Are you searching for authentic Arabian Food Near Me? Look no further than Queen Mama’s Kitchen, a culinary gem nestled in Portland, Oregon, that’s bringing the rich and diverse flavors of Saudi Arabia to the Pacific Northwest. On Friday evenings, as the aroma of slow-braised lamb, fragrant spices, and smoky notes wafts through the air, Queen Mama’s Kitchen transforms into a haven for food lovers seeking a genuine Arabian dining experience. This is mandi night, a weekly tradition where owner Maha Alhabi meticulously prepares lamb shanks, slow-cooked and smoked to perfection, served alongside rice infused with the savory essence of lamb fat and jus. This popular Yemeni-inspired dish is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Arabian cuisine, and regulars know to arrive early to secure their share. On a recent Friday, eager diners were already seated by 4:30 PM, anticipating the 5 PM opening, ready to indulge in this culinary delight under the watchful gaze of decorative plates adorning the dining room walls.
Queen Mama’s Kitchen is more than just a restaurant; it’s the culmination of Maha Alhabi’s journey, evolving from a catering company to a beloved food cart, and now, a brick-and-mortar establishment. It stands out as Portland’s premier, and perhaps only, explicitly Saudi Arabian restaurant, a testament to years of dedication and perseverance. Maha Alhabi, the heart and soul of Queen Mama’s Kitchen, embodies grace and hospitality. Speaking softly with a warm smile, she recounts her journey, revealing a passion for sharing her culture through food. Since opening in the fall, Queen Mama’s Kitchen has quickly become a local favorite, and its expansion is already underway. A second location is set to open soon within the Flock food hall at Block 216, just a short distance away. Alongside the restaurant, Alhabi also runs the Cheesecake Boutique, a dessert shop adding another layer to her celebration of Saudi Arabian traditions and her own generous spirit, as described by her daughter.
Queen Mama’s Kitchen offers a culinary exploration of Saudi Arabia’s diverse influences, drawing inspiration from neighboring regions like Yemen, Egypt, and Oman. The menu is a rotating tapestry of dishes, each day presenting a new regional specialty. Mondays feature margoog, a hearty lamb and vegetable stew enriched with pieces of dough. Thursdays are dedicated to saleeg, an Egyptian-style chicken and rice dish, slow-cooked in homemade chicken stock to achieve a creamy, risotto-like texture. Every day, guests can savor Arabian classics such as shawarma, succulent roast chicken, and a vibrant selection of meze. From delicate, pomegranate molasses-infused grape leaves stuffed with rice to smoky baba ghanoush brimming with eggplant flavor, the meze offerings are a journey in themselves. Each meal concludes with the sweet notes of dates and traditional Arabic coffee, completing the authentic Arabian food experience. “Many people are unfamiliar with Saudi food,” Alhabi explains, “I want to introduce them to the true taste of these dishes.”
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Interestingly, growing up in eastern Saudi Arabia, Alhabi’s culinary path was not immediately apparent. Despite her mother’s encouragement, the kitchen initially felt overwhelming, the aromas intense, and the recipes perplexing. A humorous anecdote recounts her first attempt at pasta, where she placed the noodles in a pan, expecting them to melt like cheese.
Alhabi’s initial passion lay in interior design, a love that is beautifully reflected in the restaurant’s aesthetic. The space is bathed in calming hues of sapphire, sky, and cerulean blue, evident in the sodalite tables and robin’s egg blue walls. Warm burnt orange banquettes line the dining area, illuminated by elegant brass lamps. Mirrors and decorative plates, including two crowned white plates within a gold frame – tributes to Alhabi and her late husband – adorn the walls.
Alhabi’s life took her from Saudi Arabia to the United States after meeting her husband, Eihab Alshammari. Following their marriage, they moved across Saudi Arabia, where Alhabi dedicated herself to raising their four children. Their shared love for travel brought them to the United States, and Portland, in particular, captured Alhabi’s heart. “I instantly knew, ‘This is where I want to live,’” she recalls, “I love the rain, and the vibrant colors of the leaves.”
In 2013, the family made Portland their home, and Alhabi pursued a business degree. As a student, she frequently hosted classmates, her natural hospitality shining through. “I would cook for everyone,” she says, “My home was always open; no invitation needed.” Upon graduating, she launched her catering business in early 2020. In 2021, she ventured into the food cart scene, serving roast chicken and other Saudi Arabian specialties. Just as her food cart gained momentum, tragedy struck with her husband’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis. He passed away six weeks later.
“I was by his side in the hospital, still in disbelief,” she recounts. “He told me, ‘After this, you will open your restaurant.’ I replied, ‘We will.’ But he insisted, ‘No, I won’t be there.’ I didn’t want to imagine doing it without him.”
Grief overwhelmed Alhabi after Alshammari’s passing. Her children encouraged her to persevere, “for Baba,” yet she felt lost. An unexpected opportunity arose when the Flock food hall team reached out to her. Lacking a food cart for a tasting, she instead invited them to her home. That very night, she signed the agreement for her restaurant space, a testament to her resilience and culinary talent.
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Before Flock’s renovations were complete, Alhabi found the perfect location for Queen Mama’s Kitchen. Initially envisioning a smaller dining area, she marked out a square on the floor. When asked about its modest size, she replied, “I need the rest of the space for my cakes,” foreshadowing the adjacent Cheesecake Boutique.
The Cheesecake Boutique is a delightful extension of Queen Mama’s Kitchen, offering a tempting array of cheesecakes adorned with luscious sauces – velvety pistachio, spiced pumpkin, and a caramel-almond creation. Beyond cheesecake, the boutique showcases saffron cake, miniature pineapple cakes, and rich date cakes. Arabic coffee, or qahwa, brewed with cardamom and lightly roasted green coffee beans, is a highlight. Served in small ceramic cups from traditional brass dallahs, it’s enjoyed without cream or sugar, perfectly complemented by sweet, dried dates. Hadwa Alshammari, Alhabi’s daughter, expertly pours the qahwa, emphasizing the tradition of using the right hand. “Always the right hand,” she explains, “It’s tradition.”
For Alhabi, Queen Mama’s Kitchen transcends food and drink; it’s about creating connections, fostering community, and bridging cultures. She aims to create a welcoming space for Saudi expats in Portland and introduce locals to the richness of Saudi Arabian culture. “People ask, ‘What’s next?’” Alhabi reflects. “I dream of a village. I want to share Portland with everyone… and for people here to connect with Saudi people. When guests step inside, I want them to feel like they are in my home.”
If you’re on the hunt for exceptional Arabian food near me, Queen Mama’s Kitchen and the Cheesecake Boutique, located at 406 SW Oak Street, Portland, are ready to welcome you. Experience the warmth of Arabian hospitality and the authentic flavors of Saudi Arabia right here in Portland.
