BBQ Lamb KL Kemensah: Dine In A River & Feast On Grilled Meat For A Total Wilderness Experience

BBQ Lamb KL Kemensah in Ampang

Malaysians have plenty of pastimes, but what we love the most is a good adventure. And for those whose idea of an adventure includes nature and food, you’ll be glad to know that you can combine the two at BBQ Lamb KL Kemensah in Ampang. 

Located in the hills of Kampung Kemensah, this restaurant offers diners a one-of-a-kind dining experience outdoors. And we’re not talking about street food-style dining – you can soak your feet in a cool river while dining on Western-style grilled meats and Canadian lobsters here.

Dip your feet in the river while dining in nature

Founded by a nature-loving couple who wanted to encourage locals to get out into nature more, BBQ Lamb KL Kemensah has rustic dining tables and chairs set in a river for a back-to-nature experience in the city. 

While it’s nothing like a traditional restaurant, it feels more like a giant playground for adults and children alike. Diners can be seen taking selfies with the straw hats that are given to visitors to use on sunny days – which adds to the kampung vibes here – while kids splash around in the river.

Make sure to stay seated at all times while dining, as the chairs can drift with the current. But they’re stable once you get yourself situated

As for getting to this restaurant, those who have to balik kampung during festive seasons will have no trouble getting here. With roads that narrow into single lanes, and 2 bridges to cross, it’ll remind you of heading back to your own hometown for a hearty meal.

An oasis away from the city that’s surrounded by mountains and trees – puteri lilins will find themselves at ease with the cool river water.

Feast on delectable grilled seafood and meat

If you’re bringing along your adventure kakis, BBQ Lamb KL Kemensah has several sets on its menu, including Meat Set (RM150), with grilled duck, chicken, lamb, and beef to serve up to 3 people. You can get these dishes a la carte as well. 

The Smoked Lamb Grill (RM30) is generously cut and served with herb rice that’s packed with flavours and topped with crispy onion to give the dish a Malaysian touch. And the Smokey Duck (RM30) has a nice, charred crust to its skin that pairs well with the dark and spicy sambal.

The grilled meats comes with barbeque, ranch, tartar, and sambal belacan dipping sauces

To amp up your dining experience even more, consider ordering the Lobster (RM120), which is imported from Sabah and Canada, depending on the catch of the day. It’s served whole and covered with lightly barbequed cheese. 

There’s no need to get your hands dirty here – the juicy meat is easy to scoop up from the shell that has already been cracked

Not to be left out is the Ikan Talapia Set (RM120), which is topped with crispy onions that add a crunch to the tender meat. 

There are also complimentary cold treats that come with your meals. The teh-o is refillable and a great refresher. And the watermelon slices and evaporated milk with ice and agar-agar – which tastes just like bubble milk tea – are sweet desserts that will cool you off along as well.

River dining at BBQ Lamb KL Kemensah

There’s no other place in the city to experience dining in the river while feasting on such a decadent barbeque spread like BBQ Lamb KL Kemensah. Its unique concept feels like a fair nod to Malaysia’s best known treasures: nature and food. 

So for all those nature lovers out there who are looking for a new foodie adventure, consider dropping by this restaurant for grilled meats and a getaway from the city. 

Address: Jalan Taman Zooview, Kampung Kemensah, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu & Sat 10AM-7PM | Tue 12PM-11PM | Sun 12PM-7PM
Telephone: 012-211 4100
BBQ Lamb KL Kemensah Facebook

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• Adventurous things to do in and near KL
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• Things to do at BookXcess Setia Alam
• Free & cheap outdoor photoshoot spots near KL
• Fun things to do in Klang Valley
• Pints & Putts mini-golf

Cover image and photography by Janet Cho.

This article was updated on 21st April 2022.

All photos taken before the MCO.