Best Middle Eastern and Arab Food in Anaheim’s Little Arabia

When people think of Anaheim, Disneyland often takes center stage. Yet just two miles away, a vibrant neighborhood called Little Arabia has become a cultural and culinary landmark for Arab Americans and beyond. Stretching along Brookhurst Street, this community reflects the history, resilience, and contributions of immigrants from Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Yemen, and other Arab nations.

Today, Little Arabia thrives with restaurants, bakeries, and shops, blending tradition with modern entrepreneurship. Beyond food, it stands as a symbol of Arab American identity and civic pride, with leaders like Rashad Al-Dabbagh of the Arab American Civic Council advocating for its official city designation.

Historical Roots of Little Arabia

The story of Little Arabia began in the 1980s, when Mohamed Sammy Khouraki and his wife Nora opened Cerritos Produce to serve immigrants craving tastes of home. Rebranded as Altayebat Market in 1988, it became an anchor for the neighborhood’s growth.

Restaurants soon followed. Al-Quds, the first Arab restaurant, paved the way for staples like Sahara Falafel and Kareem’s Falafel, which opened in the mid-1990s and remain icons of the community today. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, the area’s food culture expanded, welcoming both traditional eateries and modern concepts like Shawarma Loca and California Shawarma.

Culinary Highlights of Little Arabia

1. Sababa Falafel Shop

Founded in 2021 by Suzie and Salah Othman, this shop offers Jerusalem-style Palestinian falafel — small, parsley-speckled, and full of flavor. Their falafel pita, with tahini, chili, pickles, and a unique Iraqi mango sauce, has earned long lines and loyal fans.

2. House of Mandi

Replacing the beloved Olive Tree in 2020, House of Mandi introduced authentic Yemeni cuisine to Anaheim. Diners enjoy mandi rice with lamb, chicken, or fish, as well as fahsa, a bubbling lamb and beef stew topped with fenugreek foam. Large platters cater to family-style dining, echoing Yemeni traditions.

3. El Mahroosa Restaurant & Café

Owned by Egyptian chef Samir Elshahed, El Mahroosa blends Egyptian flavors with community spirit. Standout dishes include hamam mahshi (roast pigeon stuffed with rice), molokhia, and hawawshi. For dessert, the om ali pudding is a sweet finale steeped in Egyptian heritage.

4. Le Mirage Pastry

Known for Syrian-style desserts, Le Mirage specializes in booza — a chewy, hand-pounded ice cream rolled in pistachios. Open since 2003, it continues the ice cream traditions of Damascus while also serving baklava, knafeh, and cakes.

5. Knafeh Café

Founded by Asem Abusir from Nablus, Palestine, this café celebrates the city’s iconic dessert, knafeh nabulsieh. With stretchy cheese, crispy pastry, and pistachio garnish, it’s a must-try. Other highlights include hareeseh and mamoul cookies.

6. Forn Al Hara

This Lebanese bakery specializes in manaeesh, flatbreads topped with za’atar, cheese, labneh, or spinach. Baked fresh in a wood oven, these flatbreads are a daily ritual for locals and visitors alike.

More Than Food: Identity and Recognition

Little Arabia is more than a dining destination — it’s a statement of presence and belonging. The neighborhood reflects decades of Arab migration and resilience, while also serving as a gathering place for political, cultural, and social causes.

The push to have Anaheim City Council officially recognize Little Arabia underscores the importance of acknowledging immigrant contributions. Such recognition would preserve its legacy while boosting tourism and economic growth.

Conclusion

Little Arabia in Anaheim is a hidden gem that tells a powerful story: how immigrant communities build cultural sanctuaries, preserve traditions, and enrich American society. Whether you’re exploring Palestinian falafel, Yemeni mandi, or Syrian knafeh, a visit to Little Arabia is more than a culinary trip — it’s an immersion into heritage, community, and history just steps away from Disneyland.