Bab El Salam Restaurant

4.8 ( 961 reviews )
$10–20
129 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49024, United States
+1 269-775-1330

Bab El Salam Restaurant, located at 129 W Centre Ave in Portage, MI, is a hidden gem that wowed diners with its authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Customers rave about the delightful shish tawook sandwich, generously slathered with homemade garlic sauce, alongside vibrant vegetarian grape leaves that provide a perfect balance for any meal. The kabobs are notably moist and flavorful, complemented beautifully by their aromatic garlic sauce, making them a must-try.

Reviewers frequently commend the attentive service and clean environment, making it an inviting spot for newcomers to Middle Eastern fare. Though some mention the fries could use a bit more crunch, the flavorful fattoush salad and creamy baba ghanoush are undeniable highlights that steal the show. Diners also appreciate the affordable pricing and an impressive variety of vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring there's something for everyone.

While the atmosphere might be simple, the focus here is on delivering exceptional food. Whether it’s the decadent baklava or the zingy fresh mint lemonade, every bite reaffirms Bab El Salam Restaurant's reputation for quality. For anyone seeking genuine Mediterranean flavors, this establishment is worth every visit.

Amenities and More

  • Service options
    • Outdoor seating
    • Delivery
    • On-site services
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Offerings
    • Coffee
    • Comfort food
    • Halal food
    • Healthy options
    • Quick bite
    • Small plates
    • Vegan options
    • Vegetarian options
  • Dining options
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Catering
    • Dessert
    • Seating
    • Table service
  • Amenities
    • Toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Quiet
  • Crowd
    • Groups
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs
    • Kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Parking

Reviews For Bab El Salam Restaurant

Jada A.
Jul 1,2025
The food was delicious! I will definitely be back I got the shish tawook sandwhich with extra homemade garlic sauce and a half order of vegetarian grape leaf’s. They also have them with meat in them as a choice. The staff was super friendly and it was a clean environment.
Rowshon Jahan
Jun 15,2025
Stopped by here during a road trip and was pleasantly surprised with the amount and quality of food. The kabobs were most and tasted really good and the grape leaves tasted pretty good. Only downside was that the fries I had weren’t as crunchy as the fries I’ve usually had and they felt a little soggy. Fottoush salad was yummy as well and I would recommend their garlic sauce and trying it with their falafel.
Obey Wann
Jun 9,2025
Don't let the strip mall location fool you, this food is AMAZING! This is as authentic Middle Eastern fare as you can get. Like, the last time I had food like this was in the Middle East. So good! I have now been there 3 times, and each time, the food is excellent. I've even brought former Amish/Mennonite folks to expand their horizons and they were blown impressed. I highly recommend the kebabs and wraps as intros, and definitely get both the hummus and baba ganoush. Both are phenomenal. And absolutely get both the baklava and the lady fingers. YUM! Service has been attentive and helpful for folks new to this cuisine. Atmosphere is meh, but don't let that stop you. You are here for great food, and they deliver!
Nik
Jun 8,2025
Was recommended by a friend, and glad they did. The prices are super affordable and the food is yummy. Staff is attentive. I was concerned about the change in ownership, but the food still seemed great.
John Smith
May 5,2025
This is an amazing restaurant with food that is amazing. Lebanese, Mediterranean food with lots of vegan and vegetarian options. I love the creamy, smokiness of the Baba Ghanouj (Smoked Eggplant Dip). The hummus is great too. The garlic dip is perfect with the Falafel. Fatoush Salad has many flavors and I highly recommend the fresh mint lemonade. This visit I ordered the vegetarian platter and i loved every element of it. Thank you for making great food at a reasonable price.
B Lipka
Apr 20,2025
Absolutely love this place. They offer gluten, corn and dairy free options. The food is delicious and authentic. The vegetarian grape leaves and chicken kabobs are my favorite. The staff and owners are really nice and welcoming. I will return over and over
Elijah Herrera
Apr 9,2025
Pretty sure you can tell by the reviews, but the food here is absolutely wonderful. The thing I wish was different is that they would give you a large spoon, because I never can seem to eat this fast enough. Absolutely wonderful. The kabobs are really good in general. It doesn’t matter which one you get.
Marisa Haraburda
Mar 24,2025
We went here about a half hour til close and the service was so quick and awesome! We ordered 2 wraps and a medium hummus for a very reasonable price and were incredibly happy! The wraps were huge and stuffed full of great flavors! Along with the huge thing of hummus we got so much pita with it!! The best type of left overs We will definitely be back, as this was the best experience with Mediterranean food we have had in Kalamazoo!

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