Haji Baba Celebrates 40 Years of Mediterranean Cuisine

News Summary

Haji Baba, a beloved restaurant and grocery store in Tempe, Arizona, celebrates its 40th anniversary. Known for its authentic Mediterranean cuisine and cultural significance, Haji Baba serves a diverse clientele, including locals and the Middle Eastern community. The establishment offers a menu featuring dishes like gyros, chicken shawarma, and baklava, all while fostering a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Co-owner Zaid Torfa emphasizes the restaurant’s commitment to community and cultural heritage, making it a staple in Tempe.

Tempe, Arizona – Haji Baba, a beloved restaurant and grocery store, is celebrating its 40th anniversary of serving the Tempe community with traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Located on Apache Boulevard, across from the Tempe Fire Department Station No.1, the establishment is well-known for both its food and cultural significance in the area.

The restaurant was founded in the 1980s by the father of co-owner Zaid Torfa, who emigrated from Syria. Over the decades, Haji Baba has evolved into a key location for not only dining but also for purchasing imported goods. This unique dual function allows it to cater to a diverse customer base that includes both local residents and individuals from the Middle Eastern community looking for authentic flavors from their homelands.

Specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, Haji Baba features a varied menu that includes dishes from Eastern Europe to Asia. Popular items include gyros, which are a staple of Greek cuisine, and kabab koobideh, a traditional Persian dish. One of the restaurant’s best-selling items is the chicken shawarma plate, which is served with hummus, salad, rice, and garlic sauce. This dish also happens to be the favorite of co-owner Zaid Torfa.

In addition to these well-known dishes, patrons can savor a variety of other offerings such as creamy tzatziki, fresh tabooli, and a selection of baklava options including flavors like pistachio, cashew, walnut, almond, and mixed nuts, available at the front register. To complement the meal, the restaurant serves rosewater lemonade, which adds a distinctive Middle Eastern twist to the traditional beverage.

Beyond its food offerings, Haji Baba plays an essential role in the community as a cultural hub. The welcoming atmosphere encourages patrons to converse in their native languages and provides an environment where people can seek community resources. Its proximity to Arizona State University has also made it a favorite among students, adding to the diverse and vibrant clientele.

Co-owner Zaid Torfa emphasizes the restaurant’s commitment to community, noting that food not only nourishes the body but also brings people together. Haji Baba has earned numerous accolades from local publications for its Middle Eastern cuisine, underscoring its repute within the food industry. The restaurant initially gained traction due to being one of the few Middle Eastern eateries in the area, filling a niche that has continued to grow over the years.

The Khatib family, who co-manage the restaurant, celebrate a personal legacy as well. Ahmad Khatib honors his father, Zuhier Mahmoud Khatib, who passed away due to COVID-19, acknowledging the substantial impact his father had not just on the family but also on the entire community. In recognition of his contributions, the mayor of Tempe has declared February 4th “Zuhier Mahmoud Khatib Day,” highlighting the legacy left behind by a community pillar.

The Khatib family expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support they received during Zuhier’s funeral, noting the large turnout of community members, which reflects the lasting relationships formed through Haji Baba. The philosophy of generosity, patience, and kindness instilled by Zuhier continues to resonate within the restaurant’s operations, building on a foundation that values community ties and cultural heritage.

As Haji Baba celebrates its 40 years of operation, the restaurant remains a staple in Tempe, providing both cherished culinary experiences and a gathering place for a diverse community, reinforcing the important role food plays in bridging cultural divides.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• AZ Family: Haji Baba Celebrates 40 Years
• AZ Central: Remembering Zuhier Mahmoud Khatib
• Phoenix Magazine: Food & Drink in Tempe 2025
• Wikipedia: General Knowledge
• Google Search: Haji Baba Restaurant