Malooga
Middle Eastern restaurant · Old City ·

Malooga

Middle Eastern restaurant · Old City ·

Lamb haneeth, chicken mandi, hummus, falafel & pita

hummus
lamb haneeth
chicken mandi
chai
friendly staff
reservation recommended
delicious food
great service
Malooga by null
Malooga by Mamoun’s Falafel [official photo]
Malooga by null
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Information

134 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 Get directions

$20–30

Order delivery
See Menu
Restroom
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Cozy
Trendy

Information

Static Map

134 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 Get directions

+1 267 822 2327
maloogacatering.com
@maloogacatering

$20–30 · Menu

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Cozy
•Trendy
•Family friendly
•Good for groups

Last updated

Jan 14, 2026

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@infatuation
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Malooga - Review - Old City - Philadelphia - The Infatuation

"Everyone in Philly wants a Malooga in their neighborhood. And if they don’t, they should—after all, who doesn’t want to start the day at rustic wood tables filled with sizzling shakshuka and aromatic Saudi coffee brewed in shiny copper pots? And if breakfast isn’t your bag, you can always head to the YemeniBYOBfor a freshly made chicken shawarma bowl for lunch, or slow things down for dinner over juicy lamb." - Candis R. McLean

https://www.theinfatuation.com/philadelphia/reviews/malooga
Malooga
@eater
391,688 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

Where to Eat Middle Eastern Food in Philadelphia - Eater Philly

"Mamoun’s, a New York City-based falafel chain that dates back to the early 1970s, now has a location in Philly. The Old City outpost has quickly become a staple for quick-serve pita sandwiches stuffed with falafel, shawarma, or lamb." - Sarah Maiellano

https://philly.eater.com/maps/best-middle-eastern-food-philadelphia
Mamoun’s Falafel [official photo]
Malooga

B L.

Google
Everything was amazing. The hummus, grape leaves, foul and lamb were all delicious. The hot bread was so incredibly good. Really nice family style restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. We were lucky to get a table. A lot of tables were reserved and it’s a cozy restaurant - so make a reservation if you can.

Riya K.

Google
Malooga was solid. Service was decent nothing super special but not bad by any means. We got the big feast platter and we each had a bit to take home at the end which was nice. All the meats were solid, not my favorite middle eastern ever but it’s a place I would definitely come back to. I really liked their lamb kebab and the vibe was good to have conversations and just spend time for a while. They also have a lot of traditional Yemen dishes and kinda of something for vegetarians too.

Poornima P.

Google
Highly recommend to go taste the middle eastern food and make a reservation before hand. Delicious and flavorful food and definitely going back. The staff was very friendly. There is a choice for everyone. Desserts are not too sweet.

Dominick W.

Google
Great food. Very good staff. Ordered the mixed grill platter & a few other things. If you are a meat eater, it's a very good choice. Reasonable prices. BYOB as well. Make a reservation.

Ani H

Google
Easy to find paid street parking. We were introduced to this restaurant by a social media video of a couple eating in a traditional setting by eating on the floor/pillow area. Glad we didn’t do this bc there wasn’t a small table provided, so you either eat while you’re seated, hunched over your plate that is on floor level or you are holding your plate the entire time while eating. Did not look comfy at all. We ordered hummus shawarma, sambosa, chicken kabsah , lamb fahsah, and Yemeni latte. Hummus and sambosas were so yummy, pita was fresh and warm. Chicken kabsah (rice and roasted chicken) was good. Our waiter recommended for us to get the spaghetti noodles on the side and we were glad we did. Lamb fahsah (pieces of lamb, potatoes, and okra in a sizzling pot) was an interesting choice. A yummy, salty dish. Texture was a bit tricky bc of the okra but enjoyable while it was still hot. Good with the pita. Coffee was good! Customer service was good!

Raunaq M.

