Bab El Salam Restaurant — Restaurant in Portage

Several friends recommended this 3-year-old restaurant, and Google reviews supported their opinions. So, I finally gave it a try. (I enjoy occasional Mediterranean food, usually at other similar places much closer to my home).

I arrived after 2 pm to an empty restaurant, as the lunch crowd had cleared out. The owner, family members and staff all gave me a warm welcome. I explained it was my first visit, so the server provided several recommendations, and offered complimentary Amo Mazen Tea — similar to chai. (The tea bears the name of the restaurant owner).

I chose the Iraqi kebob lunch special, with included side dishes of fattoush salad and hummus. Everything was delicious, especially the salad, with its perfect blend of lettuce, oil and spices, including mint. The kebab—grilled patties of half lamb, half beef—was tender, and spiced just right.

The owner emigrated from Palestine 40-years ago, and drove a taxi in New York City before arriving in Kalamazoo. He took an immediate interest in my life, my work. After my food was served, I invited him to my table, to learn about his life. He worked at other Mediterranean restaurants, before starting Bab El Salam, which means “gate of peace”. Our conversation revealed we had several acquaintances in common. Small world! There’s a Middle Eastern grocery (aptly named Amo Mazen Grocery) adjacent to the restaurant.

I was pleasantly surprised to receive a complimentary piece of baklava for dessert. I also bought a tray of baklava to go (a treat for my wife…and me). A wonderful dining experience....

We had a wonderful meal here this evening. The waiter and waitress that were working were so welcoming and friendly. My daughter and I has the wonderfully aromatic and even better tasting Amo Mazen tea, while my other daughter and son had the freshly-squeezed lemonade. To eat we started with a vegetarian combo with absolutely fabulous hommus baba ghanoush, and the best falafel I've had in Kalamazoo, all with warm pita. The waiter, Mohammed, recommended the vegetable gallaya with the moujadrah rice for our one vegetarian daughter and it was delicious! Our daughter said that she was not a big fan of Mediterranean food before but could eat the gallaya and rice every day. Then Mohammed recommended a platter for the other four of us. He customized it for us with a pound of chicken shawarma, a pound of lamb gyro meat and some chicken kafta. Everything was wonderful. Really, everything. The fattoush salad was light and fresh, the basmati rice was flavorful, the meats were all juicy and tender. The flaky baklava was just the right dessert to top it all off. All five of us left very pleased and the kids are already asking when we can return. Bab El Salam is such a treasure...

Best restaurant in Kalamazoo so far. I work for Grubhub and came in one cold night for a pickup. The owner welcomed me and gave me a cup of hot tea to warm up. Then we got to talking and he found out I had never been there before and that I liked gyros. So he fixed up a sample gyro real quick for the road, it was delicious. A savory blend of lamb and beef with fresh veggies too. Then a few days later I decided to stop in for lunch and get another sandwich. He welcomed me again and we talked about the business and he showed me the grocery store they have. After my meal he gave me a slice of dessert to try which was superb. I looked for the tea in the store but a server said he made it himself - 'Amo Mazen tea'. Both times the wait staff was well-dressed and friendly. Their establishment was clean and homely. The owner is a fun guy and the mood is very uplifting so I would recommend a visit. Their prices are great too I had a meaty euro combo with 2 sides and 2 cups of exquisite tea for $10 + tip. And I called it in so it was ready when I walked in the door he joked, "faster than Burger King". Overall a great place I'm a...