Malooga

Welcome to Malooga, a hidden gem in the heart of Philadelphia offering a unique blend of Arabic and Middle Eastern cuisine. As a food reviewer of Restaurant World, I had the pleasure of experiencing the vibrant flavors and warm hospitality that Malooga has to offer.

Located at 134 Chestnut St, Malooga is not just a restaurant - it's an experience. From the moment you step in, you are greeted with a casual and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a casual dinner or a lively gathering with friends and family.

One of the standout features of Malooga is its extensive menu, catering to a range of dietary preferences. From vegan options to limited vegetarian choices, Malooga ensures that every guest can find something to delight their taste buds.

Customer reviews rave about the well-seasoned and generously portioned dishes at Malooga. The Chicken Mandi, with its tender meat and aromatic rice, has been a crowd favorite, earning high praise for its flavorful blend of spices.

For those looking for a hearty and comforting meal, the Lamb Haneeth is a must-try, with succulent meat that falls off the bone and leaves a lasting impression.

But Malooga is not just about the food - it's about the overall experience. The attentive service, warm ambiance, and thoughtful details like traditional seating areas and cultural wall paintings create a welcoming and immersive dining atmosphere.

Whether you're a fan of traditional Middle Eastern dishes or looking to explore new flavors, Malooga offers a culinary journey that is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So, next time you're in Philadelphia, make sure to stop by Malooga and indulge in a feast for your senses.

Malooga Menu

Location

Address: 134 Chestnut St Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (267) 822-2327

🕓 Work Hours
MON 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
TUE 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
WED 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
THU 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
FRI 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM
SAT 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM
SUN 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Business info

  • Takes Reservations
    Yes
  • Offers Delivery
    Yes
  • Offers Takeout
    Yes
  • Vegan Options
    Yes
  • Limited Vegetarian Options
    Yes
  • Accessible parking near entrance
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Casual, Trendy
    Yes
  • Moderate Noise
    Yes
  • Casual Dress
    Yes
  • Offers Catering
    Yes
  • Good for Groups
    Yes
  • Good for Dinner
    Yes
  • Street Parking
    Yes
  • Waiter Service
    Yes
  • Free Wi-Fi
    Yes
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • Offers Military Discount
    Yes
  • Private Dining
    Yes
  • Gender-neutral restrooms
    Yes
  • Open to All
    Yes
  • Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Happy Hour
    No
  • Alcohol
    No
  • Drive-Thru
    No
  • TV
    No
  • Heated Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Covered Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Bike Parking
    Yes
  • Bring your own container allowed
    Yes
  • Compostable containers available
    Yes
  • Provides reusable tableware
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Allison T.

    22 July 2024

    Wowza! If there was a guide on "how to run a restaurant 101", Malooga would've written it. The food is well-seasoned, vibrantly colored, and generally evenly-balanced. They also have a lot of veg-friendly options. Aside from the food, the service was great; our server was attentive and welcoming. The ambiance is a good blend of casual and energetic: they play lively music that fits in perfectly with the vibes of the neighborhood. Their menus boast eye-catching pictures while maintaining functionality with simple, easy-to-read design. They also offer incentives for yelp and google reviews. Chicken Mandi: 7/10 Chicken is tender, juicy, and falls right off the bone. Skin on the outside is seasoned with just enough salt, but could use a little more acid. The white meat on the inside is moist. The rice is brightly colored with greens, oranges, and yellows. There is a ton of it though; I think it could be a smaller portion and that would be fine. Fool: 6/10 Interesting veggie dish reminiscent of a naan and curry or chips and bean dip combo. The fava beans come in piping hot in their stone bowl and stays hot throughout. While this wasn't anything crazy or out of the ordinary, it was still an enjoyable addition to our meal. === GRADE: B+ === Overall a great find to stop by if you're visiting the area. I would love to come back and try some of their other specialty dishes!

  • Author: Samira A.

    20 July 2024

    I visited this place several months ago and am just now getting around to writing a review. I tried the House Salad and Chicken Mandi. The chicken, while visually appealing, lacked the flavor I expected, making it rather unmemorable. As a previous reviewer mentioned, it tasted similar to supermarket chicken, and I agree. The rice, on the other hand, was the highlight of the dish, with a delightful mix of herbs, raisins, and nuts. The portion size for the chicken meal was extremely generous, allowing me to take half of it home for the next day. I added some much-needed seasoning to the chicken at home. The House Salad was nothing special but was necessary to have some vegetables with my main meal.

  • Author: Angie B.

    29 May 2024

    This place is a gem...and also pretty popular so better off with a reservation even on a week night! The food is delicious! Our lamb was cooked perfectly and everything we tried was delicious! It's an intimate set up and service was great! I liked this spot so much that I just bought a gift certificate for my friend for his birthday . It's also a byo, so don't forget your bottle!

  • Author: Dina A.

    28 May 2024

    Malooga is a casual dining establishment with a warm atmosphere. Service: The service here was excellent! From when I walked in early with my family to our time seated while putting in orders, the hosts/servers were gracious and helpful. Ambiance: I loved the wall paintings of cultural settings, as well as a traditional seating area at the window. We were a large group so we couldn't take advantage of that, this time. The traditional seating area is probably for about 4-5 people. Food: Generous portions and well-seasoned food. The food also came out hot and quickly after putting in orders. I shared the chicken Mandi with my mom. It included large pieces of succulent chicken and a beautiful aromatic rice with nuts and raisins. The restaurant does a great job by including toum (garlic sauce) and hot sauce on the side. For a casual dine-in meal, I would definitely return. The surrounding area is also great for walking around, after a hearty meal at Malooga.