Al Waha Restaurant and Hookah Lounge

Very disappointed, almost seems like some Mexicans cooked this. ordered the chicken kebob, biryani & makni. bland & lacking flavor, the salad had no dressing! Seriously… I had to ask for some hot sauce which they had none, if u like food from a can than this is ur place… not authentic, go a block down & try the vine.

I have a bad experience when I visit this place, I went with friends to eat and ordered food, most Badawian, the taste was terrible, it looked like the food was made before and kept in a refrigerator, this kind of food should be served fresh.
Most of us didn’t eat, and left the food as is, then the bill came, very high, no details on it, just a grand total that we must pay, of course we paid and swore not to eat there again and to tell everybody.
By the way, any beer is $ 4 !!

My girlfriend and I went in on a monday night, and when we got there (around 7pm) we were the only patrons in the restaurant. A few other tables showed up throughout the evening, but at its most crowded there were 10 people in the dining room.
The décor was pretty standard, a bit on the old/​dirty side… very mom and pop… but the food was absolutely amazing, and the price was even better. We got a couple of appetizers (eggplant with pomegranate and hummus) both of which were very good and only about $ 4 each. The entres, however, were absolutely amazing. I got the bedouin fish, which was great, and my girlfriend got some lamb dish that the owner recommended to us. It might have been the Qabelli Pallau, but I am not completely sure. It was probably the best lamb either of us have ever had in our lives. Both entres were only around $ 12.
The owner was the one waiting tables that night. He was very friendly and helpful. It is seriously very rare to find this quality of food and service at such a low price.
The only part that was a little disappointing was the desert. We each got a piece of baklava, and it was very hard. The overall experience, however, made up for it so we were not at all upset.
We also each got a cup of bedouin coffee, which was interesting. It was a week coffee that tasted like it was mixed with some kind of tea. I enjoyed it, mostly because I had never tried anything like it before. I don’t know if I would order it again though.
All in all I was very pleased. I will defiantly be returning, very soon. I don’t know how long I can go without some more of that lamb.

I had lunch here for five dollars last week. I repeat: I had lunch here for FIVE DOLLARS last week. And it was damn delicious.
Almost everything on Al Waha’s menu appeals to me, and since I stuck to drinking water, I rode the cheap train allllll the way through lunch. This time I ordered the Menanzula (basmati rice, fresh sauteed eggplant, onions, potatoes and tomato sauce. So simple and so good.) When you’re there during the day and they ask if you want the lunch size, say yes because it’s still quite big.
It’s fun to try new things here and enjoy a glass of wine when you can… my only gripe is that it gets so hot in the dining room sometimes. All that food plus warm temps makes you want to fall asleep right at your seat!
Go here for lunch or dinner, or for a late night drink. Hookahs make me cough, but if that’s your thing, this is the place for you as well. All I know, is that again, my lunch was five dollars.

I’m constantly on the lookout for places to eat both before and after I play shows in St Louis. I had settled into a habit of visiting a different hookah lounge, but was thinking that I was limiting my options by going there so often. Al Waha is located in a nicely renovated part of Tower Grove, so I thought, «Hell, let’s try that.»
I went with 3 other people, and we ordered standard fare (kebabs, pilaf dish, etc.) and a few of their special coffees. Looking at the prices (which matched the prices of the other place I go, where the food is excellent), I hoped that the food was worth what they were asking for it. Although the food was fine, everyone at the table had pretty much the same impression: Good, not great, and nothing to go out of your way for.
We didn’t get a hookah, though. Maybe that’s their deal-​breaker.

Okay here we go…
I have been a frequent patron of this restaurant for the last year or so (about time for a review right!?), during this time it seems that they have gone through one or two management/​ownership changes. Some things have gotten better, some things have stayed the same, some things have gone declined.
The food has fluctuated from great, to okay! Just like the service here, the food can be hit or miss! There have been times when I have been absolutely jonzing for their food, only to be severely disappointed… don’t you hate when that happens?!
However, as of late I can’t complain at all about the food. The last time I went (about a month or two ago) for lunch the portion size had increased and the food was awesome.
They used to give you a taste of Bedouin Coffee upon being seated… the last several times I have visited, I was not offered any… they really need to bring this back, like ASAP! I also heard they are no longer accepting
coupons…why?! Their Pita Bread always starts off nice and warm, but as it cools off it becomes inedible, almost as if it is stale — this has been consistent every time I have been there.
They have a great lunch special at $ 4.99 for some of their most popular dishes!
Here are a few items that I LOVE:
Motabel — Pretty much Eggplant Hummus — Absolutely Divine!!!
Hummus — Always good! Very Lemony — which I Love
Makni Chicken/​Butter Chicken — Very mild, very flavorful!
Beryani — I have had it with both Chicken and Lamb both are excellent, however, I am a bit more partial to the Lamb. If you enjoy a bit of heat/​spice, this is the dish for you. Beware of t he chutney… if it is light green it’s fresh and taste awesome, but if it comes to you a darker green it means it’s been around for awhile…
Palace’s Nest — Best Dessert!

