By Shireen Korkzan
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In the Middle East, Basha stands for “king.” Last December, Mario Abdel named his new restaurant and grocery store combination on 116th Street and Allisonville Road Al Basha in reference to the Middle Eastern term to explain that the food and products sold there are better than any other restaurant or grocery store located in the area.

This name is not deceiving for the small store, despite it being the only store and restaurant of its kind for miles around. Customers will walk into the grocery store with an automatic authentic Middle Eastern and Persian feel. The vibes will grow stronger when they walk into the restaurant half, which is separated from the grocery store by a wall with a wide walkway. Both rooms are kept clean so as not to distract customers from either the restaurant or the grocery store half. Imported goods for sale surround the restaurant and hookahs – Indian-based water pipes used for smoking – line every wall and shelf. A giant Persian rug covers nearly an entire wall.

The best part, aside from the benevolent service of the gregarious owner, who was also a waiter, is the fresh and authentic Mediterranean food. For one thing, the hummus is made from real chickpeas and tahini and doesn’t come from a can. It also leaves a sophisticated appearance by leaving the olive oil sitting inside the hummus to give a fountain-like look. The rice and meat-stuffed grape leaves had a light taste, leaving the meat not overpowering the taste of the leaves. The chicken shawarma, served with sliced pickles and a homemade garlic sauce, is served in toasted pita bread. The chicken has a subtle flavor and was perfectly juicy and tender.

As for vegetarians, they can’t go wrong with the falafel sandwich, an Egyptian-based meal consisting of fried chickpeas served with a single sliced tomato, pickle slices and yogurt sauce in toasted pita bread. Although falafel is normally considered a snack food in its region of origin, it is both filling and delicious (and much healthier than American fast food).
For dessert, this restaurant’s oven-fresh baklava, loaded with walnuts, honey and phyllo dough, cannot be defeated. The generous amount and high quality in taste is worth the $3, which in itself is a steal because baklava is both expensive and difficult to make. The warm, sweet and sticky baklava tops the entire meal, ending the visit with ecstatic taste buds and stomachs. No customer can ever leave Al Basha unsatisfied. If anyone does, he or she most likely doesn’t have a decent taste in food.

Because of the conflicts in the Middle East, many Americans may not have considered trying this different, yet wonderful style of foreign cooking. However, if you’re looking to try authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, Al Basha is the perfect place to start.

Al Bash
Service: A
Food: A+
Price: $1.50 to $15
Overall: A