{"id":60465,"date":"2022-04-29T00:01:23","date_gmt":"2022-04-29T06:01:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=60465"},"modified":"2026-04-06T09:48:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T15:48:23","slug":"haji-baba-tempe-arizona","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=60465","title":{"rendered":"Haji Baba – Tempe, Arizona"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Haji Baba for the best in Middle Eastern Food in the Phoenix Area<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Visiting Haji Baba one day before the end of Ramadan in 2022, I pondered the Muslim observation of the month-long period \u00a0when the faithful are encouraged to give to charity, strengthen their relationship with God and show kindness and patience. Observed during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar by Muslims worldwide, Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. \u00a0It dawned on me, a life-long Catholic, that not all “Papists” like me have the spiritual and physical stamina to refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset for an entire month. \u00a0I probably don’t. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That these thoughts came to mind when we were about to enjoy an exquisite repast wasn’t lost on me. \u00a0I thought about my friend and colleague Nader Khalil who wouldn’t be able to join us for dinner–and he’s been telling me about Haji Baba for years. \u00a0Nader does have the perseverance and stamina to observe the Ramadan fast every year. \u00a0He’s one of the very best, most genuinely kind people I’ve ever met. \u00a0In fact, if challenged by xenophobes to point out the best example of what a Christian should be, it’s always Nader that comes to mind–and he’s Muslim. \u00a0He’s a polite, respectful gentle man who treats everyone as he would like to be treated. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Aisles of Comestibles and Delicious Foods<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nader would have loved dining at Haji Baba, his very favorite Middle Eastern restaurant during the years he lived in Scottsdale. \u00a0When my Kim and I visited, I practically had the menu memorized from my talks with Nader. \u00a0He advised me under no uncertain times not to miss the lamb tongue sandwich, knowing my palate would appreciate it. \u00a0He regaled me with tales of the aisles replete with Middle Eastern comestibles and cooking utensils. \u00a0He practically had me drooling at the thought of having pistachio baklava at the conclusion of our meal. Then I came down to Earth, remembering that my friend would not be enjoying these delights.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nader isn’t the only person who loves Haji Baba. \u00a0In 2021, the Phoenix New Times rated Haji Baba the very best Middle Eastern food in Phoenix. \u00a0The reviewer wrote “How to make a lifelong Haji-Baba fan: Bring them to the restaurant one time. That’s what happened to us, and decades later, there aren’t many eateries in Phoenix we prefer to this unassuming strip mall restaurant\/market<\/em>.” \u00a0Over the years, Haji Baba has been showcased on television, magazines, newspaper, and has received recognition for its distinctive and authentic cuisine. \u00a0My Kim and I can now be counted along with Nader as lifelong Haji-Baba fans.<\/span><\/p>\n

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One of Two Dining Spaces<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Haji Baba is a quintessential unostentatious Middle Eastern grocer and counter-service joint where everyone is made to feel welcome. \u00a0 \u00a0It’s a home away from home for Arizona State University students who can walk from campus for their Middle Eastern cuisine fix. \u00a0Step inside and you’ll see why Phoenix New Times declared “We’re also big fans of the exotic aromas that have lived inside Haji-Baba for the past several decades. If we could bottle the scent of this place, we would<\/em>.” \u00a0Dine at Haji Baba once and your olfactory memories will linger for a long time. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As with many local Middle Eastern restaurants, Haji-Baba is both a market and a cafe. The section dedicated to groceries takes up about two-thirds of the space. Aisles are absolutely crammed with cans of fava beans, bags of lentils, more tea than was thrown into Boston Harbor, packages of pita, jars of preserved lemons, and just about every ingredient associated with Middle Eastern cuisine. Directly ahead of you as you walk in is a pastry counter displaying the most mouth-watering baklava and…even more baklava (six different types). \u00a0To your right as you walk in is the dining room, a relatively small space with about a dozen tables inside and a few more spilling over into the market space. \u00a0Painted on one wall is a mural reminiscent of the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Baba Ganoush and Pita<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Unlike so many restaurants passing on their costs thanks to the build back better economy, you won’t suffer a case of sticker shock when studying Haji Baba’s menu–unless it’s shock and awe at just how low prices can be. \u00a0A gyros sandwich with twice as much meat as you’ll find at most Middle Eastern restaurants is about half the cost. \u00a0At just under eighteen-dollars, the mixed Kabob plate would feed a small family. \u00a0Appetizers, called “side orders” on the menu are unbelievably inexpensive. \u00a0Sandwiches are all priced below what you’d pay for a Big Mac and you’ll be far more satisfied. \u00a0Plates and combinations are a delicious bargain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Haji Baba’s legendary lamb tongue sandwich was prominently featured in the 2018 edition of Phoenix New Times\u00a0Essentials<\/a><\/strong>, a\u00a0compendium of 50 dishes, drinks, and food experiences that make up the culinary backbone (and personality) of metro Phoenix. \u00a0The New Times described the lamb tongue sandwich thusly: “The sandwich bulges with velvety hunks of slow-cooked tongue, which are topped with a light salad and cradled inside pillowy soft pita bread. The tongue is stewed slowly for six to eight hours, an employee told me recently, and subtly seasoned with garlic, pepper, and herbs. The\u00a0meat is earthy and savory, and as tender and comforting as grandma’s pot roast.\u00a0“Try it once,” the menu says, “and you will not stop talking about it!<\/em>”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Gyros Deluxe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alas, we were unable to try it even once. \u00a0Our server nearly broke my heart when he told me the restaurant hasn’t been able to find lamb tongue in a while. \u00a0Aargh! \u00a0It’s a good thing there were no tall trees and short rope in the area. \u00a0Our server offered little consolation, telling me gyros are probably the next best thing on the menu. \u00a0Gyros? \u00a0Aren’t all gyros just about the same? \u00a0Thankfully that’s not the case. \u00a0Haji Baba’s gyros are the very best we’ve ever had. \u00a0As with all sandwiches on the menu, gyros are served with tomatoes, lettuce and pickles wrapped in Arabic bread.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are two different gyros listed on the menu–gyros<\/strong><\/em> (mixture of lamb and beef seasoned with Greek\u00a0spices cooked on a spit, garnished with sour\u00a0cream cucumber sauce and herbs) and gyros DLX<\/strong><\/em> (with onion and feta cheese on hand made Pita). \u00a0My Kim had the (nothing about it is) regular gyros and was ensnared at first bite. \u00a0We were surprised at just how large each chunk (yes, chunk) of that lamb and beef amalgam was. \u00a0Some pieces were as thick as a burger, not at all like the thin shards of shaved meat we’ve experienced elsewhere. \u00a0Greek spices imbued the meat with olfactory-arousing aromas and addictive flavors. Pita, one of the world’s most ancient breads, \u00a0had a delightfully smoky flavor and soft, pillowy texture that made a nice home for the meat to nestle in.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Gyros<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As has been too predictably (for me) the case, our appetizer was Haji Baba’s Baba Ghanooj<\/strong><\/em> served with pita. \u00a0A pool of olive oil with a generous sprinkling of sumac formed the center of this delightful starter. \u00a0Swimming in that pool are some of the most addictive pickles and olives you’ll ever have. \u00a0The pita isn’t especially thick which is just fine because it means the prominent flavor of each bite is a garlicky, creamy, oh-so-delicious baba ghanooj. \u00a0Roasted, pureed eggplant rules!<\/span><\/p>\n

