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Philadelphia, PA

Opening a second location and bakery to share authentic Yemeni cuisine with a wider community.

• Community acclaim: Holds a 4.7/5 rating from over 1,200 reviews as the top Middle Eastern spot in Philadelphia.
• Media recognition: Featured by TravelRegrets, Reddit diners, and cultural nonprofit Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture.
• Inclusive menu: Offers halal, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes in a welcoming setting.
• Experienced leadership: Chef Aqlan and CEO Alkahily bring culinary artistry and operational expertise.
• Bakery expansion: Second site will house the area’s first Yemeni bakery, broadening product offerings.

Malooga seeks funding to complete the build-out of a second restaurant in Philadelphia’s Main Line neighborhood, converting an empty shell into a fully equipped kitchen, bakery, and dining room that can showcase its vibrant Yemeni-inspired menu. Capital raised will cover construction essentials such as ventilation, prep areas, seating, and service counters, allowing the team to scale production of its signature dishes and expand catering capacity while preserving the casual, welcoming atmosphere that defines its Old City flagship. By broadening reach, the company aims to shorten wait times, extend dependable delivery, and meet demand for halal, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options in an underserved suburban market.

Founded in 2021 by Chef Mohammed Aqlan and guided by CEO Omar Alkahily, Malooga has earned a loyal following for richly seasoned lamb haneeth, chicken mandi, and plant-forward plates that celebrate Yemeni heritage. Consistently praised in local media and more than a thousand online reviews for generous portions and warm service, the restaurant shows strong momentum for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine prepared with care. Establishing a second site will introduce the region’s first Yemeni bakery, create new jobs, and deepen Malooga’s cultural footprint while maintaining its commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

Company Info

Malooga is a Philadelphia restaurant specializing in Yemeni cuisine, praised for inclusive menus and planning a second bakery-equipped location.

Malooga is a Middle Eastern restaurant situated in the historic Old City district of Philadelphia, offering a menu steeped in Yemeni culinary tradition. Led by executive chef and co-founder Mohammed Aqlan, the kitchen blends inherited family recipes with regional techniques, producing dishes such as slow-roasted lamb haneeth, chicken mandi, hummus shawarma, and freshly fried falafel. Seasonings built around cardamom, cumin, and smoked chiles deliver deep aromatics, while aromatic rice, house salads, and scratch-made sauces complete each plate. The dining room is casual and inclusive, featuring halal, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free selections, gender-neutral restrooms, and eco-friendly serving ware that align with the restaurant’s welcoming ethos.

Since opening in 2021, Malooga has earned praise for generous portions, layered flavors, and warm hospitality. The operation is guided by Chef Aqlan’s childhood cooking beside his grandmother in Taiz, Yemen, and professional experience in kitchens across New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. A catering division supports events from corporate lunches to weddings, tailoring menus to diverse dietary needs. Management is preparing a second location in Philadelphia’s Main Line area that will house the region’s first Yemeni bakery, expanding production of signature rice platters, stews, and breads. The measured expansion is intended to deepen the brand’s local presence while preserving the craftsmanship and community focus that define Malooga’s reputation.