I have been a frequent visitor to Al Waha lately so here are some new things to mention about this Bedouin culinary hot spot:
–Completely non-​smoking inside but hookah allowed outside
–New dish on the menu, Mansaf, a traditional Jordian dish of rice mixed with ferminted yogurt, tender lamb, almonds over pita bread. Can you say heaven?
–Vegetarian specials on Thursdays but you can get veg dishes anytime
–Tried the hummus and was speechless it was so good!
Okay, consider yourself informed and up to date.

MENU:
Stopped here for lunch on a gorgeous weekday a couple weeks back and really liked the menu for the price. We decided to sit outside at one of their small tables — right on.
For $ 4.99, I ordered Makni («Butter chicken/​veggies» per the menu). My buddy, PK, ordered Qarma.
The Makni was spicy and most certainly buttery.
I had a beer — a Warsteiner! I was ecstatic to see this on the menu of such a small restaurant. I received it and promptly spilled half of it on the ground (good thing we sat outside!). PK ordered an IPA and said — «I’ll have this IPA, as long as it does NOT taste like grapefruit.» Of course, it did. He drank it anyway.
The waiter was the only front of house person working and it was a real laid-​back joint. Definitely worth a second try for value for my dough.
On a side note, a few days later, I walked past the place to see a chick sitting at one of the curbside tables, smoking. Oddest thing — as I walked past, I caught her eyes and, instead of smiling like most women do, she nodded! Just a random observation. Most women don’t nod. That’s kind of a guy thing as far as I’ve experienced in my 35 years. Anyway, it turns out she works there. So, if you see a cute blonde woman with blue (or green?) eyes, nod to her for me.

I would rate this the 3.5 just like the average right now.
I had a lamb dish and the lamb was cooked great and had a great garlic flavor. It had alot of tomato also but it lack some in between flavors to really bring the dish together.
We also had the spinach korma and it was tasty and healthier than other dishes elsewhere I have had with the same name. There was no cream.
I feel with slight modifications both of these dishes would really pop!

The owner is friendly and awesome and ubiquitous.
Dishes you’re just not going to find, even in the middle-​eastern genre.
Bedouin food you’re going to love. Lots of lamb dishes for lamb lovers (points at self) and vegetarian choices for you non-​carnivores.
There is a dessert that I can’t name at present, but you need to get it, so your life can be changed. Pistachios, cream/​yogurt, and a kind of bread pudding. That’s a horrible, American description. I’ll update this review sometime and be better.
Great appetizers too.
PS They do NOT accept
any longer.
will give you your money back, but cannot repair your dignity when your date looks at you like it’s your fault :0

Just a warning for all you
patrons… Al Waha is no longer participating. I found this out last night, as I walked in with my freshly printed coupon. The guy who greeted us gave us the big DE-​NY as we presented it to him, but hubby and I still decided to give the place a shot.
Overall, we were quite pleased.
We started our meal out with the Hummus B’lahmeh– traditional hummus with ground beef, mint and almond slivers. This was delicious. There was A LOT of oil on top– too much for my liking– but in any case, we scarfed our hummus and warm pita down.
Our entrees arrived quickly. I ordered the Al Waha Combo Grill which came with basmati rice and a nice side salad topped with yogurt. The chicken kabob was tender, but I found the lamb and beef to be tough and dry. I probably should have ordered a side of yogurt to help the meat go down, but no biggie. The flavors were good and having a skimpy lunch, I was famished.
Our server was attentive and quite efficient. But I suppose that’s expected as my husband and I were the only ones dining in the restaurant. Although there were a few businessmen that stopped in to smoke cigarettes. I was not too pleased with inhaling the smoke as I was eating, but the hookah lounge and restaurant are somewhat partitioned so it wasn’t too unbearable or suffocating.
The décor is typical S. Grand restaurant décor. Minimalistic with old tables and chairs. This doesn’t bother me one bit, as long as the restaurant is clean and this one is.
If I’m in the area, I will probably visit again. Maybe this time, I’ll skip the beef kabob and try the beriani.

