Jacob J.
Yelp
The cuisine is from the country of Yemen. So if you enjoy Middle Eastern and South Asian (Indian & Pakistani) foods, you should find Yemeni cuisine enjoyable.
Popularity in Yemeni food has been growing the last decade (plus) since the emergence of competitors like, Shibam restaurant which operates in the Albany Park neighborhood or random Mom & Pops that had tried yet failed to continue business in other northwest areas of Chicagoland.
Star wise, I'd say they are a solid 3.5 stars. This because customer service at the counter, wait times, delivery of food and dining-in, could be expedited if having staff with proper training. You can can give them some leeway because of the pandemic and having to ramp up their abilities since dining-in is coming back. However, given that there are few Yemeni restaurants in the area and this is one of the two best on the northwest side of Chicago, y'all gotta get that under control. If they could operate better than their competitors, that would make them stand out. Funny thing though, front of house staff at their competitor (Shibam) is low brow. When my food is done or I am finished eating, I like to pack and run promptly. Because their counter staff is inefficient, this process can drag. As well as, tables getting cleared for new incoming diners.
My go-to orders include Mutapq with lamb and a spicy order of lamb Zurbian. Most Yemeni restaurants serve their Zurbian with a medium spice level but you can request more or less. The Mutapq is like a quesadilla. It's a bread that is like paratha, pan fried and stuffed with the protein of choice with diced tomatoes, peppers and cilantro. The ingredients are stewed together and then added as a filling. Very tasty. I like their version quite a bit. And the Zurbian is a rice plate which is akin to Indian biriyani. The rice will be flavorful because it is pressure cooked with marinated proteins, long grain basmati rice, scallions, parsley and onions. A side of hummus or cucumber and yogurt salad will pair as a nice garnish to reduce spice/heat.
Last but not least, one can never go wrong with an order from the grill. It will round out a nice meal for you and friends.