Where do you go in Houston if you need a Mediterranean-food fix? Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine is a great place to start. The restaurant has all the essentials of Mediterranean cuisine: hummus, kebabs, falafel, but it also has much more.
Drive down Westheimer Road, and one thing you’ll notice about Aladdin is that it features an outdoor patio (with umbrellas over the seats to combat Houston’s often crazy weather). However, that is not the only special seating the restaurant has. When one walks in the door, they will notice a private room to the left with leather seats. This room has two tables and can fit up to ten people and is perfect for a private party. The rest of the restaurant is a large room with several tables, perfect for a large party.
Meals at Aladdin can be ordered to go, but why would you want to do that? The relaxed environment that the restaurant provides makes it worthwhile to dine in. The diners first pick up a tray and request whatever they want to eat in a walk-around-style counter, until they eventually reach the dessert section and cashier.
There are many great options to choose from on the menu, but for somebody new to Mediterranean cuisine, you can’t go wrong with hummus, a dip made from chickpeas served with piping hot pita bread straight from the oven. This appetizer combined with tabouli (a delicious salad), grilled potatoes and a kebab makes for a great meal. The kebab is prepared right after you order it, and is delivered to your table after a few minutes, which works out perfectly because you can eat the hummus while you wait. Of course, there are other Mediterranean staples to choose from, such as falafel, and cauliflower, which are on display as you walk along the counter.
You’re better off coming to Aladdin hungry because of the large servings. After your meal, try to make room for dessert. Make sure you don’t miss out on baklava, one of the best parts of Mediterranean cuisine. It has many layers of crunchy dough along with walnuts, pistachios and syrup.
One of Aladdin’s strengths, besides the great food obviously, is its versatility. It is a perfect place for a birthday party, such as mine last month, but there are other possibilities as well. Restaurant owner Ali Nahhas is flexible, and is known to work with and contribute to your ideas for events. The rest of the staff at Aladdin is helpful as well. The restaurant also has a bring-your-own-beer policy for diners. While the atmosphere is usually calm, Friday nights offer a change of pace with music and live belly dancing at 8:30 p.m. Aladdin also caters everything from small meetings, to private parties and large events, and offers discounts for your catering purchases
If you have heard about Mediterranean food but haven’t tasted it yet, or are looking to try something new, your first stop should be Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine. To view their menu or for more information, visit www.aladdinhouston.com
