One of the things I like most about doing this blog is that it gives me an excuse to be a tourist in my own town. It’s a bonus when I “travel” to someplace exotic that didn’t require purchasing a plane ticket. (Check out my earlier posts on India Oven, Demo’s, and España Bar de Tapas for inspiration.)
Pasha Mediterranean Grill at 9339 Wurzbach Road and Ali Baba International Market at 9307 Wurzbach Road (right behind Pasha) are two more San Antonio exotics that deserve to be placed on your Alamo City itinerary.
I went to Pasha with my daughter, a friend and her daughter. After we ordered and sat down, a server brought us a giant Naan (flat bread) to dip in spiced olive oil. It didn’t last long. Each of us ordered a different wrap, a Saj pita filled with the following deliciousness: 1) Falafel Wrap, deep-fried vegetable patties with tomato, hummus, parsley, lettuce, pickled cucumbers, turnips and Tahini sauce; 2) Shawarma Wrap, thinly sliced, vertical pit-roasted chicken with tomato and picked cucumbers; 3) Sheesh Tawook Wrap, chicken breast cooked over an open flame with cabbage, mayonnaise, tomatoes, pickled cucumbers and garlic sauce; and 4) Koobideh Wrap, a skewer of chicken Koobideh seasoned with soujouk sauce, cayenne pepper, hummus, garlic sauce, tomato and pickled cucumbers.
The wraps, priced at $7.99 each, all came with a just-right Greek salad. A table neighbor’s Shawarma beef plate, served with hummus and a salad, also looked quite wonderful. Pasha’s entree menu is quite extensive. It’s going to take multiple visits before I eat my way across the Mediterranean, but I’m up for the task.
After lunch, we strolled over to Ali Baba International Food Market to check out its shelves. Spotting mango juice imported from the United Arab Emirates was the first clue we weren’t in H-E-B. A green fruit/vegetable I’ve never seen before was the second. I picked up a jar of pickled turnips to bring home because I just couldn’t resist their DayGlo pinkness. My husband has since dropped by Ali Baba to check the store out for himself, and he came home with a giant container of Aleppo pepper that he sprinkles on just about everything. And for those of you with a sweet tooth, you’ll be in heaven at Ali Baba. An entire aisle is calling your name. Check out their honey nuts and the rose-flavored Turkish Delight.
Pasha and Ali Baba are both open seven days a week. Visit their websites for their hours of operation.
San Antonio Tourist 
Funny, Anna was just at Pasha yesterday! She’s been twice, and really likes it too. I had some of her leftovers which were wonderful!
Next time I’ll have to beg her to take me too.
Doug, Yes! Make it a date night. FYI: You may bring in your own wine or beer. No hard liquor. They’ll provide glasses. No corking fee. How is that for GRAND?! Cheers, Denise
I’ve been wanting to try that place behind Pasha! I’ve been driving by it and wondering what it was-thanks to you, I will stop and check it out-love Pasha too!
Laura, You will LOVE it. I wanted to try one of everything, even the odd fruit/vegetable I hadn’t ever seen before. ENJOY! Cheers, Denise
Ali Baba’s is one of our favorite spots! Their fresh mint is terrific and cheap ($0.99 a bunch) and their fresh baked pita bread is amazing, especially if you get it while its still hot. Also, they have French feta and an olive bar over near the produce. And the very nice workers always treat my toddlers to a Jordan almond or two….so we all leave happy 🙂
Ooooh! I didn’t see any fresh mint, or I would have purchased some. I love mint. (Next time I’m at Pasha, I want to try the Mast-O Khiyar appetizer. Menu says it’s a cool yogurt dip with diced cucumber and mint. Sort of like Taztziki sauce with mint, I’m thinking. YUM!) Thanks for reading/commenting! Cheers, Denise
I’ve wondered about Pasha, the food looks yummy. I am a huge fan of wraps too.
Michelle, I thought the food was very good at Pasha. Don’t miss Ali Baba next door! It was a revelation. Thanks for reading/commenting! Cheers, Denise
YUM! This sounds like a MUST GO! I can just see that twinkle in your eye as you bite into your wrap and explore the Ali Baba. Love reading your mind as you explore San Antonio’s backyard!
Peggy, Let’s go! xoxo, Denise