Some restaurants chase trends. Others just quietly keep making really good food year after year. This is one of those places. I'd been here several times years ago, and after coming back, I'm honestly wondering why I don't eat here more often. I ordered the chicken shawarma, a stuffed grape leaves platter, and hot tea. Everything was exactly what I hoped it would be. The chicken was well-seasoned, tender, and wrapped with the classic toppings, and the portion was fair for the price. Speaking of price, the value here is honestly hard to beat. The stuffed grape leaves platter came with hummus, tabbouleh, pita, and hot stuffed grape leaves. I had completely forgotten they serve them warm, and my brain needed a minute to recalibrate because I'm so used to cold dolmas everywhere else. Once I took a bite, though... yep. That's how they're supposed to taste. Soft, flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and absolutely delicious. I ended up adding some of the hummus and tabbouleh to my shawarma, which made an already great sandwich even better. The service was just as impressive as the food. My server was genuinely kind, gave me a few extra minutes when I couldn't decide, checked in without hovering, and even offered to package my hot tea to go when he noticed I was still working on it. (For the record, ordering an entire pot of tea for one person was an ambitious life choice on my part.) The dining room isn't huge, and there's also a small market attached, which adds to the charm. This place reminds me that consistency is underrated. Years later, I came back, and it was just as good as I remembered. Great food, great service, great value. I'll try not to wait so long before my next visit. read more

Craving shawarma and saw this place on Reddit! Food was delicious. We came in at 1130 and no one was there. By the time we left it was the lunch rush. Got the food fast and the rose water lemonade was good. Mango juice tasted like Jumex and that's yummy to me lol Waitresses were nice and attentive. Bathrooms and the floors in the dining area need some TLC. Hopefully the kitchens kept up with. Waters we did not drink. They should probably clean up the walkway to the bathroom too there was just a bunch of stuff. They also have a store attached which was cool. We didn't look but still cool. Chicken shawarma was bomb! read more

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What's not to love about Haji Baba? I've been going there for over 10 years and every single time the meal is just as delicious as the last. The consistency is honestly impressive. Ali is our favorite waiter and our kids adore him too. The portions are incredible and we always leave with leftovers. Their hummus is my absolute favorite and my kids are obsessed with the gyros. My husband always says he could eat there every day and honestly... I get it. It's one of those places we just keep coming back to. read more

I wanted to love this place but I just did not see the appeal. The girl at the register was standoffish and not friendly. Even my kid mentioned it to me. The meat in the gyro we bought was tough and made it taste starchy like eating potatoes. Just ack. But I did see what might be the last pay phone on earth in the store. read more

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This hole-in-the-wall gem is an authentic restaurant and market that just feels like home. Friendly staff that has been there forever, casual seating, and delicious food cultivates a feeling of nostalgia for even the newest of newcomers. Not only is the food great, you also get a hearty amount for a more than reasonable price. read more

Haji-Baba - Hummus and pita - Middle Eastern Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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After a day of walking in downtown Tempe Festival of the Arts, we were ready for a good meal. If anything could revive us it would be a plate of chicken shawarma. This plate comes with rice, homemade delicious hummus, fluffy pita bread, green salad and a garlic mayo to die for. Their food is consistently the best. The chicken spices are the tastiest. If we lived closer, we'd be there more often! It's not fancy, just excellent food. Shared parking lot. read more

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Haji-Baba is one of my all-time favorite local restaurants. The restaurant and market serves excellent Middle Eastern food with fast, friendly service. The chicken sharwarma is the best I've had, and it comes with an incredible garlic sauce. The gyros are excellent as well. Save time after your meal to browse the market side of the space and stock up on coffee, spices and other goodies. read more

Haji-Baba - Chicken shawarma plate to go with just rice and extra garlic sauce - Middle Eastern Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I'm so glad I found a Mediterranean place by the hotel I usually stay at in Tempe. I went basic for my first try and I was so happy! The chicken schwarma plate had a much food'! The chicken had great flavor - the rice didn't have any extravagant flavors so some might have issues but I LOVED that! I'm Japanese so rice is a natural filler and I like my rice to be the side. This was a great proportion - I love my meat the have a ton of flavor followed by a side that doesn't overpower. I liked that the garlic sauce was "on the side" so I could add some if I wanted. It was a good addition but I'm not a huge sauce person so it was nice that I wasn't forced to use it. They had a showcase of baklava. I definitely want to go back and try different ones next time! This spot shares a parking lot with other establishments but I didn't have any issues getting a spot. It's an also very close to Tempe Marketplace so that was a plus. read more

Haji-Baba - Pistachio and cashew baklava - Middle Eastern Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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Had an amazing chicken shawarma plate here for lunch. Service was good and quick. I look forward to being able to go back again soon!

