Haji-Baba

- 1513 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281

For Arizona residents seeking an authentic taste of the Mediterranean and Middle East, Haji-Baba in Tempe is much more than a restaurant—it is a cherished cultural hub and grocery store that has been serving the community for over 40 years. This establishment is widely celebrated for its true-to-form, high-quality cuisine, blending the best aspects of a Mediterranean restaurant and a Middle Eastern market into a single, cohesive, and unique dining experience. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and often described as feeling like a genuine local family joint.

The menu at Haji-Baba is robust, offering a comprehensive selection of traditional plates, sandwiches, and side orders built upon time-honored recipes. The Sandwiches section features customer favorites like the immaculately flavorful Chicken Shawarma and the satisfying, legit Gyros, often noted for their delicious pickle addition and excellent flavor profile. Vegetarians and those seeking healthy options are well-catered for with the amazing Falafil sandwich and the highly praised Tabooli and Babaghanooj side orders.

For a more substantial meal, the Plates menu includes Gyros, Kafta, Shish Kabab, and the signature Chicken Shawarma Platter, which is a must-try for its vibrant taste, typically served with rice, hummus, and a house salad. The restaurant also offers carefully curated Combinations, such as the Vegetarian Combination and Kabab Mixed, providing a fantastic way to sample multiple specialties. A perfect end to any meal is their world-class Baklava—in fact, they often feature multiple varieties, prompting customers to save room for trying several of this Great dessert. The beverage menu is equally authentic, featuring unique drinks like Rose Water Lemonade, Arabic Coffee, and Yoghurt Soda.

Haji-Baba is conveniently located at 1513 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA. This location on Apache Boulevard, near the Arizona State University (ASU) campus, makes it a popular and easy stop for college students, locals, and tourists alike.

The establishment is committed to providing a fully accessible experience for all patrons:

• The facility features a Wheelchair accessible entrance.
• Dedicated Wheelchair accessible parking lot spaces are available.
• Wheelchair accessible seating is provided in the dining area.

Haji-Baba offers versatile services that cater to modern dining preferences while maintaining a focus on traditional cuisine:

• Dine-in Service: Features a casual and cozy dining room with Table service for Lunch and Dinner, though limited seating may be available, reflecting its 'gem' status.
• Takeout & Delivery: Provides traditional Takeout as well as full Delivery, Curbside pickup, and No-contact delivery options for maximum convenience.
• Onsite Grocery Store: The unique built-in market offers authentic Middle Eastern groceries, imported items, affordable bulk spices, house-made falafel mix, pickled olives, and specialized products, amplifying the dining experience.
• Catering: Offers catering services, which have been noted by customers as an excellent and affordable option for special events.
• Full Meal Offerings: Specializes in Lunch and Dinner service, and is a popular spot for Solo dining.
• Group Planning: The restaurant Accepts reservations, which is advisable given its consistent popularity, especially during peak hours.

Haji-Baba’s defining features reflect its dual role as a high-quality restaurant and a local market:

• Authenticity and Quality: Recognized for its high quality, authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, the food is described as 'legit,' 'fresh and clean tasting,' and 'top-notch.'
• Culinary Specializations: Serves Halal food and offers a fantastic range of Healthy options, Vegan options, and Vegetarian options, catering to diverse dietary needs.
• Exceptional Beverages and Desserts: Known for its Great coffee (especially the Arabic Coffee), Great tea selection, and spectacular Baklava (a Great dessert with multiple varieties).
• Signature Dishes: Must-try items include the Chicken Shawarma Platter (immaculately flavorful), the amazing Falafel, silky-smooth Hummus Tahini, and the unique addition of pickles to the Gyro for an enhanced flavor profile.
• Grocery Market Integration: The built-in market offers an 'authentic atmosphere' and allows patrons to take home essential ingredients, bulk spices, and imported specialty items not found elsewhere.
• Community Vibe: Known for its Casual, Cozy, and inclusive environment, attracting a Crowd of College students, Families, and Groups. The staff is often praised for treating customers 'like family.'
• Affordable Value: The restaurant is known for providing generous portions and delicious dishes at reasonable prices, offering excellent value for money.

For inquiries about the menu, catering services, or grocery store hours, please use the contact information provided:

Address: 1513 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

Phone: (480) 894-1905 or +1 480-894-1905

Choosing Haji-Baba is choosing an institution that has woven itself into the fabric of the Tempe and greater Arizona community over four decades. What makes this establishment particularly worth choosing is its unwavering commitment to authentic, flavorful Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine combined with the unique advantage of an attached specialty grocery store.

For anyone seeking the 'highest quality shawarma' or 'legit Gyro meat' in the Phoenix area, the food quality here is the primary draw. The Chicken Shawarma, especially when complemented by their rich garlic sauce, has a 'shockingly smooth and silky' texture with a 'bolder roasted garlic note' that distinguishes it from competitors. It’s an essential experience for those craving true, expertly prepared comfort food from the region.

Beyond the main courses, Haji-Baba’s status as a dual-concept venue—a restaurant and a specialty market—provides a truly unique value. The ability to dine on top-notch dishes and then step into the market to purchase bulk spices, fresh olives, or imported goods to recreate those authentic flavors at home makes it an indispensable cultural hub. This feature is particularly valuable to the diverse local community, including college students and families.

The atmosphere, while casual, is highly engaging; customers love the exotic aromas and the feeling of stepping into a 'cultural hub.' The friendly staff and reasonable pricing make the experience accessible and appealing, ensuring that whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifelong fan, Haji-Baba offers a warm, delicious, and highly satisfying slice of the Mediterranean in the heart of Tempe, Arizona.

Haji-Baba

1513 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA