Anaheim Food tour in Little Arabia District-mediterranean cuisine

Stop 1 – Forn El Hara Lebanese Bakery (Approx. 30 minutes) Our culinary journey begins at Forn El Hara, a Lebanese bakery and restaurant that has been a cornerstone of Anaheim’s Little Arabia since 1998. Here, we’ll enjoy the famous Manakish, often called the Middle Eastern pizza. This traditional dish originated in the ancient Levant, with roots reaching back to Phoenician times, and was even recorded in a 10th-century Arabic cookbook. You’ll get to taste versions topped with thyme (za’atar), cheese, spinach, and spiced ground meat—all freshly baked in a traditional oven.

Stop 2 – House of Mandi (Approx. 45 minutes) Next, we visit House of Mandi, one of the most authentic restaurants in Anaheim’s Little Arabia district. Here, you’ll savor Mandi and Haneeth, signature dishes from Yemen that have become beloved across Dubai, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Mandi’s roots trace back to Bedouin tribes who developed this slow-cooked method to prepare meat and rice in the desert. Cooked for nearly four hours, the result is tender, aromatic, and deeply flavorful—an unforgettable taste of traditional Arabian hospitality.

Stop 3 (Approx. 15 minutes) We’ll then take a short walk to Fresh Nuts Roastery, a neighborhood favorite known for its wide selection of freshly roasted Middle Eastern nuts and Turkish delights. You’ll sample these sweet and savory bites while learning how such snacks play a role in everyday Middle Eastern gatherings.

Stop 4 – Al Mahrousa Egyptian Restaurant (Approx. 45 minutes) Our next stop brings us to Al Mahrousa, a cozy Egyptian restaurant where we’ll try one of Egypt’s most beloved comfort foods — Molokhia (Mulukheya). This traditional green soup is made by simmering minced jute mallow leaves in a flavorful broth and finishing it with a sizzling garlic and coriander topping known as tasha. The result is rich, aromatic, and truly unique. While enjoying your meal, you’ll also sip a cup of Arabic tea and take part in a fun mini cultural activity — learning to write your name in Arabic! In about 30 minutes, you’ll master a few letters and take home a personalized souvenir of your visit

Stop 5 – Dessert & Stroll Through the Market (Approx. 20 minutes) We’ll take a 10-minute walk through the neighborhood, passing a local Arabic market where you’ll have a few minutes to browse. Our final stop is a modern Middle Eastern dessert café that blends traditional Egyptian flavors with creative presentation. You’ll indulge in Kunafeh with mango, Dubai chocolate custard, and pistachio-topped delights—a perfect sweet ending to your flavorful journey through Little Arabia.