May not look like much, but I love this place. Great food, friendly service, and low key vibe. It is a combo restaurant and market. Nothing fancy. Men'u has all sorts of meats to pick from - shawarma, gyro, etc.. Rice, salad, and hummus as sides. Couple of veggie options as well. I had the gyro plate. Very tasty. More than I could eat. N*joy! read more

Haji-Baba - Exterior - Middle Eastern Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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Wonderful spices of all kinds and reasonable prices. Nice people too. I haven't tried the food in their restaurant but that is next. My grandson says it's great. read more

The best middle eastern food anywhere. Nothing else comes close ! Wish I lived closer ! Been going for years

Haji-baba has been on my list for years. Last night I finally went and wow, it totally lived up to the hype's we started off with the feta and pita which was a simple yet fantastic starter. We each got a sandwich, I got the falafel one and my friend ordered the chicken kebab. Both fantastic. Too often, falafel is dry and room temp, this one was hot and crispy. We also shared a vegetarian platter which was a nice way to split some sides. The tabouli was great! We ended the meal off with a a walnut and pistachio baklava, which were perfectly sweet and crunchy. read more

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Well what I got wasn't the best its more "American Mediterranean" my humus was cold the only time I had cold hummus was from Safeway. No seasoning... everybody was nice I even tipped the girl I Adore the culture and I spent over $100 on imported seasonings ect things I wish was on the food. The people were polite so make of course your own decisions! read more

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SENTRY - WATCHING RESTAURANTS Haji-Baba Middle Eastern Restaurant 1513 E Apache Boulevard Tempe, 85281 Somehow, I missed doing a review of one of my favorite restaurants. I have eaten at this restaurant for many years, and I have deprived my readers of knowing about it. They have an extensive menu of both full plates and what they refer to as sandwiches, where the ingredients are put into a pita and it is the folded. My favorite is the chicken shawarma. Grilled pieces of chicken with lettuce, pickle, tomato, and a mild garlic mayo. Always perfect. The menu includes shish kabab, gyros, falafil, lambs tongue, and loads more. Their hummus is smooth and creamy and always with fresh olive oil and an olive on top. Their foul mudammus (bean dish) is really tasty, as is their babaghanouj which is made with fresh egg plant. In the bigger plate area is a fabulous greek salad (which is huge), as well as all the sandwich ingredients plated with extras instead of on a pita. As part of the restaurant is a section which caters to the halal community's needs. All kinds of canned and jarred items as well as a large selection of spices. There is also a freezer section with halal meats as well as a cold case with cheeses and meats. A large selection of beautiful baklava as well as fresh dates and boxes of sweets are available on the counter. I'm sure I have missed some things, but give it a try. You will not be disappointed. 5 stars and it would be 6 if I could give that many! read more

Pro-tip: half the place is a market so you can get some authentic spices here as well. Highlights: I haven't been here in ages, but stopped by for a chicken Shawarma wrap, and it was utterly divine. Everything from the quantity and quality of chicken, to the fair amount of lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles, the chewiness of the bread along with the tastiest sauce! And it was $7.23 after taxes. Unbeatable. Lowlights: We devoured the wrap in the car and it probably could've been wrapped a little bit better because some of the sauce was spilling out from the bottom, but probably on us for being piggies and not waiting until we got home. read more

Haji-Baba - Chicken Kabab Sandwich - Middle Eastern Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I have only ever come here for the market. It is incredible. Filled with spices, sauces, and snacks you can't find anywhere else in the valley. The staff have always been kind and answered any questions I may have had. But today, my friend took my sister and I out for a birthday lunch at the restaurant. I am still full 6 hours later. I got the Sanbusak with garlic sauce on the side and the Gyro Sandwich. Both were amazing. The Sanbusak is like an eggroll filled with ground meat and spice. It has a wonderfully crispy wrapper and a savory warm filling. Dipped in the garlic sauce, the experience is almost ethereal. The gyro was hands down the best I have ever had. The meat wasn't small shaved slices but instead solid, hearty cuts. Flavorful and filled with pickles, lettuce, and tahini sauce. My sister and our friend both got plates, the chicken shawarma and the chicken kebab. I stole a bit of each. The shawarma meat is so delicate and spiced throughly. The kebab is bright and moist. The rice was buttery. Incredible. This spot is a treasure and I'm so glad to live in a community where spots like this exist. read more

Haji-Baba - Gyros Sandwich - Middle Eastern Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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This is in a small strip mall. We were able to park in the front but if they are busy parking might be hard. We went during the week 3pm. I did not see any handicap parking. This is a store plus small restaurant. Very casual. Employees were very nice and great service. Food was ok. Not bad but not great. I would have given 3 stars for food but the restrooms were so bad it was a turn off and will never return. Absolutely filthy. My friend used it as we were leaving and said she would have not eaten if she saw the restroom in the beginning. Back to the food. We had the chicken kaboob platters. Over half the plate was salad. 1 chicken kaboob I wish it would have had 2. Loved the few fresh grilled veggies on the plate. read more

