If you’ve ever spent time wandering through the diverse food scene of Richardson, Texas, you know that the "best" spots are usually tucked away in unassuming strip malls. That's exactly where you find Yaba's Food & Middle Eastern Grill. It isn't flashy. There are no neon signs screaming for attention or overpriced valet parking. Honestly, it’s just a place that smells like charcoal and warm pita, which is exactly what you want when you're hunting for genuine Levantine cuisine.
People tend to get caught up in the hype of trendy Mediterranean fusion places that serve "deconstructed" hummus. Yaba’s isn't that. It’s a grounded, family-oriented establishment that leans heavily into the traditional flavors of the Levant—think Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon.
The first thing you notice when you walk into Yaba's Food & Middle Eastern Grill is the pace. It’s busy but not rushed. You’ll see families sharing massive platters of rice and skewers, students grabbing a quick shawarma wrap, and older men lingering over tea. It feels like a neighborhood kitchen.
The Secret to the Perfect Shawarma
What makes a good shawarma? Most people think it’s just the meat. They’re wrong. It’s the balance between the fat, the char, and the acidity of the pickles.
At Yaba's Food & Middle Eastern Grill, the chicken shawarma actually tastes like chicken, not just a salt bomb. They use a vertical broiler, obviously, but the magic happens in the shaving process. If you cut it too thick, it’s chewy. Too thin, and it dries out before it hits the bread. They seem to have found that sweet spot where the edges are crispy and caramelized while the inside stays tender.
Then there’s the garlic sauce—Toum.
If you aren't a fan of garlic, you're in the wrong building. Their Toum is aggressive in the best way possible. It’s fluffy, white, and has that sharp bite that clears your sinuses. When you spread that on a warm wrap with some salty pickles and perfectly seasoned meat, you realize why this place has stayed a staple in the DFW area for so long. It’s simple. It’s consistent. It works.
Beyond the Basics: Mansaf and Specialty Dishes
Let’s talk about Mansaf. If you know, you know.
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For the uninitiated, Mansaf is the national dish of Jordan. It’s a complex, labor-intensive meal featuring lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt called Jameed. It’s served over a bed of rice and thin Shrak bread, topped with toasted pine nuts or almonds.
Finding authentic Mansaf in North Texas isn't as easy as finding a burger. Many places shy away from it because Jameed has a very specific, funky, and sour profile that can be polarizing for Western palates. But Yaba's Food & Middle Eastern Grill handles it with a lot of respect. The lamb is usually "fall-apart" tender, having braised in that tangy yogurt sauce until the flavors are inseparable.
- The rice is fluffy and aromatic.
- The nuts provide a necessary crunch.
- The Jameed sauce is rich without being overwhelming.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to take a three-hour nap immediately afterward. It’s celebratory food. It’s comfort food. It’s basically a hug in a bowl.
The Hummus Debate
Everyone thinks they know hummus. You buy it at the grocery store in a plastic tub, right? No.
True hummus at a place like Yaba’s is an art form. The texture is silky—not grainy. They don’t skimp on the tahini, which gives it that nutty, creamy depth. They top it with a generous pool of high-quality olive oil and maybe a dash of sumac or paprika.
If you’re ordering the Hummus with Meat (Hummus Kawarma), you’re doing it right. There is something deeply satisfying about the contrast between the cold, creamy chickpeas and the warm, spiced sautéed lamb or beef on top. Dip a piece of fresh, pillowy pita into that, and you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff again.
Why Richardson is the Hub for This Food
You might wonder why a place like Yaba's Food & Middle Eastern Grill thrives in Richardson specifically. The area around UT Dallas and the "Telecom Corridor" has become a melting pot of international cultures. This has created a customer base that knows what real Middle Eastern food should taste like. You can't fake it here.
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If the falafel is dry, the community will know.
If the tabbouleh is mostly bulgur and not enough parsley, people will notice.
Yaba's survives and thrives because they understand that their audience isn't just looking for "exotic" food; they are looking for a taste of home. The restaurant balances that need for authenticity with a level of accessibility that makes it welcoming for someone who has never even heard of Za’atar.