I wasn’t impressed with this place, at all. The service was good, so they get a couple stars for that, and the food was all pretty fresh… but it just wasn’t very good.
Yays:
— The chicken beriani was pretty tasty, with good sized pieces of chicken and just enough spice
— The girl who served us had no clue about anything, but she was really, really nice and friendly, so I’ll give her a pass (I’m sure she wasn’t Afghani).
— The little cup of coffee they greeted us with was spectacular.
Nays:
— They allow smoking. Hookah — I’d be fine with, since it’s a hookah bar. No, cigarettes. I’m 99% certain that’s not legal with the new smoking ban, but it was enough to make me not want to return after the group of hipsters showed up to chain smoke. There is a big sign on the front door that says they allow smoking.
— They were out of 3 different dishes, on a pretty small menu, including the first two things my wife ordered. That’s unacceptable. One, at the end of the night, I could understand, but we were there at 5:30.
— My Al Waha plate was a giant pile of rice with a bit of stuff around it. There just wasn’t enough to the dish. Maybe some spice on the rice or anything.

Fiancé and I decided to go to Al Waha on a Friday night whim.
We got the coffee upon sitting — which I wasn’t really a fan of.
We had the hummus which tasted pretty fresh. It seemed to have a lot of lemon juice to it — very tangy. The bread that came out wasn’t fresh the first time around, but the second helping was nice and warm, just the way we like it. And by the way, that’s $ 1 to request for additional bread.
The Arabic salad is a medley of diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, lettuce, mint and cilantro, topped with dressing that has a vinegar taste to it. It was very fresh and tangy.
For entrée, I had the chicken Qurma Sabzee, which is spinach sauteed with onion, chili peppers, red kidney beans, and curry. Topped with olive oil and served with basmati rice. Oh so very delicious. The rice was light and fluffy. The spinach blend was very soft and blended well with the rice. The spice combination was quite tasty — just the right hint of chili pepper and curry.
My fiancé had the chicken Beriani, which is spicy basmati rice with chickpeas, green peas, and comes with this wonderful, AMAZING spicy chutney sauce. The chutney sauce, I was told, is made of green pepper, garlic and other spices. It was the most amazing chutney we’d ever tasted, so we ordered more and slathered it on!
Overall — a great, satisfying meal. Will be coming back to try the other items on the menu as they looked really good.

Everyone knows that South Grand is famous for its ethnic food. But Al Waha asks, «why stop there?» Although it’s far from a cultural immersion, the staff at Al Waha promptly greets all visitors with a cup of Bedouin coffee, a part of the Bedouin hospitality tradition. They also offer hookah at night. While these offerings are small, I think Al Waha might be on to something. We go to South Grand to experience other cultures through food, but why stop there?

Overall, my first Afghan foodie experience was alright! Again, my palate isn’t terribly adventurous when left to its own devices, so it’s awesome of Unilocalers to get me out of my comfort zone. Much appreciated, everyone!
Service was excellent from the get-​go. We were greeted by a friendly server with some funky coffee. I didn’t drink it ’cause I don’t drink caffeine. Those of you who know me well would agree that it’s a good decision. But everyone else at the table (even the non-​coffee drinkers) said it was delicious.
For appetizers, we tried the hummus plate and I had a sample of Tim and Erin G’s sambosas. As Tim had indicated, the sambosas were pretty bland. As was the hummus. Neither were bad, per se, but it wasn’t anything special.
My dinner, on the other hand, was terrific. I had the butter chicken, which was basically chicken, a funky-​colored orange butter sauce and Basmati rice. Now I’ve tried cooking Basmati rice at home before and I could never get it like this. Well done, Al Waha! As for the butter sauce — how could you go wrong with butter sauce? It was yummy! I actually ate everything on my plate.
Another successful International Supper Club under my belt! I survived and learned a little about another culture’s food. Next I’d like to try falafel… Did you hear that, guys?

