy personal moments without interruption.
Secondly, comfort. Every detail of our VIP rooms has been crafted to create a luxuriously welcoming atmosphere from spacious layouts and thoughtfully designed table settings to plush seating, lighting and décor that all come together seamlessly. It’s no surprise that many of our clients remark on how effortless and relaxing the environment feels.
Lastly, service. Each VIP booking comes with personalised attention with dedicated staff assigned exclusively to the room. This ensures that every need is met promptly with food and service delivered at the highest standards.
At Yahala, it’s not just about dining. It’s about creating moments of connection in a setting that feels intimate, refined and truly distinguished.
NHA: Yahala seems to attract a strong following from Arab and Middle Eastern visitors. What do you think makes Yahala such a trusted and beloved dining spot for guests from those regions?
Irfan: For our Arab and Middle Eastern guests, Yahala is more than just a restaurant. It’s a home away from home. Every dish we serve is rooted in authenticity, prepared with the same ingredients and cooking traditions found across the Arab world.
But what truly makes the difference is our hospitality. We take pride in offering the warmth, generosity and personal attention that are central to Arab culture. Dining, for us, is not just about food, it’s about connection, family and sharing. That’s the spirit we bring to every table at Yahala.
NHA: Being listed as one of NHA’s Top 10 Middle Eastern restaurants in Malaysia is no small achievement. How does the team at Yahala feel about this recognition, and what does it mean to you?
Irfan: We are truly humbled and grateful for this recognition. It’s a testament to the dedication of our chefs, service team and everyone behind the scenes who work tirelessly to uphold Yahala’s standards. For us, being in the top 10 is not just an award, it’s a responsibility to keep pushing forward, continuously improving and ensuring our guests always leave with a memorable experience.
This recognition is also a true reflection of our commitment at Al Romansiah Sdn Bhd to delivering authentic Arabic cuisine, world-class service and unforgettable dining experiences in Malaysia.
We extend our deepest appreciation to our valued customers for their continued trust and support and to our dedicated team whose passion and excellence made this achievement possible. Together, we remain steadfast in upholding our promise, “The Paradise of Middle Eastern Cuisine.”
NHA: Looking forward, how does Yahala plan to continue evolving while staying true to its roots? What can regulars and new guests look forward to in the coming year?
Irfan: As we continue to grow, our vision remains firmly anchored in authenticity. At Yahala, every step forward is guided by our deep respect for Middle Eastern culinary traditions. We evolve not by changing who we are but by finding new ways to express it.
In the coming year, guests can look forward to fresh menu innovations inspired by regional specialties from across the Arab world carefully curated to complement our signature classics. We are also enhancing our dining spaces and service experiences to bring even greater comfort and warmth, reflecting the true spirit of Arabic hospitality that our guests have come to love.
Beyond expanding our footprint with projects such as Yahala Royal, we aim to continue building bridges between cultures through food, sharing the rich heritage, generosity, and artistry of the Middle East with a wider audience in Malaysia and beyond.
Through it all, our promise remains the same: to deliver authenticity, excellence and heartfelt hospitality ensuring every guest leaves Yahala not only satisfied, but truly connected to the essence of Middle Eastern dining.
NHA: Thank you, Irfan.
As Yahala prepares to unveil its grandest project yet with Yahala Royal, the restaurant’s growth continues to reflect a steadfast commitment to authenticity, innovation, and heartfelt hospitality. From its richly detailed interiors to its meticulously crafted dishes, Yahala stands as a symbol of how culinary tradition can evolve without losing its soul.
Underpinned by the passion of its team and the trust of its loyal patrons, Yahala’s journey embodies Malaysia’s growing stature as a hub for world-class dining experiences rooted in cultural connection and excellence.