Minneapolis and St. Paul are melting pots of cultures from around the world and are renowned for having a wide variety of restaurants serving international cuisines, including authentic Palestinian dishes.

Eating at Palestinian-owned restaurants goes beyond a simple dining experience. It represents solidarity between families who have been uprooted from their country of origin.

“Many Palestinian businesses around the Twin Cities root back to families who have been displaced from their homeland,” said Omar Aly, social media and marketing chair for Students for Justice in Palestine. “It makes supporting Palestinian restaurants an action within itself rather than just your average food run.”

Wally’s Falafel and Hummus

Located in the heart of Dinkytown, Wally’s offers a variety of dishes made with falafel, shawarma, lamb and kabob. The setting is complemented by Palestinian fixtures and imagery of the region, serving as a testament to the region’s culture.

Owner Wally Sakallah said when people see the atmosphere of the restaurant, they get curious and ask questions, further learning about the rich Palestinian history and society.

“The restaurant is a way to explain what I like and something to represent where I’m from. The food, the environment, the decorations, even the tables,” Sakallah said. “Every table represents a city in Palestine.” 

Mim’s Cafe

Near the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota, Mim’s provides a combination of Mediterranean and Palestinian cuisines. From flavorful shawarma to delicious kebabs, Mim’s menu offers an assortment of foods inspired by family traditions passed down throughout generations.

Owner Mahmoud Shahin was only a month old when his family fled the West Bank of Palestine in fear of the massacre and torturing of Palestinian civilians following the wars in 1948.

“Our neighbors and community of customers from the University of Minnesota have continued to support us and have expressed their horror and concern for Palestinians,” Shahin said. 

Shish

Found on Grand Avenue in St. Paul, Shish is renowned for its creative take on Palestinian food. From breakfast to dinner, each dish draws from Palestinian ancestry. Classic dishes such as lamb, falafel and chicken shawarma are offered alongside options such as curry and shakshuka. Shish is a location to take in the vivid tastes of Palestine in a traditionally decorated setting.

Holy Land Restaurant and Grocery

Featured on the TV show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” this restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis offers an array of traditional Palestinian dishes from homemade hummus to smoky baba ganoush. Using fresh, natural ingredients along with wood-fire grills and clay ovens, each item stays true to the customary techniques of Palestinian cooking. The restaurant also features a quaint ambience including vibrant wall paintings and lively background music.

Zait and Za’atar

Taking its name from two essential elements of Palestinian cooking — olive oil (zait) and thyme (zaatar) — this market and deli serves a menu full of homemade traditional dishes. High-quality ingredients are used to make meals such as the traditional musakhan, a roasted chicken with rice and tahini sauce. Guests can also enjoy salads, soups and sandwiches at this restaurant found near Macalester College in St. Paul.

Palestinian-owned eateries in the Twin Cities honor Palestine’s rich culinary and historical traditions. These restaurants are important for the preservation of Palestinian culture and enhancing the Minnesota culinary scene for future generations.