Malooga, an Old City Yemeni restaurant, is set to expand with a new location in Narberth this fall.

Malooga, a Yemeni restaurant located in Old City, is set to expand its offerings with a second location in Narberth, anticipated to open this fall. This new establishment will feature both lunch and dinner services, a bakery, and accommodations for group dining and outdoor seating.

Founded by chef Mohammed Aqlan in 2021, Malooga aims to introduce authentic Yemeni cuisine to a wider audience. Aqlan, who honed his culinary skills while growing up in Taiz, Yemen, was inspired by cooking shows and later transitioned to the United States to pursue a degree in aviation. Following experiences in restaurants and meal preparations at home, he pivoted toward opening a restaurant, culminating in the launch of Malooga.

The restaurant’s menu encompasses a variety of traditional dishes, including falafel, shish taouk (grilled chicken skewers), kibdah (lamb liver), stuffed grape leaves, and baba ghanouj. Appetizers, such as yogurt cucumber salad and lentil soup, complement larger platters like chicken kabsah, a national dish of Saudi Arabia. Alongside food options, diners can enjoy beverages such as Saudi coffee, Yemeni chai, and a selection of desserts, including masoob, a banana pudding, and kunafa, a syrup-soaked stuffed dough.

Omar Alkahily, Aqlan’s business partner and Malooga’s CEO, articulates the restaurant’s mission to deliver authentic dining experiences reflective of their culinary heritage while maintaining high service standards. The restaurant has cultivated a loyal customer base while also attracting new visitors keen to explore Yemeni cuisine.

The decision to open a location in Narberth is driven by the burgeoning restaurant scene within the suburban corridor and the increasing demand for quality dining options among local residents. Alkahily has expressed a deep appreciation for the community-oriented environment of Narberth, emphasizing the restaurant’s goal to foster warmth and engagement with patrons.

To fund its expansion, Malooga has utilized a crowdfunding approach through Honeycomb, raising over ,000 from local investors exceeding their initial target of ,000. This initiative not only provides financial backing for the expansion but also fosters a sense of shared ownership among the community.

The new Narberth location will furnish expanded indoor and outdoor seating, complete with Moroccan-style floor tables. It will also include a bakery featuring a brick oven, offering Yemeni pastries and breakfast items. Although transitioning to a suburb presents challenges such as adjusting to a different market and clientele, the Malooga team remains optimistic, believing there is a growing appetite for in-person dining experiences in the post-pandemic landscape.

Malooga’s new location at 203 Haverford Ave in Narberth promises to be a noteworthy addition to the area’s culinary landscape.