Baba Supermarket Brings Authentic Lebanese Tastes to Downtown

If you're looking to take a break from your falafel routine at the decidedly delicious , why not mix it up with downtown Malden's newest Middle Eastern eatery: Baba Supermarket.

The new business, which opened late last year near , offers authentic, fresh-off-the-boat Middle Eastern groceries, as well as some tasty – and affordable - eats at its back counter.

The store is operated by the Kabbani family, who moved from Eastern Lebanon to the United States about six years ago.

Owner Munir Kabbani said his family became citizens when they moved here for his education, which he pursues at U-Mass. He hopes to continue onto graduate school for political science after he finishes his undergraduate degree this spring.

The Kabbanis first opened shop near Haymarket in Boston, aiming to share healthy, light Lebanese cuisine, with dishes both familiar and exotic to American palettes. For example, the family offers staple comfort foods like falafel and shwarma wraps, but also unique items, like their Maqluba, an eggplant dish common in Palestinian and Lebanese households.

“I think Americans...need to know more about (Middle Eastern) food,” he said, noting the whole food and vegetarian emphasis in the cuisine. “Especially the falafel.”

For only $3.99, the wrap is a delicious and healthy vegetarian alternative to fast food. And so far, Kabbani said, local consumers have taken notice – so much so that, in a few months, the store will offer local delivery to residents.

Kabbani said residents can call the shop at (781) 321-4440 to inquire about their current delivery program, which is limited to neighborhood near Pleasant St.