Haji-Baba - Chicken kaboob platter - Middle Eastern Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

As a general rule of thumb, when you go to a mediterranean restaurant there will always be at least one item that isn't very good. However, at haji baba I have yet to experience dissatisfaction with any items. I like the variety you get with the chicken shawarma plate and everything is perfect. read more

Haji-Baba - Chicken Shawarma Plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Absolutely amazing chicken shawarma, stuffed grape leaves and their feta is TO DIE FOR! The owner's son waited on us and we couldn't stop raving about how amazing their food is. Decor is simple, grocery store is loaded with specialty items, and the food just AMAZING! read more

Been over a decade since I graduated from ASU and Haji-Baba is still my gold standard for middle eastern restaurants. Didn't realize how spoiled I was living down the street. It's the one place I have to hit any time I'm in town read more

It's a lovely little grocery store and sit down restaurant with truly authentic food. The portions are generous and the server was friendly. I highly recommend their rose lemonade and tabbouleh. It's a hidden gem and I recommend it if you love Arabic and Mediterranean cuisine. read more

The team working at Haji-Baba were friendly and patient. We had a large group that were celebrating a retirement (we made a reservation) and the staff let us stay and visit without trying to hurry us out. Everyone liked the food including shawarma, gyro, salads, and hummus. Drinks were kept filled. The grocery part of the place was also utilized. I overwhelmingly recommend Haji-Baba for any size group! read more

Talk about a hole in wall, this place slaps. Definitely a local family run restaurant vibes. There was only one server sweating and running around the whole time so you know the food is going to be good. Our party of 10 was served pretty quick. I ordered the chicken kebab which was really kid but I heard the chicken sharwarma was even better. Definitely will try this if I ever go back. read more

Wonderful food! Very cute place with a nice laid back atmosphere. Very attentive service! A bonus is the store that is attached! read more

Haji-Baba - Atmosphere - Middle Eastern Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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will always keep coming back!!!! labneh and chicken schwarma with extra garlic sauce from haji baba is what i dream of

This place has a following! Friends shared they loved this place and would legit be sad if they moved because it would mean being far from Hajibaba. That was enough to sell us. We sat down in one of the maybe 15 tables inside and ordered beef shawarma, falafel pita, beans, hummus, handmade pita, rice, olives. Would've ordered chicken shawarma but they were out. We will have to go back and try it. The spice on the table, sumac, was the first we'd tried of it and immediately fell in love. Bought spices, lentils, olives, and soups in their international grocery area. Already can't wait to go back! read more

Haji-baba is here for one thing -- to make authentically delicious Mediterranean (e.g., Turkish) food for the masses. This reminds me of many of the kabob shops throughout London. The dining room is always full and people come back time and again. If you're a fan of Mediterranean food, this is a great place to eat. The menu items might differ slightly but you can find many of the classic dishes like gyros, kabobs, hummus, labneh, falafel, shawarma, etc. Haji-baba is a restaurant and market, offering international ingredients and snacks, which makes for a fun overall experience. Our meal was excellent. Our service was fantastic. And I highly recommend. read more

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Tucked away in a strip mall on Apache Blvd, this Mediterranean restaurant is the definition of hole in the wall treasure. From the outside, you might not give it a second glance but step inside and you're in for a treat. they have an extensive menu with all the Mediterranean favorites. I recommend by starting with the hummus and hand-tossed pita, and the chicken Shawarma is the best I have ever had. Service is warm and personal like dining at a friend's house. The space is small cozy and nothing fancy, but that's part of the charm. It's the kind of place where the food speaks for itself. If you're looking for authentic Mediterranean experience without frills, this is the spot read more

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My favorite place! My family has been coming here for over 24 years (before I was born!) grew up coming here and still crave it weekly.

Delicious food at a great price. Super friendly and efficient staff. Put this one on your list.

