Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine

When you walk up to the counter at Aladdin, trays of fresh pita dusted in flour greet you, like happy little gold pillows. The soft, warm pitas are perfect for dipping into silky hummus, wrapping up tender shawarma, or sopping up the last few bites of pomegranate eggplant stew. And that’s why you go to the Lebanese restaurant Aladdin Mediterranean in Montrose: for extremely comforting and delicious food, especially the pita, when you don’t want to spend a million bucks.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

photo credit: Richard Casteel

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Aladdin is counter service, with spreads and sides like bowls of parsley-flecked tabouli, caramelized onion hummus, and stuffed grape leaves. Everything looks colorful and fresh and makes you wish you had a big spoon for reaching over the plexiglass divider. You should order a combination plate so you can get two or three sides. Now, every Aladdin regular has their hot and cold sides power rankings. Order fried cauliflower in front of someone who prefers the fried potato balls, and a casual lunch may turn into a sparring match. We suggest something truly revolutionary: sharing. Game-theory the combination plate system to your benefit—just make sure to order extra pita.

The interior pays additional homage to Aladdin’s patron saint, the pita, because nearly everything in there is brown or yellow or gold. It’s like dining inside a 1970s polyester shirt pattern. Nothing seems to be from this century, which we don’t really mind or even pay much attention to. Something about Aladdin is timeless, perhaps because the Montrose location on the corner of Westheimer has been there for over 15 years. Stop in for a quick, affordable meal to stay or to-go, especially when you’re in a rush. Aladdin’s always there for you. It’s consistent and reliable, like a comforting hug, but if that hug were made of bread.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Kebabs

The Montrose location offers chicken and lamb kebabs (the latter of which is not available at the other location in The Heights). They’re crisp and caramelized, with a tender medium center. Dunk it into the garlic-packed toum on the side.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Chicken Shawarma Wrap

The best part of this wrap is that the sauce coats every available surface, coating your fingers as you eat it. It’s tart and laced with dill and cucumber. Pour more of it onto the wrap, or onto yourself, or even a loved one.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Caramelized Onion Hummus

The hummus feels deep and complex and rich and sweet and beautiful. Of the four types of hummus available—traditional, spinach, spicy, and caramelized onion—most Aladdin regulars will tell you this is their favorite.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Pita Bread

You know that person on the internet that squashes their face into bread? You will become that person after eating this pita. It is perfect and fluffy and soft, like a warm blanket you can eat.