S.A.J Bistronomy did not come to play at KL Restaurant Week, read this before reserving

Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant culinary scene takes center stage once again as KL Restaurant Week returns with its third edition, running from the 11th to 27th of October 2024.

This year, 37 restaurants will participate over 17 days, offering diners the chance to experience the city’s rich gastronomic diversity through specially curated prix fixe menus at unbeatable prices.

To kick off the festivities, I had the opportunity to dine at S.A.J Bistronomy in TTDI, a popular Syrian restaurant. As someone who’s been hearing glowing reviews, I was eager to see if this highly acclaimed spot would live up to its reputation.

Right off the bat, I knew this Syrian restaurant did not come to play.

KL Restaurant Week 2024

KL Restaurant Week 2024 stands as a testament to Malaysia’s enduring love affair with food. As one of only four countries in Asia to host this event, it offers prix fixe lunch and dinner menus starting at RM58. It draws in an impressive 150,000 to 200,000 bookings each year.

The concept of Restaurant Week originated in New York City in 1992 and has since spread across the globe, giving food lovers the chance to explore culinary hotspots at more accessible price points.

Events like these do more than just showcase discounted dishes—they allow restaurants to shine by curating menus that highlight their unique culinary flair, attracting both new and returning diners.

It all started with a jar of hummus

Image Credit: Robb Report Malaysia (left), S.A.J Bistronomy by Leens on Google Reviews (right)

S.A.J Bistronomy has been on my radar for a while, frequently appearing on social media feeds with diners raving about its food. Naturally, I was excited to find it on KL Restaurant Week’s roster.

Launched in late 2023 by Chef Ameer Alzalek, S.A.J Bistronomy offers a modern take on Middle Eastern cuisine, with innovative fusion elements. It sits just a stone’s throw from Chef Ameer’s first venture, Leen’s, which opened in 2021 and features more traditional Syrian fare.

Chef Ameer’s journey from business accounting to culinary artistry began with a jar of hummus. What started as a small venture named after his wife’s nickname has evolved into a full-fledged restaurant that redefines perceptions of Syrian cuisine.

His mission? To show that Syrian food is more than just Nasi Arab and to offer diners fresh, exciting takes on traditional dishes.

When speaking to Chef Ameer, he emphasised his passion for reimagining the familiar. “People get bored of the same old food,” he said, explaining how his team strives to create vibrant fusion dishes that appeal to local palates, without the hefty price tag associated with fine dining.

Image Credit: S.A.J Bistronomy

My experience at S.A.J Bistronomy

The lunch menu at S.A.J Bistronomy for KL Restaurant Week 2024 was a delightful adventure, and I had the chance to try two out of three main dishes. Taking the staff’s recommendation, I eagerly awaited the first course.

Tabbouleh

The meal started on a high note with a beautifully presented tabbouleh. Unlike any I’ve had before, it was fresh and zesty, with a touch of sourness that balanced perfectly. A thin slice of radish and a shiso leaf added interesting textures, making this bright appetiser both visually and gastronomically appealing.

Smoked Chilli Hummus

This dish was nothing short of extraordinary. The crusty yet fluffy bread was infused with thyme and black sesame seeds, providing the perfect vessel for the hummus. But it was the smoked chilli hummus itself that stole the show—an unexpected fusion of flavours that evoked the richness of sushi mentai and the boldness of tandoori.

As someone who doesn’t typically eat hummus, it was not at all what I was expecting. The olives added a pleasant crunch and freshness, while the accompanying leaves cut through the richness of the buttery, thick, yet soft hummus. A layer of coriander oil added just the right amount of moisture.

Every bite was a revelation, and I can confidently say I would return just for this dish.

Kebab Banjan

The lamb kebabs were tender and delicious, with no overpowering gamey taste. Paired with a mild tomato base, the raw onions and coriander added a refreshing burst. The dish had a gentle spiciness, and the eggplant was cooked to creamy perfection. However, I wished for more onions and coriander to balance out each bite.

Crispy Syrian Rice

This was the dish I was most excited about, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite meet my expectations. While the chicken was tender, it lacked the juiciness and depth I was hoping for. The rice, though crispy as promised, didn’t leave a lasting impression, and the overall dish felt a bit too salty.

Olive Oil Ice Cream

The meal concluded with an olive oil ice cream that offered a complex, subtle sour undertone, complemented by crunchy hazelnuts and a refreshing apricot drizzle. The lime zest added a nice touch, but I found the ice cream’s shape made it a bit difficult to scoop. Despite that, it was a satisfying end to the meal.

A memorable dining experience

Dining at S.A.J Bistronomy was a refreshing experience, offering a modern twist on Syrian cuisine. The standout dish, without a doubt, was the Smoked Chilli Hummus—an absolute must-try.

Was the meal worth it? Absolutely. The prix fixe menu made it possible to enjoy a high-quality dining experience without breaking the bank.

KL Restaurant Week 2024 continues to be a highlight for food lovers in the city. It provides an excellent opportunity to explore some of KL’s finest dining spots at a fraction of the usual cost. With a roster that includes Michelin-selected restaurants, crowd favourites, and exciting newcomers, this year’s event is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

If you’ve been eyeing any of the 37 participating restaurants, now is the perfect time to indulge in these culinary delights. Don’t miss out!