The beautiful wife and I ad the pleasure of attending July’s gathering of the International Supper Club here (arranged by Allison B. and Josh K., thanks!). Great time with great people (though I managed to ignore half the table, I’m so damn rude, sorry!)
We started off with the Bedouin coffee. I thought this was great, despite the coffee being about 500 times weaker than I normally like it (probably so you can taste the cardamom). I’m just a sucker for stuff like this.
For appetizers, we ordered the sambosas (which are vegetarian). These were OK (loved the chutney), but compared to Meskerem’s, well, there’s not really much comparison. These were a bit pale and pizza roll-​esque in appearance. And due to their small size, the ingredients became one massive flavor rather than allowing you to enjoy all the flavors.
For an entrée, I had the very non-​adventurous lamb kabobs. The lamb was well cooked and served with a heaping mound of basmati rice and a side salad. Unfortunately, the lamb was just that — lamb. I wish I had ordered something with zip, zing, pow! I actually ended up dipping my lamb in the wife’s pil pil, just to get some spice in there.
They have a full bar (well, not sure if you can get a Mai Tai, but they have more than just beer and wine), so that’s always a bonus.
Service was excellent and incredibly friendly.
Will I go back? Most likely. But when we do, I’ll definitely ask my server what dish is the spiciest and go from there.

This place is probably the best place for hookah (The only thing I’ve had here). You get what you pay for and you don’t get much BS like at Layal on Delmar. The portions are nice to share and they make a great brew of mint tea…
However, they never seem to be open consistently and my friends and I would drive all the way there just to find out it was closed even though their website stated otherwise.

It’s not everyday you can enjoy some Afghan food, Bedouin coffee, and hookah all in the same location. For that fact alone, Al Waha is a much welcome addition to the international scene on South Grand. I just wish the food was a little better.
This foursome of mostly picky eaters went with kabobs, except for me, who went with the «mesekhan». All seemed to like their meals well enough, but I was a bit surprised to discover my dish to basically be a glorified burrito. Still, there are a few dishes here I’d love to try and I might like better.
They have a small, but decent beer selection allowing me to enjoy a Schlafly Pale Ale to rinse the taste of the Bedouin coffee (not great) out of my mouth. Our waitress was nice and fairly attentitve, but it was virtually dead so that wasn’t surprising.
Once dinner was over, we moved to the hookah. You can smoke hookah in the «smoking room» or outside. I have no idea if the indoor smoking ban in January will apply to this place, but they do have an outdoor patio that you can smoke hookah on too. None of us are hookah experts or anything, but we all enjoyed the strawberry. The only complaint is that it lasts forever and a minute, and there is a $ 3.00 surcharge for a fourth person.
Overall, I would say it was a positive experience, but I guess I was slightly let down. I was also kinda bummed by the lack of people here too. I realize there are a lot of nice choices on South Grand, but I don’t see why it was deserted on a Saturday night. They seem to have a lot of events to bring people in, so I hope that helps. This is a great choice if you’re looking for something different, but you may not be blown away by the food.

Went to Al-​Waha last weekend and was happy I did! The décor is interesting, some cool artifacts on the wall. The tables and chairs are pretty spartan, but everything is very clean (A MUST!). The «stage» that a previous reviewer mentioned has a couple table on it, which my boyfriend coveted. I didn’t think it was that bad.
On to the food– we started with the hummus. It was delicious! Extremely creamy. I had hummus from two places this last weekend and both were yummy, but this place had really nice, fresh pita bread with it.
There are a lot of vegetarian options and I went with one that was basically a bunch of veggies in a traditional sauce over rice. It was fresh, tasted interesting (couldn’t place the spices, but yummy) and came with a lot of veggies. My bf had beef dumplings and gobbled them all up.
The service was awesome. Super attentive, friendly and helpful. Granted, it wasn’t all that busy, but the waitress paced our appetizers and meals well and was there to make sure everything was ok.
I am surprised that another reviewer commented on this place being pricy. It was less than $ 25 for my bf and me to get an appetizer (good sized) and two well portioned meals. $ 7.95 isn’t expensive for a meal, even for lunch, in my humble opinion. Maybe in a college town.
Bonus! They bring your table a whole carafe of water so you can refill at your leisure and not have to wait for the waitress. My bf is a water-​aholic so this worked well for us and we drank the whole thing easily.
We’ll definitely be back to try some other yummy offerings on the menu!

Reopened delectable straightforward hearty goodness. Place opened three days before we arrived, so we weren’t too deterred it was empty — but the food will fill this place soon enough. Best meal we’ve had in 10 straight Unilocal-​led days on the road. We had hummus, which comes with that fab afghani relish atop it, sambosas that were oniony crispy yumminess, and lamb beriani that knocked our sandals off. Lamb fell off its bone, moist as could be. The very friendly waitress brought us a sample of the signature Bedouin coffee, not as strong as I’d expected, but cardamom-​spiced and tasty. Our three year old was happy as we were.
If you’ve been waiting to hear whether it’s good, here’s your green light.