MIDDLE
EASTERN
Aashiana
Restaurant
31
Central Ave., Albany, 463-4161. Serving a variety of Mediterranean
food such as falafels, hummus and baba ghanouj. The menu
includes a large selection of vegetarian options. On/off-premises
catering. Takeout and delivery available. Reservations not
accepted. Open 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri, 12-11 Sat.
Closed Sunday. D, MC, V. $
Afghan
Grill
952
Troy-Schenectady Road (Peter Harris Plaza), Latham, 783-5553.
A variety of kababs and curry-redolent palow dishes
are part of the fare, but try the okra and the butternut
squash for exciting flavors. And there’s pizza! A $7 weekday
lunch buffet is a good introduction. Serving 10-10 daily;
lunch buffet 11-2 Mon-Fri. AE, D, MC, V. $
Al-Baraki
184
River St., Troy, 270-9404. This storefront Lebanese restaurant
offers a wonderful array of choices. The sampler plate will
get you started (the falafel is excellent) and there are
wraps and salads as well. Serving 11-8 Mon-Sat, 11-9 Fri.
AE, D, MC, V. $
Ali
Baba
2243
15th St., Troy, 273-1170. Turkish cuisine and pizza, which
means you can get seasoned lamb on your pie. Most meals
come with puffy lavash bread. The kabobs are terrific; best
of all is the durum-wrapped kabob, a Turkish gyro. Try the
baklava. Serving 11 AM-midnight Mon-Sat. Closed Sun. AE,
MC, V. $
Mamoun’s
Mideast Café
206
Washington Ave., Albany, 434-3901. Serving such Middle Eastern
dishes as shish kebab, tabbouleh, falafel, hummus and stuffed
grape leaves. Special vegetarian menu. Takeout available.
No alcohol. Serving 11:30-10 daily. MC, V. $$
Marmora
Café
203
River St., Troy, 266-9300. Try chef-owner Moheb Habib’s
Egyptian specialties, such as his variations on hummus,
baba ganouj and falafel. Also grape leaves and gyros. A
casual dining room open for breakfast and lunch, and don’t
forget the baklava. Serving 8-5 Tue-Thu, 8-8 Fri-Sat. MC,
V. $
Rita’s
Lebanese Café
188
N. Allen St., Albany, 437-3537. Sandwiches include falafel,
marinated beef, chicken, kafta or kibbeh;
dinner selections include hummus, baba ghanouj and
tabouli. It’s well-crafted Lebanese fare with tasty
kebabs as well as an extensive selection of vegetarian items.
Serving 11-8 Tue-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $
Columns
& Opinions
