Ali-Baba Shish Kabob

Going to Ali Baba a few days ago was an excellent experience. The lot was full (they have a lot? In Hamtramck? That’s amazing) and there were several families eating inside happily. The atmosphere is lit perfectly, intimate, and very clean. You can tell the owners have put a lot of work into this place!
The service was excellent — our server plus other staff members all helped out to bring us more water, food, desserts, and the check. We were never left waiting for long, and they were happy to answer questions we had about the food.
I ordered the Iraqi beef plate — about $ 12 — and it came with soup, a bunch of rice pilaf, and three huge beef kabobs. Everything was incredible, even the complimentary pita bread with garlic sauce.
The pita has a slight smoky twinge to it that was really impressive to me. The garlic sauce is a bit creamier than other restaurants in the area as well, and it made it very spreadable. I already slather garlic sauce over everything, so when you can make that even MORE appealing, I’m all about it.
The beef was very well seasoned, moist, and delicious. The rice pilaf was unique and also seasoned perfectly — I had just eaten a couple hours prior and I wolfed it down. On past visits things have been equally amazing, but I usually just opt for the sandwiches, which are around $ 4 and filling, so I was glad to branch out.
I’m not going to talk crap about Royal Kabob, because it’s been so consistently good for so long, and a great Hamtramck standby. You can’t help but compare them, as they’re a block apart, have many of the same menu items, and similar price points. I’m sorry, Royal, but Ali Baba is my new favorite. The bread is a bit different, and the food is Iraqi rather than Lebanese, so there is still a good amount of contrast, but I’ve been very impressed by everything at Ali Baba.
We were given baklava and offered tea by the owner as we finished our meals — an unexpected and awesome gesture. The baklava was rich, heavy, and fresh. incredible.

Delicious! The sandwiches are amazing, the entire menu will provide something for everyone. The garlic spread is my favorite. Favorite middle-​eastern place in the area.

I enjoy eating in or carry out, they are always so friendly, fast, and the foot is soooo good.
The main difference between Ali-​Baba and many other middle-​eastern restaurants in the area is that Ali-​Baba is Iraqi while most other spots are Lebanese. If you get the meal for two or more, they will give you Iraqi style dolmas which are great. The Iraqi kabob is also top notch. Much of the food is very similar to what you’d find at Royal Kabob down the block and other restaurants, but there are subtle differences in flavor. The shawarma is delicious, nutmeg is very forward, which I dig.
Last night we went for dinner (chicken cream chop wrap!) and dude who I think is the owner came by and gave us two free pieces of baklava on the house. I can’t eat nuts, but my guy said it was awesome.
Anyways, everyone go eat here. They rule and I want to see them succeed!

I don’t have much to say except this place is awesome!!! From the service, the food, and prices, this place rocks! My wife and I ordered a meal for 2 – 3, which we barely put a dent in! We had plenty of leftovers for the next day and still will have a little left for the day after that! We will definitely be returning soon!!!

I thought their food was awesome with large portions. My husband is hooked as well. We plan on returning back very soon.

We ordered the meal for 2 but you could actually serve a smaller party with this platter. The food was flavorful and last for about 4 meals, tasting ok microwaved. Takeout order was ready upon arrival and the ordering process was smooth.

This restaurant is a must try! Their breaded chicken and rice is so juicy and addicting! Can’t wait to try it again when i come back to visit!

I neglected to say that there should warm up is very basic chicken garlic sauce and pickles if you like other toppings you have to ask them. Also, on my most recent visit the shawarma tasted like it had mayonnaise on it I hope it was my imagination. The pistachio baklava was still delicious.

Without just jumping right into it, I’m giving Ali-​Baba 4-​stars. I want them to earn the 5^th star on a return visit.
I missed their «1000 free shawarma» grand opening just a few days prior. So I popped in to try the chicken shawarma which I consider to be the litmus test for Arabic restaurants. Ali-​Baba passed with flying colors. It was moist and juicy and packed full of dark meat, pickle and garlic sauce. While I’ve considered myself to be a fan of Royal Kabob, I believe I am now a bigger fan of Ali-​Baba. It could quite possibly be the best shawarma sandwich in the area. That’s a bold statement considering you can get a shawarma sandwich in at least a dozen restaurants in our small town. I also tried the falafel sandwich as well. Crispy on the outside and moist and creamy in the middle (too many places overcook the falafel and it comes out too dry.) My one critique would be that they could be a little larger but otherwise it was well prepared falafel.
The menu is pretty much the same as most other Arabic places but I think where Ali-​Baba has the potential to stand apart from others is in their execution.
The dining room leans more to an upscale eatery. Not as ornate as La Pita but definitely warm, inviting and classy which is something Hamtramck has been lacking in.
Also, they DO NOT marinate or use peanut oil at all. So for nut allergy people, we can eat here. Almonds are used in the rice but only as a garnish. Order the rice without almonds and you’re set.
Definitely coming back.