Navigating the Menu Like a Pro
If it’s your first time at Yaba's Food & Middle Eastern Grill, don't just order a kebab and call it a day. Explore a bit.
Start with the appetizers. The Baba Ghanoush is smoky—really smoky. That comes from charring the eggplant directly over a flame before mashing it. It’s a depth of flavor you just can’t get from an oven.
Then move to the Fattoush salad. The key here is the sumac and the fried bread. The sumac provides a lemony tartness that cuts through the richness of the grilled meats. The bread should be crunchy, not soggy. At Yaba's, they usually get this right, providing a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of heavy protein.
- The Mixed Grill Platter: This is for the indecisive. You get a bit of everything—shish tawook, beef kabob, and kefta.
- The Lentil Soup: Especially in the winter, this is a must. It’s earthy, thick, and served with a lemon wedge that brightens the whole thing up.
- The Falafel: They are fried to order. They are green on the inside (thanks to the fresh herbs) and mahogany brown on the outside.
Don't skip the tea at the end. Middle Eastern tea is usually brewed strong and served in small glasses, often with a hint of sage or mint. It’s the perfect way to settle your stomach after a feast.
The Vibe and Service
We need to be honest: if you’re looking for white-glove service where someone folds your napkin every time you stand up, this isn't the spot. The service is functional. It’s friendly, but it’s fast. During peak lunch or dinner hours, the staff is moving.
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Some people find the environment a bit loud or chaotic. Personally? I think it adds to the charm. It feels alive. You’re likely to see a group of engineers debating code at one table and a grandmother correcting her grandson’s Arabic at the next. That’s the environment that produces good food.
Is it Healthy?
Sorta. It can be.
Middle Eastern cuisine is inherently based on whole foods: legumes, lean meats, vegetables, and olive oil. If you stick to the grilled skewers and salads, it’s one of the healthiest ways to eat out.
However, if you eat three baskets of pita and a mountain of rice with a side of fried kibbeh... well, that’s a different story. But even then, the ingredients are real. There aren't hidden sugars or weird preservatives. It’s just flour, water, yeast, meat, and spices.
Final Take on Yaba's Food & Middle Eastern Grill
In an era where "fast-casual" chains are popping up on every corner with pre-packaged sauces and frozen meats, Yaba's Food & Middle Eastern Grill feels like a necessary rebellion. It’s a reminder that good cooking doesn't need a massive marketing budget or a "concept."
It just needs a hot grill, fresh parsley, and a deep understanding of spice.
Whether you’re a regular or someone looking to expand your culinary horizons, this spot offers a consistent, high-quality window into Levantine culture. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why we go out to eat in the first place—to experience something that feels handmade and heartfelt.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit:
- Go during the weekday lunch: The specials are a great value, and the turnover ensures everything is at its freshest.
- Order the "Family Tray" if you have a group: It’s the best way to sample the breadth of the menu without breaking the bank.
- Ask for extra Toum: You’ll regret it if you don't. Just bring some mints for afterward.
- Check the daily specials: Sometimes they have dishes not on the regular menu that are based on what’s fresh at the market.
- Pair your meal with a salty Yogurt Drink (Ayran): It sounds strange to the uninitiated, but the salt and creaminess are the perfect foils for grilled meat.
The reality of the food scene in 2026 is that authenticity is becoming a rare commodity. Yaba's Food & Middle Eastern Grill manages to hold onto its roots while serving a modern, diverse Texas crowd. It’s a balance that isn't easy to strike, but they make it look effortless. If you find yourself on East Belt Line Road, do yourself a favor and stop in. Your taste buds will thank you, even if your breath smells like garlic for the next two days.
Everything here is about the soul of the kitchen. From the way the rice is seasoned to the specific char on the tomato garnish, it’s clear that someone back there cares. And in the world of dining, that care is the most important ingredient of all. No shortcuts, no gimmicks—just the food of the Levant served with pride. That's why people keep coming back, and that's why it remains a cornerstone of the local community. For anyone craving a genuine Middle Eastern experience, this is the destination. Empty your schedule, bring an appetite, and prepare for a meal that stays with you long after the last piece of pita is gone.