Google
This place was so good, I don’t think my google review can do it justice. We made a reservation for the floor seating and it was so nice and cozy. The atmosphere was amazing and the restaurant is pretty well maintained. It got even better when we go complimentary chai and our server gave us recommendations on the menu. We were the only ones in the restaurant at the time since we were the first customers of the day so it felt really nice to have the floor seating and have the restaurant to ourselves! Then came the food, wow! Starting with the chai, it was amazing. As an indian, this was just the chai I’ve been looking for at restaurants. We started with hummus shawarma and cucumber yogurt dip which was delicious. And the bread - WOW - to die for! The hummus was smooth and creamy and the chicken was so flavourful. We got the lamb haneeth and shakshuka for the 3 of us and we LOVED it. The lamb was cooked to perfection and the shakshuka sauce was so flavourful. Again, the bread was super fresh, hot, and delicious. The portion sizes of the two dishes was just the right amount for 3 people. We ended our meal with kunafa for dessert and that was also SO GOOD. Not too sweet, not too heavy, and again, very flavourful. And the cherry on top was the server getting the birthday girl in our group free baklava and dubai chocolate since we mentioned we hadn’t tried that before. The whole experience was perfect! I know this is a long review but TLDR, the food was amazing and the service was great. Highly recommended!!

shazia R.

Google
Had an amazing experience here . We ordered the lamb Haneeth & Chicken Mandi , along with the chicken hummus & lentil soup . And desert was Oum Ali . Everything was exceptionally fresh and delicious! Liz , our waitress was super friendly and accommodating! We would definitely go back !

Shane J

Google
This review is two fold! I have been here previously and had dinner! I was with a group and the food was delicious and service was wonderful! I had an idea to cater lunch for our team and wanted a diverse menu and I remembered what a great experience I had at Malooga, so I called to work on items that I felt would be tasty and yet affordable for a group of 15-20 people! Let me tell you…I had grape leaves (slight tanginess that was lovely), two platters of Hummus (Some of the best I’ve had in a long time) and Pita Bread, Shawarma Wrap, Falafel Wrap and kebab Wrap! The wraps were a big hit and super yummy! Coordinating this event was done in a helpful and efficient manner! The customer service was great from beginning to the delivery and I followed up afterwards to offer my enthusiastic feedback! I am eager for them to open in the Narberth area! Check out Malooga …it is a must try!
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Shanda S.

Yelp
This is a moment when I wish that Yelp still had the tips feature. So here's my tip: even though this restaurant looks casual and unassuming, you probably want to MAKE A RESERVATION. They stay busy. And they will, by necessity, turn people away. Also, the food is amazing.
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Kiki V.

Yelp
I really wanted to like this restaurant, but the food was very inconsistent. The hummus falafel plate was delicious, with super smooth silky hummus and excellent flavor. The beautiful giant piece of bread on the side was fantastic, perfect amount of char. But the main plate, the Chicken Mandi, was dry and flavorless. While the chicken leg piece was okay, the breast piece was totally dehydrated and both tiny pieces were very bland. The texture was like rotisserie chicken that had been left to cook for too long. Our waiter said that this plate was great to share, but in reality the plate had one large serving of chicken for one person, and a giant heap of dry, flavorless rice. I would return for the the hummus, and hope to return and try the vegetarian options, but would not order chicken here again. Service was excellent. The decor is very charming, but the walls are dirty and scuffed and need a bit of repair to not look dingy.
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Shane J.

Yelp
This review is two fold! I have been here previously and had dinner! I was with a group and the food was delicious and service was wonderful! I had an idea to cater lunch for our team and wanted a diverse menu and I remembered what a great experience I had at Malooga, so I called to work on items that I felt would be tasty and yet affordable for a group of 15-20 people! Let me tell you...I had grape leaves (slight tanginess that was lovely), two platters of Hummus (Some of the best I've had in a long time) and Pita Bread, Shawarma Wrap, Falafel Wrap and kebab Wrap! The wraps were a big hit and super yummy! Coordinating this event was done in a helpful and efficient manner! The customer service was great from beginning to the delivery and I followed up afterwards to offer my enthusiastic feedback! I am eager for them to open in the Narberth area! Check out Malooga ...it is a must try! The reason that it is 4-Star vs. 5-Stars is the costs of delivery fees ($30) and tip..taxes was over $60! This appears to be built into the way the system is set-up, but it becomes costly after you select your choices.
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Daniel B.

