Aladdin

Oddly, we were drawn back to the same small row of shops in Withington where we enjoyed our Japanese lunch. This time, we went (with high expectations) to Aladdin Restaurant, hailed as the area's hidden gem by a number of our friends as well as reviewers online. The exterior (below) means that we have many a time passed this place by, as it blends into the culinary landscape of kebab shops and fast food places. 

Do not be fooled, however. All is not what it seems here!

As we entered and peered round the brick wall you can just about see through the front door, we were greeted straight away and told to go up the stairs, having already walked through two large rooms of tables. Upstairs, their are two equally large dining areas decorated with a mismatch of Arabic and Middle Eastern pictures and furnishings. There are plenty of tables, and considering we went on a Sunday evening, the place was already filling up. Everything about the place, the music, the table cloths, the decor, the staff, makes it feel really special and exciting. I don't think I have ever eaten in another place like it. The menu is a little confusing, not least because we had no idea how to pronounce any of it, but at first glance everything seems like it is going to be the same thing. However, the staff were helpful and gave us enough time to work out what we wanted. 

There is an extensive range of hot and cold starters, and a smaller selection of main courses. We decided to go for a few (four) of the starters and one of the main courses (kebab) to share. For two people this was plenty, and they were happy to bring it all at once for us. 

Now, one of the few familiar things on the menu was hommus. There is a lot of it on there, in a lot of different combinations. We went for Hommus Sharworma (left), which is basically hommus with lamb served with pitta bread (only £4, very reasonable) and it was excellent, and perfect for sharing. 

Hommus Sharworma

Arabic Salad, Baba Ghannouj and Pitta Bread

We would recommend the Arabic salad too, as well as the Baba Ghannouj, which is baked aubergine mashed to make a hommus type dip. Finally, the falafel was really nice and very good value at only £2.80 for four pieces. Keep asking for more pitta breads to wipe it all up as they are only 30p extra. To finish off, definitely try some sweet Arabic coffee, and one of their deserts. We had a Katayf to share, but I was also tempted by the Baklava!

Overall, the food here is outstanding, and the originality of the setting only adds to this. I would definitely return here and try some more new things. It total, our bill was £30 including drinks, which is really reasonable. It is also BYO on alcohol which would make it a great value group meal out. Having said that, the excellent quality of the food means that the great prices are by no means the only selling point for Aladdin!