A local favorite in the Tempe area. I have been coming here for a long time with family and friends and it's always a hit. There is adequate parking and we were seated very quickly. The building has both a small grocery store and the dining area. The workers there are very friendly and check on the tables very often. The food is very decently priced and the portions are extremely generous. I haven't found any restaurant in either California or Arizona that has even come close to the quality or taste of the food that they have here. Now that I no longer live in the area, I make sure to eat here every time I come to visit and I will always recommend this place to others. read more

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This place was boominnnn' when my friend and I stopped by. It was a full house with people shopping at their little mart and all tables were taken eating their delicious Mediterranean food! I was really craving koobideh and this was the only place that was on the way home open on a Sunday. What we ordered: Kabab Koubideh - This was great but not as moist compared to other places I've tried when I lived in the Bay Area. However their yogurt dip and hummus were amazing!! I also wish they offered grilled peppers/chilis of some sort. Plate Combo - This was worth it, in my opinion, if you want to try all the kebabs. The ribeye was our fave but this combo didn't come with any rice and only the kebabs. The chicken was also surprisingly well-seasoned and moist. Cashew Baklava - We were a little disappointed with the taste of the baklava as the cashew tasted a little bit stale. The flavor of the caramelization on the pastry was perfect but wish the cashews didn't give a weird aftertaste. Services - The people here were super nice but a lot of people who ordered after us received their items first while our food sat on the counter for a good while. My friend had to go up and ask if it was ready. You'll find some cool things you won't find anywhere else if you're looking for Mediterranean/European goodies! read more

My family and I have been going to this restaurant for 30 years now. Ambience - the ambience is very casual. It is a restaurant and a Middle Eastern grocery store combined into one. Service - the service is good and efficient. On a sidenote, you do not pay your server you pay upfront at the register. The food is good. I usually get the vegetarian combo, which consists of baba ghanoush, hummus, grape leaves, and falafel. My Dad and Mom usually got the Kibbeh. Although nothing is as good as what my mom and Sette make, this restaurant is pretty good. read more

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I've been eating at this place for 40 years. Ali either the waiter has been there the whole time and is one of the best servers in the world. Purchase your spices there , the best curry ever!! read more

I have been coming here for over 10 years! Love that it's a restaurant and has a small store attached with snacks n little goodies. I will say that back in the day the rice was prepared different and had more flavor. Now it's pretty boring. Service is great, the waiter let us sample a specific meat before making a decision on our entree. Overall, it's a safe bet if you are craving Mediterranean!! read more

Haji-Baba 1513 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281 I really wanted to finish the rice because it was so delicious, but I had to exercise self-control due to my Type 2 Diabetes. Haji-Baba, located at 1513 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281, is a delightful gem that continues to impress me on my visits. This is my second time dining here, and I am thoroughly enjoying the experience. While I believe that Princess offers slightly higher quality meat, Haji-Baba shines with its warm and welcoming servers, creating a friendly and relaxing atmosphere that makes every meal enjoyable. During my visit, I savored the **Babaghanooj** and the **Shish Kabab plate**, both of which were absolutely excellent. The flavors were rich and satisfying, making it a memorable meal. Although I appreciate the quality of meat at Princess, I find myself drawn to Haji-Baba for its overall vibe and service. I encourage my friends to explore both restaurants, as they each have their unique charm and also feature grocery sections with a variety of Middle Eastern ingredients. After trying both, I would love to hear which one you prefer! read more

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Wow wow wow. What a hidden gem, one of those "I effed up on not discovering this place sooner, I've been missing out for years" type of situations. The staff is so kind and makes you just feel comfortable somehow, can't explain it. The food was flavored and seasoned to perfection. The lamb kabob came out grilled to the perfect temp, a lil bit of pink in the center, spectacular. The sambusek is packed full of meat and just HIT the spot. The hummus is some of the best I've had. Before even leaving, I was already planning my next visit. I honestly doubt you can go wrong ordering anything off their menu. read more

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Explored this place which is an older establishment and a local gem recommended by many. Food was really good and surprisingly the Tabouleh which blew mind. Having triednmany authentic Tabouleh from Middle East, I must say it was at par or even better than some of the best I tried. This is not a downplay on the other items, gyros were excellent and so was the simple yogurt sauce. Service can be improved and I had to wait more than 30mins for the order. I am sure they messed it up and tried to cover for it. It was ok since I was not in a rush and was a busy Sunday afternoon. But a tad disappointed with it! The ambiance is decent for a supermarket/restaurant with limited space and seating. My only concern is that the place is a bit far for me to try other menu items but I will be back hungry for more... read more

Haji-Baba - Combination - Middle Eastern Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Surfing for local hot-spots and Haji Baba crossed the radar. They are located in a Tempe strip mall and doubling as a Middle Eastern grocery store, too. For a Thursday evening it was busy which is always a good sign. We were seated and warmly greeted by the wait staff. We ordered the sample falafel plate of three. The falafels were warm but did not have much flavor. The gyro was served with pickles, tomatoes, tzasaki sauce and lettuce. The size was large and overall ok, but not remarkable. We also shared a chicken shawarma that was good. I was excited at the prospect of a new Middle Eastern restaurant. The food was good, the staff was attentive but the seasoning did not meet expectations. I would encourage you to give them a try. read more

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