Oasis of Arabian Delights

Ombak Villa’s Middle-Eastern restaurant Al Shallal (Arabic for ‘the waterfall’) is truly like an oasis – a fertile spot in the desert where water is found.

This restaurant is pretty with its plants and pond, giving guests a cozy, calming and inviting feel, especially after a long day; but Al Shallal is really an ‘oasis’ for its food.

Great ambience aside, its Arabian menu by Malaysian Chef Noorul Qamar is a very good reason for diners to visit Ombak Villa; or for resort guests to stay in for dinner.

One can start off with classic Middle-Eastern lentil soup or a cream soup of either tomato or mushroom.

A mix of appetisers

The appetiser ‘Baba Ghanoush’ packed with chargrilled eggplant, tomato, red pepper and onion finished with pomegranate seeds is next. It is a wonderful dish to share as the portion is generous – what small eaters may describe as an entire meal on its own.

Lamb skewer

For the main course, anything from Chef Noorul Qamar’s barbecue menu of grilled fish, king prawns, lamb and chicken that are richly marinated with spices will make a good satisfying meal.

For diners who love to try something of everything, the Mixed Meat Grill that comes with shish touk (marinated chicken shish kebab), lamb skewer and king prawns will be a great pick.

The chef’s grilled dishes also spot an American look with a generous helping of shoestring fries thrown in.

“Yes, the fries give the dishes an American look but the meat we serve are all marinated with Arabian spices,” Chef Noorul Qamar tells where2.

Never mind how they look. Likely the fries are an extra something dining families with young children will appreciate.

Chicken Tajine

Having the grilled dishes together with Kabsah Rice will make anyone full but bring an extra large appetite because nobody dining at Al Shallal should miss the chef’s Chicken Tajine.

The fragrant Arabian style stew is packed with taste from the spices and herbs, while the chicken meat is tender. The mix of vegetables, herbs and spices in the stew also makes it a healthy choice. It is a stew for the soul.

After a hearty meal, dessert comes next. A good pick is the Omm Ali – Arabic bread butter pudding with vanilla sauce.

Turkish Coffee

Before you call for the bill, consider ending your meal with a cup of hot Turkish coffee. And now, is there an Arabic equivalent for ‘burp’?

Ombak Villa resort manager Badrul Hisham Ishak says the portions served are large, keeping with tradition of Arabian meals which are serious affairs that involved a lot of generosity, hospitality and sharing.

He says though the restaurant opened in August was in time for the Arab holiday season until September, Al Shallal is still getting customers and good feedback.

Gazebo

“There are not many hotels in Langkawi serving Arabian cuisine. We want to present to guests and visitors a diversity of food,” he said.

Al Shallal serves a la carte and sets. Diners can dine in the restaurant’s air-conditioned dining room, or in the open air section. Al Shallal has eight private gazebos where diners can enjoy their meals in privacy with the cool night breeze blowing in.

The restaurant opens from 3pm to 11pm daily and can seat 60 people at a time. It can also host private events. For reservations, call 04-9558181.

Ombak Villa is at No. 78, Jalan Kuala Muda in Padang Matsirat, Langkawi. It is some 30 minutes from Kuah and about 10 minutes from the Langkawi International Airport.