A guide to Middle Eastern dining in Shanghai
Shanghai's diverse culinary scene offers a delightful array of Middle Eastern restaurants. Whether you're craving Lebanese falafel, Arabian lamb dishes, or Moroccan cuisine, this guide will help you find the best spots.
Eli Falafel
Since opening, Eli Falafel has built a loyal customer base and won awards like the "Middle Eastern restaurant of the Year (2023)". It's a great spot for vegetarians and Muslims, offering a variety of delicious dishes such as mixed grilled meats, Lebanese omelettes, naan, hummus dip, and falafel salad.
A tantalizing offer from Eli Falafel. [Photo/WeChat account: EliFalafel]
Multiple locations:
Room 107, No 686 Jiujiang Road, Huangpu district
Open: Monday to Sunday 11 am-10:30 pm
Contact: 021-6308-5881
No 24 Fucheng Road, Pudong New Area
Open: Monday to Sunday 11 am-11 pm
Contact: 021-5677-5376
Room 107, No 1376 West Nanjing Road, Jing'an district
Open: Monday to Sunday 11 am-10:30 pm
Contact: 021-6289-0098
Room 101, No 135 Yanping Road, Jing'an district
Open: Sunday to Thursday 11 am-11 pm; Friday and Saturday 11 am-12 am
Contact: 021-5265-0087
1001 Nights
With nearly 24 years of experience, 1001 Nights is an Arabian restaurant featuring luxurious decoration, a unique atmosphere, and attentive service. Specialties include roasted lamb, lamb with eggplant, creamy chicken soup, and a hummus dip with grated spicy walnuts. There are also daily performances that add to the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere.
A poster for 1001 Nights, featuring lamb kebabs, pita bread and hummus dip. [Photo/Dazhong Dianping]
Address: 5F, Lane 85, Changshu Road, Jing'an district
Open: Monday to Sunday 11 am-12 am
Contact: 021-6473-1178
Israel Technology Culture Salon
Israel Technology Culture Salon provides high-end, customized catering services for various events, from birthday parties to business banquets. The team of top chefs offers a fusion of western and oriental cuisines. Specialties include Israeli grilled sea bass, pita with chickpea dip, falafel croquettes, Israeli shakshuka, and tender Israeli-style lamb chops.
Dishes offered in Israel Technology Culture Salon. [Photo/WeChat account of Israel Technology Culture Salon via "indigroup"]
Address: No 111 Qilianshan Road, Putuo district
Open: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am-10 pm
Contact: 133-8623-8683
Andalus Moroccan cuisine & lounge bar
Aandalus has been serving authentic Moroccan cuisine in Shanghai for over a decade. Signature dishes include lamb shank with golden figs, Moroccan chicken wraps, and Moroccan royal millet rice.
The restaurant's ambiance transport diners to Morocco. [Photo/Dazhong Dianping]
Address: No 77 Changshu Road, Jing'an district
Open: Daily, 11 am-1 am
Contact: 136-3651-6322
Makan
Located in the heart of Xujiahui, Makan is renowned for its unique lamb dishes, including roasted lamb on an iron stick and yogurt lamb shanks seasoned with tomato sauce and lemon juice. The restaurant's rich flavors make it a popular choice.
An interior view of Makan. [Photo/WeChat account: MAKANSTYLE]
Address: 2F, No 45 North Caoxi Road, Xuhui district
Open: Daily, 11 am-11 pm
Contact: 158-2106-2701 or 021-3368-7788
Nomad
Nomad offers a dreamy fusion of Middle Eastern and Mongolian cuisine, creating an oasis-like atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its Middle Eastern barbecue and customized cocktails, making it a perfect spot for a night out.
A mouthwatering look at the dishes from Nomad. [Photo/Dazhong Dianping]
Address: B1, FOUND 158, Julu Road, Huangpu district
Open: Sunday to Thursday 5 pm-2 am; Friday and Saturday 5 pm-4 am
Contact: 189-3036-3387
Tajine Moroccan
Specializing in dishes cooked in traditional Tagine pots, this restaurant offers an authentic Moroccan dining experience. The slow-cooked dishes, combined with the restaurant's Moroccan decor, provide a relaxing and immersive atmosphere.
A dish from Tajine Moroccan. [Photo/WeChat account: shhplyj]
Address: No 7 East Yan'an Road, Huangpu district
Open: 11:30 am-10 pm
Contact: 021-6330-9801 or 021-6339-0957
Sources: "EliFalafel" "indigroup" "MAKANSTYLE" "shhplyj" WeChat accounts, Dazhong Dianping