The Younes family has fed Allentown traditional Middle Eastern fare since the 80s, promising each dish to be “crafted with passion” from recipes passed down through generations. Ed and Violette Younes, Aladdin’s owner and head chef, moved to the U.S. from Syria in the 1970s and opened Allentown fine dining restaurant Aladdin in 1981.
Now, the next generation is taking the Younes family dream further with a second location for their quick service concept, Zahra, at the incoming Riverport Public Market. Riverport Public Market will boast over 20 food and drink vendors when it opens in the spring of 2022 at 17 W. 2nd St. in Bethlehem.
Daughter Samantha Younes came up with the concept for Zahra after wanting to share her family’s made-from-scratch cuisine with those who didn’t have time for a long sit-down meal. Zahra means cauliflower in Arabic and pays homage to a popular dish, Arnabit, made at Aladdin.
“I have always wanted to offer our food in a more street food/grab-and-go approach but still maintain the quality,” she said in an interview for The Downtown Allentown Market.
At Zahra, you’ll find classic dishes from Aladdin that are transformed into modern fast-casual cuisine. Take Aladin’s Kefta entree as an example. It’s served as a mix of ground beef and lamb that is grilled and topped with tahini and vegetables in two kabobs with rice and a house salad. Zahra’s recreated this dish as the Kefta burger on a brioche bun.
“So, it’s quick but still delicious,” Samantha Younes said.
Zahra’s menu includes items like a Chicken or Steak Shwarma Wrap or Bowl, Shawarma nachos, Zataar fries, or a Fattoush Salad topped with falafel. You can also pick up some grab-and-go items like homemade tabouli, hummus, and pita or get yourself a sweet treat like Chocolate Halva or Baklava. Zahra’s current location at the Downtown Allentown Market, at 27 N. 7th Street in Allentown, offers a selection of local and regional beers. You can currently follow Zahra on Instagram @zahara_allentown.