Yelp
We started off with the smashed falafel and hummus, which was so flavorful and hit all the rights notes, before I had the chicken shawarma protein bowl which was also delicious - a great blend of the fresh lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes with the crispy potatoes and the well-seasoned shawarma. Combine that with some of the tandoor bread we had left over from our appetizer and it was an incredible meal. My girlfriend had the shish taouk platter and was also very pleased with her meal - particularly the rice base and the yogurt-based marinade.
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Philip S.

Yelp
I had high hopes. But there were some flaws. There were some items on the menus not available due to internet disruptions leading to orders not being delivered. But I ordered some vegetarian dishes that tasted good. The ambiance was not enjoyable. the music was too loud and inconsistent with a calm eating. Also there were a lot of staff moving through the dining area to get to a door to the stairs to the basement. Very distracting. The server was very pleasant and efficient.
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sunny L.

Yelp
We came back to Malooga for dinner after trying the restaurant for the first time last month. After trying and loving the chicken Mandi and lamb haneeth in our previous visit, we decided to try their kebab platter and the shrimp fahsah. Our main dishes were served with freshly made bread which was perfectly paired with the shrimp fahsah sauce. The staff are very polite and friendly and the chef goes around checking in on the guests table by table. I love the ambiance, the service, and the food. Everything is amazing and I'm so glad I found Malooga!
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Roxy A.

Yelp
Love this place! It's got authentic Halal food and a cozy feel. The Saudi Kabsah got me trying me trying so hard to make it at home. The staff is great. I've also tried their catering items at an event and they are very good too!
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Hayley A.

Yelp
Walked in during dinner rush on a weekend and luckily was able to be seated right away. They have lots of veggie options and some of the most creamiest, flavorful hummus. The service was quick and attentive. The restaurant itself was a bit hot inside but what's not during summertime in Philly lol
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Paula Jean K.

Yelp
We went here on 25 December 2024 after the premiere of a Complete Unknown at the old city move theatre. It was the only place that we were able to get a seat quickly without a reservation. The meal was delicious! We have dined there many times since that wonderful meal, even if it means walking in the freezing cold. The restaurant only has a few tables so be prepared to wait. The service was welcoming. Our waiter was patient explaining the ingredients in the few dishes that we were interested in. 5 kebabs!
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Sujay R.

Yelp
Lots of lamb, good value. However no real spicy flavor, the only condiment was hummus
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Neil M.

Yelp
What a find on a cold evening. Everything was delightful and I cannot wait to come back, while I wrap up the Philly chapter for now. Adani tea - perfect thing to warm you up. Lamb haneeth - had to get it after the table next to us recommended it. Two of us devoured this in minutes. Umm Ali - it's cheesy and probably not my thing. All the other dishes nearby smelled and looked amazing, probably going to come back very soon.
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Parisa A.

Yelp
One of my friends shared this spot to me as she highly recommended it. I finally was able to go and I was pleasantly surprised. I went on a Sunday and was packed, the people working there were trying to make sure everyone had/was happy with everything. I truly appreciated trying their best as it seemed they were understaffed. However, the food was out of this world! This was my first time having Yemenis food and it was delicious! I've been craving this dish and hoping to go back soon!
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Brian E.

Yelp
Really solid Middle East option Loved the hummus and meat will be back, since I'm low carb, they were also nice enough to slice some cukes to dip instead of bread. Great service
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YangHwa P.

Yelp
I got together with my friends (8 of us in total). It is a quaint space, and they had 2 sets of long tables for reservations, couple of single tables, and a floor seating up in the front of few people. With the 2 long tables the place was really tight. The servers had a difficult time passing through. I don't know if it was extra busy time, but I had to ask several time to get extra spoons and other things because they didn't give enough for our size. The service itself was really good; the owner/chef came out few times and talked with us. Very friendly and open person. We ordered the wild feast platter, few extra salads, baklava, and kanafe. Everything was very delicious! Baklava was a bit too sweet, but loved the kanafe! I think Malooga is a good place for few people to go, a group was a bit tight, and a bit disorganized... I still recommend the place because of friendly service and good food.
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Michael F.

