Discover Arabic Flavours at Tarboush: An Arab Restaurant in Singapore

Start with warm bread and Palestinian hummus, share a charcoal grill, then finish with a little baklava. At Tarboush, discovering Arabic flavours can be as straightforward as choosing dishes that bring different textures and seasonings to the table.

With outlets in Bugis and Orchard this Arab restaurant in Singapore offers several ways to enjoy that meal, from a relaxed outing for two to a larger family gathering. Its wider menu includes Turkish and other Middle Eastern dishes but the Arabic selection provides a rewarding place to begin. Here is how to choose a meal that makes the most of it.

Begin with hummus and charcoal grilled aubergine

The Palestinian Hummus combines puréed chickpeas with tahini and lemon juice, accompanied by freshly made Palestinian bread served hot from the oven. Chickpeas give the dip its body, tahini adds a sesame flavour, and lemon brings acidity. For a first visit, it is an approachable starter that also leaves room to explore the mains.

Try a small mouthful before adding anything else. Then scoop it with the bread while the bread is warm. This lets you appreciate the dip's seasoning and the contrast between its smooth texture and the bread.

For a smoky alternative, choose Muttabal. Tarboush prepares it with charcoal grilled aubergine, tahini, lemon juice, salt and pepper, also served with Palestinian bread. The aubergine brings a different character to the same bread-and-dip experience, making this a useful choice for anyone who already knows hummus well.

Tarboush's Babaganoush takes another direction. Its charcoal cooked aubergine is smashed and mixed with three colours of capsicum, lemon juice and Palestinian extra virgin olive oil. The distinction matters when ordering: Muttabal centres on a creamy tahini preparation, while this babaganoush introduces capsicum and olive oil. Choose according to the flavours you want alongside your main course.

If your group wants an assortment, consider the Mezzeh Appetiser Platter. It includes baba ghanoush, moutabal, fattoush and mast dips, served with Arabic bread. This gives everyone a chance to sample several preparations before settling on a favourite. Check its contents against any individual starters you are considering, so you can use the rest of your order to explore dishes the platter does not already cover.

Add crunch and fresh herbs

Once you have chosen a dip, a different texture keeps the starters interesting. Tarboush's Falafel consists of fried chickpea patties with parsley, coriander, spring onion and dried spices, served with tahini sauce. It is a good option when you want a warm starter with plenty of herbs.

Pair it with Tabbouleh Salad if you prefer something fresh alongside the fried patties. The menu describes a parsley-led Levantine salad with tomatoes, mint, fine wheat and olive oil. That emphasis on herbs adds variety before a meat or rice main. For two diners, one dip and one additional starter make a sensible starting order. You can ask the team about portions before adding more.

Choose your main around the meal you want

A mixed grill for sharing

The Mixed Charcoal Grilled Platter for 2 brings together lamb kebab, chicken kebab, beef kebab and Shahi Saffron Chicken. It suits diners who want to try several preparations in one order, especially when everyone at the table enjoys grilled meat.

Give each component a taste on its own before combining it with your starters. A shared platter makes it easy to discover which meat and seasoning you prefer. Check the accompaniments when ordering so you can decide whether the table needs extra bread, rice or salad.

Mandi for a complete rice dish

For a meal built around meat and rice, consider the Mandi Lamb Shank. Tarboush serves its spiced, braised lamb shank with mandi rice, a saffron egg, Arabic salsa and Penang achar salad. The accompaniments give you several ways to vary each mouthful, and the achar adds a regional touch to the plate.

Prefer poultry? The Mandi Roasted Chicken features half a chicken marinated overnight with spices. It comes with mandi rice, a saffron boiled egg, Arabic salsa and Penang achar salad. The main decision is whether you fancy braised lamb or roasted chicken; both dishes include their own rice and accompaniments, which helps keep ordering straightforward.

Leave room for a sweet finish

Tarboush's Baklava is a pastry filled with chopped nuts and pistachios and flavoured with honey. Its nutty sweetness makes it a fitting finish after the savoury courses. If you have ordered several starters and a substantial main, consider sharing dessert and taking your time over it.

For something cold, the wider Middle Eastern dessert selection includes Bastani Saffron Ice Cream. This Persian dessert combines rose water, saffron and pistachio. Choose it if floral flavours appeal to you, or choose baklava when you would rather end with pastry. Keeping their different culinary backgrounds in mind is part of appreciating the breadth of Tarboush's menu.

Pick the setting for your visit

Tarboush Bugis is at 390 Victoria Street, #03-12A, Singapore 188061. Its third-floor location and Arabic Mediterranean ambience make it an option for diners planning a meal in the Bugis area.

Tarboush Orchard is at 1 Tanglin Road, #01-09/10, Singapore 247905. The outlet offers indoor and outdoor dining, with private dining facilities for gatherings. Think about whether your group would enjoy an alfresco meal or prefer an indoor setting when arranging your table.

For a celebration, explore Tarboush's private dining rooms and discuss the arrangements directly with the team. Confirm the room, group size and menu together so the space and food suit the occasion.

FAQs

Is Tarboush halal?

Yes. Tarboush states that its food is 100% halal and that the restaurant is Muslim owned.

Does Tarboush offer a vegetarian main course?

The menu lists a Moroccan Vegetarian Tagine. Ask the team about its ingredients and preparation if you have specific dietary requirements.

Is the food very spicy?

Heat levels are not specified for every dish. Tell the team whether you prefer mild food and ask which preparations suit you before ordering.

Can I order Tarboush for delivery?

Yes. Tarboush advertises islandwide delivery in Singapore. Use the ordering option on its website to check availability for your address.

How can I arrange a table or discuss a booking?

Use the reservation option on the website or contact Tarboush to discuss your preferred outlet, date and group size.