Old Town Sarajevo — Restaurant in Phoenix

I didn't originally intend to go to this place. I was heading to Jerusalem Market. I googled halal food near me and this place popped up. The reviews are glowing so I told myself to "get in there!"

In I went. The decor was as nice as it's cracked up to be. Lots of wood accents. Lots of carvings, many of masjids (mosques). So I settle in to get comfy.

This was my first time here and I came for chicken. I spotted what I wanted and when the waitress came over I told her as much. She rerouted me to the lamb shank and I was not upset about the suggestion because I always love lamb shank. So I gave in to the suggestion and got the lamb.

The food came out hot and fast. Meat, mashed potatoes, and bread. I thought it would be too much but the portion was just right AND...it was fantastic. Had some kind of orange broth going on that I didn't have enough of... because it was FIRE. The bread was literally too hot to handle but after it cooled down it was soft, light, and airy.

NOW... on to why the review is not 5 stars.

I misread the menu and I thought it said that the lamb shank was 17.99. I think it's 19.99. Either way, although I know lamb can be expensive, this is likely overpriced and should be a couple of bucks cheaper. Of course it's not a restauranteur's fault if a customer misread the menu. He shouldn't be docked a star for that right? On to reason number...

Based on the reviews, I assumed that this was a Muslim establishment serving halal food. I'm in there talking to the staff like a Muslim. You know, "As Salaamu Alaikum", "Alhamdullillah", "Jazakallah Khair", and the usual. Something said, "ask this guy if he is a Muslim". So I asked, "Are y'all Muslims in here"? He replied that they are a mix of Muslims and Non-Muslims. So we segway into small talk about ethnic origins and the current situation in Bosnia. At that point it was clear that it was not a Muslim restaurant. Is it the restauranteur's fault that a customer made a faulty assumption about his spot. Should he lose a star for that? On to reason number...

Minorities of various kinds can relate...Do you ever get the feeling that you are being rushed in a restaurant or other establishment? You're welcome there, of course, but could you hurry it up a bit? I'm not calling it like that but I got a breeze of a hint that I should take a seat, take my food, and take my leave.

So, with all that being said, I can't lie. The food was good. Thus the 5 stars. The service could stand improvement and the establishment should be more transparent about the status of the meat. It's important to us Muslims and now I have consumed meat of questionable status. Astaghfirullah.

The atmosphere was nice but there is decor in support of alcohol (which should have been my hint) and a good number of images. There is also music playing which is a minus for some Muslims, and I am such a Muslim that would prefer an atmosphere absent of music.

So, if you want good tasting food, this place has good tasting food. I don't know if it's halal or zabihah. I doubt it and wouldn't trust it without asking. As they don't seem to be Muslim you can't be sure that you won't be misled even upon asking. So that is my take on Old...

Old Town Sarajevo Cuisine: Bosnian Halal: All Meats

Stepping into this restaurant brings with it a rush of nostalgia for simpler times. At the entrance sits the owner (who is muslim) with family and friends chatting emphatically in their native Bosnian. A football banner adorns the counter with a pantry of Bosnian snacks for sale to the left. There is ample seating with two booths available (last image).

We started out with a cup of native Bosnian coffee, quite reminiscent of Turkish coffee. Strong, simple, and flavorful. (Image 4)

Sarma - Stuffed Cabbage Cabbage leaves wrapped well seasoned ground beef. The cabbage and beef were cooked to perfection with every bite melting in your mouth. (Image 2)

Pljeskavica Punjena Gljivama - beef patty with mushrooms served with homemade Lepina bread. Reminded me of a rustic style philly cheese steak. (Image 3)

Sis Kevap - Kebab served with homemade Lepina Bread, sour cream, and relish. They call this a sausage on their menu, but it definitely resembles an Iraqi style kebab. The relish adds a hint of sweet which contrasts the sour cream perfectly. Best eaten with everything wrapped in the Lepina. (Image 1)

This restaurant serves a unique muslim cuisine we are not routinely exposed to in the US and provides a segue into learning about the rich cultural history of Bosnia. Will definitely be coming back again.

For more halal/kosher restaurant reviews follow @halalphoenix...

I picked up a fare from there who was of Bosnian heritage. He highly reccomended I give them a shot. Now, I am posting to encourage you, the reader/s, also.

The interior is much larger than you would think, and absolutely lovely. I could easily imagine being inside a mountain valley lodge, or similar. It's cozy, but not at all cramped. The owner (?) was super friendly, and pleasant, throughout everything. The menu is not overburdened with a lot of choices, and there was a today's-special atop the counter to see clearly when you walked-in.

I first got what the menu described as a chicken stew. However, you and I would likely call it a soup. NO matter, as it was as delicious as you would expect your Grandmother to make. That was followed by a beef pita. This is not a mediterraen/Greek style pita, as you and I know it. It's entirely different. Fluffy and light, more of the texture of pastery crust. The pictures show it well. Seriously, I couldn't even finish half of it after that soup. I got a small streudel for dessert, but I forgot to picture that one. You must order at least one after your meal.

I cannot say enough about what a great value this is. It is an incredible bang-for-your-buck, especially with today' s inflation. Casual date, or the whole family, this is one...