Yelp
We checked out Malooga as small group (4 people) and decided to basically family style everything. We got their Adventure Platter to start (which happened to come easily divisible by 4). Love the grape leaves. Loved the hummus. The falafel was also quite tasty. So, clearly I recommend it. From there, we split the Haneeth & Mandi Duo, which resulted in plenty of leftovers even after we all had our fill. The lamb was a clear winner, although the chicken was surprisingly full of flavor as well. Sorry, we didn't save room for dessert this trip, however, we did enjoy some chai if you are considering a hot drink. Enjoy!
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Ling C.

Yelp
Food: The kebab meat was well seasoned and tender. Everything on the platter complemented each other to create the perfect bite. Would definitely recommend the platters, they're good value! Ambiance: Restaurant is on the smaller side. They have an area with seating on the floor which sounds like a great experience. Service: No complaints; friendly & quick.
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Kelly G.

Yelp
I absolutely love this place, especially during the cold winter month like right now. The prices are fair, especially for the portions and amazing taste.
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Katie S.

Yelp
Malooga serves delicious Middle Eastern cuisine in a cozy restaurant near the water. -- Highlights: Malooga has a small cushioned area which is fairly unique in its allowing you to sit without shoes on the floor to enjoy your meal. -- Malooga is a VERY popular spot near the water which serves Mediterranean food. I would highly recommend making a reservation for whatever time/day you want to dine during/on. As a small group of 2, we did a walk-in on a Saturday. Although they currently didn't have any open tables, the hostess took initiative and started calling some folks with reservations to see if they were running late/ planned on canceling. We were lucky since a group did cancel! Or else, the earliest time we could be seated was 2 hours later! We appreciated the initiative of the hostess. Malooga is a small, cozy restaurant so it makes sense why their dining times are so limited. We ordered a hummus falafel as an appetizer, and honestly at the end of our meal we regretted it since the main course was more than enough food. We walked out with two large boxes of leftovers! I found the Saltah to be a really delicious stew, although the pictures don't do it justice. I loved the okra and found there to be a good amount of vegetables inside for a one-person portion. We also enjoyed the lamb haneeth, which came out on a massive platter. I normally don't enjoy lamb, but this lamb was not too gamey and the rice was well-seasoned. Although neither were the best food I've ever eaten of its type, they were still very tasty and of generous portions. Also of note is how vegetarian-friendly the food options were! The service was very fast considering the whole restaurant was packed/every seat filled. We were given in-depth explanations and recommendations about the food. At a certain point, the chef also came out to thank a table who "sent compliments to the chef," which I felt truly showed how much they care about customer feedback. We really enjoyed our service- from them working to provide us with a timely seating as walk-ins to the attentive servers- and it truly made the experience for us. Overall, I'd highly recommend making a reservation at Malooga to see for yourself what the hype is about!
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Nikke J.

Yelp
Came for lunch with a friend and the meal did not disappoint. Food was fantastic and service was great. I have been recommending this place to multiple friends and am hoping to come back for dinner sometime.
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Keerthi D.

Yelp
Malooga is a restaurant in Philly, near Elfeth Alley, known for its Middle Eastern food. They have a unique floor seating concept you must reserve in advance. It's a good experience for those interested in elevated traditional dining. The restaurant itself is BYOB and a little small, so I wouldn't recommend coming here in a group bigger than 4. We went on Mother's Day so the service was really slow - we checked in on our drinks a few times and they never came so we ended up cancelling them. The owner gave us each free baklava as a nice gesture, which was sweet! The food itself was okay and expensive, but the portion sizes were huge. The adventure platter is good for sharing, but nothing on the plate tasted spectacular. The fool was unique - it came out bubbling and tasted like daal. It needed a side of rice or something but I'd rate it a 6/10. The lamb haneeth was good - some of the meat was overcooked but the pieces that were cooked properly had a melt in your mouth texture. I wish it was seasoned a little more, but I'd rate it a 6/10 as well.
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Angela S.

