Did you know that you don’t need a passport to experience the Middle East? It’s true! Paterson, specifically South Paterson (near the border of Clifton), is home to one of the largest Arab American communities in the U.S., and as a result, there are many fantastic Middle Eastern markets and restaurants catering to the local Turkish, Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian and Jordanian population.
This area is right in our backyard, and if you’re willing to take a quick 15-minute drive up the Parkway to Exit 155 B or keep driving straight up Valley Road and make a few GPS-guided turns, you will find yourself in the heart of a thriving community that offers delicious things to eat and warm hospitality.
The Food Shops
Most of the shops and markets are concentrated on and around Main Street. You’ll find aisles of olive oil, dried fruits, freshly baked pita, cheeses, abundant produce, different types of baklava, nuts and jewel-like sweets. Some offerings may seem unfamiliar, but don’t be afraid to explore!
My friend Benita Kasbo took me on an escorted tour so I could learn about her favorite spots. Benita and her family emigrated from Aleppo, Syria, in the early 1980s and landed in South Paterson, where she spent her youth. I know Benita through the cheese world. She is a local cheesemaker and owner of Kasbos Market, which specializes in “Jibneh,” a type of Syrian cheese seasoned with a unique spice called mahleb, giving the cheese a fruity nuttiness. Jibneh is like a cross between feta and fresh mozzarella and melts like a dream. (Tip: Kasbos Market Jibneh cheese can be found locally at Van Hook and Dry Goods Refillery).
We covered a lot of ground, and I learned so much. In addition to great prices on olive oil, ghee, tahini, dates and nuts, make sure to buy freshly baked bread—especially pita. Pick up some prepared foods such as lush hummus, a spicy muhammara (a roasted red pepper and walnut dip), a stack of pita lashed with a mix of olive oil and herbal Za’atar or Lahmacun – a type of flatbread topped with minced meat, garlic and tomatoes. Try a new cheese such as Nabulsi – a salty table cheese studded with nigella seeds. Or investigate a new confection – there are countless varieties of baklava as well as colorful assortments of Turkish Delight to sample. I promise you won’t leave empty-handed.
Must Visit Highlights
Brother’s produce: Excellent quality, abundance and great prices are what draws people to this sprawling market. They are stocked with everything someone needs for their daily sustenance. Looking for a year’s supply of dates? They’ve got you. How about some sour oranges, bitter melon or Eddous? Check. Interested in learning about some of the many varieties of feta? Look no further and learn a thing or two with a visit to Brothers Produce. Brothers Produce: 327 E Railway Ave, Paterson, NJ 07503; www.brothersproducenj.com – Parking lots available, but get there early to avoid the crowds.
Nouri Brothers Shopping Center: Come for the pita, stay for the gold. Not only can you pick up a batch of freshly baked goods, their famous flatbreads, pickled turnips and other grocery items, but you can also purchase a small appliance and a 21-karat bracelet! Nouri Brothers is another area institution operating as a small department store. Nouri Brothers Shopping Center: 999 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503; www.nouribrothers.com. Street parking is available.
Fattal’s: This place is an institution. What stood out the most about Fattal’s is the bread production – get there early, and you can watch the pita being made, then grab a batch still soft and warm. There are big gallons of olive oil from Beirut, interesting cheeses to investigate and an elegant sweets department. Let curiosity be your guide. Fattal’s: 975 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503; www.fattals.com – Parking lot in front of the store.
Nablus Sweets: Our final stop was at this beloved pastry shop that features an assortment of baklava, Maamoul butter cookies stuffed with dates or nuts and Ghriba cookies made with almond flour. One thing to note about Middle Eastern confections is that they are not overly sugary. They are sweetened just enough to make them tasty, and some have a delicate scent of rose water or anise. I’ll have one of each, please! Nablus Sweets: 1050 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503; www.facebook.com/Nablussweets. Street parking is available.
The Nut House: Don’t be fooled by the unremarkable strip mall entrance – a palace of gorgeous goodies awaits inside the door. Once inside, I gasped at how beautiful and refined it was – a rainbow-colored assortment of Turkish Delights, Jordanian almonds, chocolates, nougat, halva, coffee, spices, nuts and snacks. A tray of treats from The Nut House would be a welcome and memorable hostess gift. The Nut House: 1010 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503; www.thenuthouseusa.com. Parking lot in front of the store.
The Restaurants
If you Google “Middle Eastern restaurants in Paterson, New Jersey, you will receive a list of highly recommended, tried and true spots. But I had a local showing me around, and here’s a short list of Benita’s area favorites, which happen to be located in the South Paterson-adjacent area of Clifton:
Yasmeen: Technically located in Clifton, near the border of Paterson, Yasmeen feels like a world away. When the weather is nice, sit out back by the waterfall wall. Order a hookah, a mixed appetizer platter and forget about your day. Surprisingly, there are also some Italian dishes available and chicken fingers for the kids, in case someone is being picky. Don’t miss “Osmalia,” a dessert layered with strings of filo dough, ashta cream and pistachios. 247 Piaget Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011; www.yasmeennj.com
Kamil’s: known for its romantic, vine-covered patio and quirky, friendly vibe. 1489 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011; https://www.facebook.com/KamilsRestaurant/
Beirut Restaurant: Middle Eastern cuisine served white tablecloth style, with live entertainment. 1543 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011; www.mybeirutnj.com
Istanbul Café & Restaurant: Traditional Turkish cuisine. 1378 Main Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011; www.istanbulcaferestaurant.com
Whether you’re seeking authentic Middle Eastern ingredients for your own kitchen creations or eager to savor authentic dishes in welcoming restaurants—Paterson has it all.