Ali Elbast, founder and owner of Aladdin’s Restaurant, came to America from Beirut, Lebanon in 1985. He attended Michigan State University as an English major, and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio studying biomedical engineering. Ali worked at the CWRU hospital until 1990 before moving back to Mid-Michigan, where his wife was teaching at MSU. He opened a pizza and sub shop in Saginaw, which he owned until March 1996 when Ali and his wife opened the first Aladdin’s Restaurant. Their goal was to create a healthy and delicious menu, utilizing authentic Lebanese flavors and the freshest ingredients.
Offering a robust vegetarian menu was important to the Elbasts, so they made sure for every meat dish, there is a vegetarian dish. What resulted was the largest vegetarian menu in all of Michigan. Aladdin’s makes sure to separate the preparation of their vegetarian dishes from the meat and dairy dishes, so vegetarians can have peace of mind. Aladdin’s uses only the best olive oil, fresh meats and vegetables.
Ali is grateful for the many friends he has made since moving to Mid-Michigan. In addition to marrying his lovely wife here, the couple has twin daughters (Rachel, and Sarah). Rachel loves tabbouleh salad and Sarah loves to make life hard on her dad.
Today, Aladdin’s has two locations, in Frandor and Downtown Lansing on Washington Square. At either location, they feature their famous salad dressing used for fattoush salad, their garlic sauce and of course their four different stews - two with meat and two are vegetarian. Their meat is marinated in a tantalizing array of garlic and lemon. To top it off, Aladdin’s features a full menu of fresh raw juices smoothies at their Frandor Location.
Turkish coffee is always free at Aladdin’s. Delivery to Lansing and East Lansing is also available. Aladdin’s also has full catering options, contact us about your next business luncheon, family gathering or occasion of any kind.
