Yemeni Chef in New York: Al Sheibani Restaurant Brings Authentic Taiz Flavors to Brooklyn
From Taiz to Bay Ridge, Jamal Al-Sharmani serves up traditional Yemeni dishes and a story of passion, patience, and perseverance.
In the heart of New York City, in Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge neighborhood—a vibrant hub for Arab culture—stands Al-Shaibani Restaurant, a true ambassador of Yemeni flavors in America.
A Journey from Taiz to Brooklyn
Jamal Al-Sharmani, originally from the historic city of Taiz in Yemen, arrived in the United States in 1990. Like many immigrants, his early years were a blend of study, hard work, and adapting to a new culture. He worked with his father in the trade business, but his true passion was in the kitchen. Jamal saw food as a way to preserve identity, tell stories, and connect cultures.
Determined to introduce authentic Yemeni cuisine to a wider audience, he opened his first restaurant, Al-Shaibani, in Bay Ridge. Over time, his dedication led to the opening of a second location—the Yemeni Restaurant in Manhattan—expanding his culinary influence across New York City.
A Culinary Bridge Between Yemen and the U.S.
Al-Shaibani is more than a place to eat—it’s a cultural meeting point. Its menu is a showcase of Yemen’s rich culinary heritage:
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Mandi – a fragrant rice dish cooked with slow-roasted meat, infused with spices and traditionally prepared in a tandoor.
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Kabsa – a colorful rice-and-meat dish, often served with vegetables and nuts.
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Fahsa – a hearty lamb stew with fenugreek and spices, served bubbling hot.
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Saltah – Yemen’s national dish, a rich stew with vegetables and meat, topped with hulbah (fenugreek foam).
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Fresh Yemeni Bread – baked daily in a clay oven.
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Adeni Tea – spiced with cardamom, cinnamon, and evaporated milk.
These dishes are prepared with traditional methods, ensuring that every plate serves as both a meal and a cultural experience.
Bay Ridge: The Beating Heart of Arab New York
Bay Ridge has become home to one of the largest Arab communities in the United States, with residents from Yemen, Palestine, Egypt, and other Arab nations. Walking its streets feels like stepping into a Middle Eastern city—Arabic shop signs, bakeries selling fresh flatbread, and cafés serving hookah.
For new immigrants, restaurants like Al-Shaibani are more than businesses; they are places of comfort, where the taste of home eases the challenges of living abroad. For Americans unfamiliar with Yemeni culture, such restaurants are a gateway to understanding a rich history through food.
The Recipe for Success: Patience and Hard Work
In our conversation, Jamal stressed the values that guided him: perseverance, quality, and authenticity. “Bidayat al-seel qatra… great successes begin with small steps,” he said—a Yemeni proverb that reflects his journey.
From a single location to a recognized name across New York, Jamal’s story is a testament to the American immigrant dream: hard work, cultural pride, and a willingness to start small and grow steadily.