Yelp
I'm unsure if the friendliness of our greeting upon entering or the smell of the food was a better first impression, but this quaint little spot packs the most pleasant punch from your first step. The. Chai. Was. Incredible. I'm currently on the west coast wondering if flying back across the country for chai is unreasonable? The staff was great, the menu had so many good options we had a hard time choosing but went with their special lamb dish and it was THE RIGHT CALL. It's been a while since I had lamb done so right. It melted off the bone and even the fats melted in your mouth. Exquisitely cooked. 12/10 no notes. The rice was delightful, dessert (mom's special) was obviously someone's most precious comfort food. We loved every bite of everything.
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Lynn D.

Yelp
This place is a must-visit for anyone and everyone especially if you are a philly resident! the atmosphere is cozy, inviting, and homey, which is perfect for a casual catch-up with old friends or meeting with new ones. The cuisine is authentic with many traditional dishes on the menu. We got the Chicken Kansah, Chicken Mandi, Chicken Kebab, and the Salta; would highly recommend all. Also, the portions are huge, so it is great for sharing! Lastly, the servers are dedicated to quick and attentive service. I was very impressed!
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Oznur B.

Yelp
We came here for late lunch and ordered malooga salad and babaganush for appetizers and chicken shawarma and lamb haneeth. All were fresh and tasty. Our server name is Liam and he was attentive and nice explaining the dishes. Restaurant was not busy at 3 pm.ish. Ambiance is nice and colorful.
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Samira A.

Yelp
I visited this place several months ago and am just now getting around to writing a review. I tried the House Salad and Chicken Mandi. The chicken, while visually appealing, lacked the flavor I expected, making it rather unmemorable. As a previous reviewer mentioned, it tasted similar to supermarket chicken, and I agree. The rice, on the other hand, was the highlight of the dish, with a delightful mix of herbs, raisins, and nuts. The portion size for the chicken meal was extremely generous, allowing me to take half of it home for the next day. I added some much-needed seasoning to the chicken at home. The House Salad was nothing special but was necessary to have some vegetables with my main meal.
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Carol S.

Yelp
Really delicious and authentic food! The service was perfection, as the waitress was really attentive and kind. We ordered Stuffed Grape Leaves, Baba Ghanouj, Mixed Grill Platter (2 lamb kebab skewers, 2 chicken kebab skewers, and beef cubes, with warm pita bread and fries- $49.99; a good deal), Umm Ali (bread pudding type dessert), and Adani chai. This was enough food for 3 people. Everything was very flavorful and the chai was perfect to warm us up from the cold weather. There is an elevated seating area with cushions in the front where you can remove shoes, sit, and have a meal or drink (less formal). Though we sat at a table, I'd be curious to sit up there next time!
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Sophie S.

Yelp
All the reviews are right, you NEED to visit Malooga. Better yet, see if you can reserve the elevated carpet seating area. The stews, tea, salads, appetizers truly everything my party of 5 ordered was absolutely delicious!
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Emma Z.

Yelp
Small place, but great selections of Yemeni food and drinks. Gotta try their stew pot- the meat was tender and flavorful, paired perfectly with flatbread (on the thin/crispy side). We got the mixed grill to try more things, the shish was great - juicy and flavorful, unfortunately the chicken and lamb cubes were a bit dry, and lacks a bit flavor just on it's own, but paired with the garlic sauce still tasted good. They have table option or sit on the floor/mat (for a full experience ;)

Patricia B.

Yelp
Catered Wedding Absolutely wonderful Delicious Food! Service was exceptional. Food was plentiful. The Ambience was elegant and Perfect. I want to go to Restaurant and have Babaghanoush.
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Dina A.

Yelp
Malooga is a casual dining establishment with a warm atmosphere. Service: The service here was excellent! From when I walked in early with my family to our time seated while putting in orders, the hosts/servers were gracious and helpful. Ambiance: I loved the wall paintings of cultural settings, as well as a traditional seating area at the window. We were a large group so we couldn't take advantage of that, this time. The traditional seating area is probably for about 4-5 people. Food: Generous portions and well-seasoned food. The food also came out hot and quickly after putting in orders. I shared the chicken Mandi with my mom. It included large pieces of succulent chicken and a beautiful aromatic rice with nuts and raisins. The restaurant does a great job by including toum (garlic sauce) and hot sauce on the side. For a casual dine-in meal, I would definitely return. The surrounding area is also great for walking around, after a hearty meal at Malooga.

Navid A.

Yelp
Best middle eastern food ever. Tasted home-made and authentic. We tried Lamb Fahsah and Chicken Kabsah and loved both. Umm Ali was a great choice for dessert.
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Shifa A.

Yelp
Favorite new ( to me) BYOB in old city. It was by chance that I happened about it, and thank god for that. A little background- I was born and brought up in the Middle East so I can truly appreciate authentic Mediterranean food. We chose to sit down at the floor seating and started off with the hummus topped with falafel which was amazing, but my favorite was the chicken Mandi and Sana chicken sizzler. Both were simple superb ! Service was top notch and I love the little details on the window sill. Get ready to be transported to the Middle East at this amazing restaurant.
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James B.

Yelp
Food was great, but I was surprised to discover that you need to bring your own glasses for BYOB. No mention of this was made when I checked the BYOB policy by phone. We were offered paper coffee cups, which is totally unacceptable for a $150 dollar meal. For $8 at the thrift store, they could pick up a few beer glasses. Strange. I've never seen that before. Fix this, and I'd come back.
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Albert A.

Yelp
Get a reservation!!! We tried to walk in and get a table and ended up waiting over an hour (very annoying but what can you do). Once inside, the staff was super nice and even gave us a dessert on the house because they had quoted a 20 minute wait initially. The level of service was great -- our server was very courteous and on top of everything. The space inside is a little small given the demand, but enough room for fairly large groups if planned in advance. Baba Ghanouj - This was awesome -- very creamy with the occasional eggplant slice. Highly recommend. Could eat this all day. The accompanying flatbread was thin and somewhat crisp which held its form when picking up the dip. Hummus Shwarma - I didn't think this was going to be a dip (as shwarma is usually in a wrap), but I was delightfully surprised that this was shwarma meat atop hummus, making it perfect for dipping and sharing on the table. Highly recommend. Of the two dips we got, this one was a big deal for us (baba ghanouj good in its own right). The chicken was perfectly tender and the seasoning overall was great and plentiful. Lamb Fahsah - This was a lamb stew with potatoes and okra. This was great as well. The lamb was perfectly tender and flavorful. The potatoes were cooked well, but not to the point that they just fall apart on your fork -- expertly done. This dish was great, but I have one improvement: it's served with the same flatbread as the dip, which is firm and crisp, which doesn't make it easy to soak up the stew. In fact, when picking up things with the flatbread, the sauce drips out. You really want fluffy flatbread here. Still, tasty dish. Umm Ali - Had to try this -- it's essentially a coconut bread pudding, though the consistency is a little thinner (somewhere between traditional bread pudding and oatmeal). The lightly sweetened dish made for a perfect finish to the meal. The top was crisp with little pieces of crunchy coconut. Value: 5/5 Quality: 5/5 Quantity: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 4/5
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Natalie K.

Yelp
This is an intimate spot, and based off of our experience a popular date spot! You can either reserve a table or the seated floor option. We opted for the table reservation. Service was friendly and prompt upon entering. We ordered the iced chai (very creamy & cardamom flavored), and dove into our appetizer. The Hummus Shawarma had incredibly juicy chicken with creamy hummus and accompanied by flatbread. The favorite of the night was the Chicken Kabsah. It was delicious. Well seasoned chicken, in a great savory sauce. I ordered the Lamb Haneeth, the meat was fall off the bone tender, however, I would not order it again as I found it under seasoned. I wish there was a sauce, or more salt? It fell a bit flat. Would return, but not sure if it makes my regular rotation of middle eastern food.
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Amelia C.