Baklava is the only dessert on the menu, but there’s a six pack of baklava under the display case. Walnut may be the most familiar filling, but most other common types of nuts are also available inside layers of airy pastry. Each has a distinctive shape. The pistachio baklava<\/strong><\/em> (my lifelong favorite) is cylindrical. \u00a0The Queen baklava, replete with mixed nuts, is a disc with a crimped edge. \u00a0We didn’t have room to try them all, but that’s what additional visits are for. \u00a0Do yourself a favor and save room for at least two.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Pistachio Baklava<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During our visit to Haji Baba, my heart went out to Muslim friends who couldn’t partake of some of the best foods in the world during their holy month. \u00a0Now that’s a sacrifice for faith.<\/span><\/p>\n

Haji Baba Middle Eastern Food<\/strong>
\n1513 E Apache Blvd
\nTempe, Arizona<\/strong>
\n(480) 894-1905
\nWebsite<\/strong><\/a> | Facebook Page<\/strong><\/a>
\nLATEST VISIT<\/strong>: 29 April 2022
\n# OF VISITS<\/strong>: 1
\nRATING<\/strong>: N\/R
\nCOST<\/strong>: $$
\nBEST BET<\/strong>: Baba Ghanooj with Pita, Deluxe Gyros, Gyros
\nREVIEW #1268<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Visiting Haji Baba one day before the end of Ramadan in 2022, I pondered the Muslim observation of the month-long period \u00a0when the faithful are encouraged to give to charity, strengthen their relationship with God and show kindness and patience. Observed during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar by Muslims worldwide, Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. \u00a0It dawned on me, a life-long Catholic, that not all “Papists” like me have the spiritual and physical stamina to refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset for an entire month. \u00a0I probably don’t. \u00a0 That these thoughts came to mind when we were about to enjoy an exquisite repast wasn’t lost on me. \u00a0I thought…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":60469,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28,703,696,5647,553],"tags":[770,830,1235,923,1905,1904,978,1718,828,1912,1903,1911],"class_list":["post-60465","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arizona","category-dog-friendly","category-middle-eastern","category-rating-n-r","category-across-america","tag-arizona","tag-baba-ghanooj","tag-chocolates","tag-gyros","tag-gyros-deluxe","tag-lamb-tongue-sandwich","tag-middle-eastern","tag-pistachio-baklava","tag-pita","tag-queen-baklava","tag-tempe","tag-walnut-baklava"],"yoast_head":"\nHaji Baba - Tempe, Arizona - Gil's Thrilling (And Filling) Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=60465\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Haji Baba - Tempe, Arizona - Gil's Thrilling (And Filling) Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Visiting Haji Baba one day before the end of Ramadan in 2022, I pondered the Muslim observation of the month-long period \u00a0when the faithful are encouraged to give to charity, strengthen their relationship with God and show kindness and patience. 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