Yelp
I really enjoyed my Shish Taouk Platter (Chicken Kebab). The chicken was tender with the perfect char/grilled flavors. The garlic flavored yogurt sauce paired well with this dish. The rice was the perfect texture. Loved the hummus. Tasted freshly made and was very smooth. We did not like the Baba Ghanouj. I think the eggplant was overly smoked that this whole dish just tasted burnt. Their naan was on the dryer side. Our waitress was super friendly! She gave us complimentary baklava because we were celebrating a birthday.
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El K.

Yelp
Came back to celebrate my bday and the service was still great but the size or quality of food has slightly diminished. I was disappointed with the pita. When i was here last year, the pita was soft and chewy. This time around, it was flat and bleh. Tried their stuffed grape leaves and it was cold and hard, basically not as fresh as i would like. And a couple of things we wanted were not available.
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Michelle A.

Yelp
Sunday of a holiday weekend, walked into this lively cozy bistro in Old City. Got seated instantly without a reservation at 1230-- the place soon filled up with families and friends. One awesome server handled the room including takeaway pickups. Lovely fool (stewpot) with warm yummy bread as well as chicken shish platter, which server upsold adding hummus. Sat at a Western table and would like to try the 'magic carpet' experience in the window plus Adani tea next time.

Rintu V.

Yelp
Awesome food and chai! The service was also really good. Such a cute hidden gem! I end up drinking two cups of the Adani chai, it was that good! Very tender meat too! Loveed it!
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Jennifer T.

Yelp
We arrived without a reservation but they had time to & space to sit us before a reservation. We ordered the adventure appetizer platter which had the best babaganush I've eaten in ages. Hummus & falafel were great. None of us love cold stuffed grape leaves but these were not too tangy & with some hummus on it they were delicious. For main course, 3 of us shared the chicken & lamb platter which was excellent. Lamb needed a touch of salt but when eaten with the homemade hot sauce and cold yogurt & cucumbers it was supple, soft and delicious. All in all, we would definitely go back!! Oh- you also have to try their latte. Best I've had outside an Italian cafe.
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Gabriella L.

Yelp
Just came in to grab a dubai chocolate. It was pretty good, though I wish they served it in dark chocolate. The place was POPPIN with customers! Smelled delicious and lots of happy faces. I will definitely be trying out their dinner options soon!
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Riz Y.

Yelp
We stopped by for our second visit during Ramadan and it was such a pleasant experience from start to finish. Our server, Liam, is such a hospitable & hard working individual. Food was A+ from the Mixed Grill to the Hummus Shawarma. Will def. be back!

J N.

Yelp
It's very homey! The atmosphere encourages conversation. The food was delicious, especially the Hummus Shawarma, and a great introduction to Middle Eastern cuisine. I found some of it a bit dry, but perhaps it just doesn't suit my palate. Our server was very sweet and accommodating.

A G.

Yelp
This place markets itself as a Middle Eastern restaurant, but it's clear there's a strong Yemeni influence in the menu. The problem is, the authenticity isn't in the food -- it's mostly in the visuals. I ordered the Fahsa, and right away I knew something was off. The bread portion was laughable -- maybe 25% of what you get at any real Yemeni spot. Bread isn't just a side with Fahsa; it's central to the dish. Authentic places give you at least three times the amount I got here. The Fahsa itself was even more disappointing. No real Yemeni or Middle Eastern herbs or spices -- if there were any, they were barely noticeable. It tasted almost exactly like canned minestrone soup (think Campbell's or Progresso), which should never happen with Fahsa. My guess is they've watered down the flavor to cater to a Western palate, which is fine if that's intentional -- but then don't sell it as authentic. They seem to put a lot of effort into presentation. The clay pot, the clean plating, the nice interior -- all of that looks great. But authentic Yemeni food isn't about how the room looks; it's about what's on the plate. And here, the flavors and portions just don't match the real thing. Other dishes didn't change my mind: the kofta kebab was forgettable, the shakshuka was decent, and the kanafah was so-so (and not a Yemeni dish anyway). The whole experience left me thinking this place is more about aesthetic and branding than delivering true, flavorful authenticity.
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Stan H.

Yelp
Flavorful rice, jasmine I think, with meat- spare ribs I think. As it was TooGoodToGo, I think this meat portion had some pieces lacking quality and some parts were fine. More fat and bone but sufficient meat especially for the price. Some juicy tasty meat, and the sauce and/or spices they flavor the rice with seems to be uniquely Middle Eastern and delicious. The inside decor is warm like you want to stay there and the prices certainly reflect a combination of the food quality and ambiance. it is nice to see such variety for Philly and TooGoodToGo. The entree was enough to make me consider visiting there as a normal customer. Staff is friendly and service was efficient.
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Xiao Z.

Yelp
It is so wonderful to see this restaurant gain traction among locals and foodies alike. The portions are wonderful, the meat dishes succulent (lamb could use a tad more salt/spices), and the fish is absolutely a must get! We arrived for dinner at 5pm and some of the items have already been sold out (I'm looking at you, lamb-soup). Grab a friend, skip breakfast, and enjoy a terrific meal here at Malooga. Must get: liver, fish, lentil soup Meh: lamb Missed out: dessert
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Allison T.

Yelp
Wowza! If there was a guide on "how to run a restaurant 101", Malooga would've written it. The food is well-seasoned, vibrantly colored, and generally evenly-balanced. They also have a lot of veg-friendly options. Aside from the food, the service was great; our server was attentive and welcoming. The ambiance is a good blend of casual and energetic: they play lively music that fits in perfectly with the vibes of the neighborhood. Their menus boast eye-catching pictures while maintaining functionality with simple, easy-to-read design. They also offer incentives for yelp and google reviews. Chicken Mandi: 7/10 Chicken is tender, juicy, and falls right off the bone. Skin on the outside is seasoned with just enough salt, but could use a little more acid. The white meat on the inside is moist. The rice is brightly colored with greens, oranges, and yellows. There is a ton of it though; I think it could be a smaller portion and that would be fine. Fool: 6/10 Interesting veggie dish reminiscent of a naan and curry or chips and bean dip combo. The fava beans come in piping hot in their stone bowl and stays hot throughout. While this wasn't anything crazy or out of the ordinary, it was still an enjoyable addition to our meal. === GRADE: B+ === Overall a great find to stop by if you're visiting the area. I would love to come back and try some of their other specialty dishes!

Herry A.

Yelp
The food was so delicious. The prices were affordable too. Staff was very friendly and courteous
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Angie B.

Yelp
This place is a gem...and also pretty popular so better off with a reservation even on a week night! The food is delicious! Our lamb was cooked perfectly and everything we tried was delicious! It's an intimate set up and service was great! I liked this spot so much that I just bought a gift certificate for my friend for his birthday . It's also a byo, so don't forget your bottle!
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Sharika M.

Yelp
Malooga has been on my list to try for sometime now and I am so glad I tried it. It is very clean inside and the staff is attentive. The portions are huge, one entrée can easily be shared between 2-3 people but serves great as leftovers. The chicken mandi comes with basically half a chicken - wing, drumstick, breast and thigh. The rice has raisins and slivered almonds which is such a wonderful pairing. The complimentary zhug eleveated the dish, I used an ample amount. The lamb haneeth also comes with a lot of meat. It is perfectly cooked with the meat falling off the bones. We also tried masoob for dessert. It is essentially mashed bananas, mashed flatbread, cream and honey. It is definitely shareable. The dessert is comforting and tastes like a banana foster. Malooga definitely offers more items on their menu compared to some other Yemeni restaurants in the area. I'd definitely come again, especially with people visiting town.