'We haven't made it over 50% capacity,' the office manager says. While the buffet is currently unavailable due to COVID-19 protocols, Lyles notes that customers' preferences are taken into account at every turn. 'If it's out on the buffet, it's been cooked within 10 minutes,' Lyles says of the signature poultry fare.

One of the eatery's freshest dishes is its popular fried chicken, which is hand-battered and fried throughout the day.

Regardless of how customers choose to order the Madison restaurant's down-home southern cooking, Office Manager Bailey Lyles says the menu remains largely consistent. Rising from its humble, log-cabin beginnings in 1977, Mama Hamil's now occupies the massive structure behind its original building, offering daily 'blue plate specials,' catering options and private event rooms. Chen's (5465 Interstate 55 N., 60, ) / Patel Brothers (1999 Highway 80, Suite 15, 60, )Īplos Simple Medierranean (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 174, 60, ) / Kale Me Crazy (1067 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite D, Ridgeland 60 ) / Mama Nature's Juice Bar (655 Lake Harbour Drive, Suite 400, Ridgeland 60 )īRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244, 60, ) / Cool Al's (4654 McWillie Drive, 60, ) / Kale Me Crazy (1067 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite D, 60, ) / Mind Body and Soul Foodz (201 Ring Road, Suite 10, Ridgeland, 76, )īest Fried Chicken, Best Lunch Counter/Buffet, Best Soul Food: Mama Hamil's Southern Cookin' & BBQ Richard CoupeĪsian Market (901 Lakeland Place, Suite 6, Flowood 76 ) / Carniceria Valdez (2275 Highway 80 60 6520 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland 60) / Mr. Some of the more popular items available at the grocery include dates, olives, tea, coffee, cheese, nan, chicken and more-some of which cannot be found at most other local grocers, as Aladdin's imports them from overseas, particularly the large medjool dates.Īladdin's desserts have garnered a number of fans as well, with baklava topping the list as a local favorite. Having the grocery store on the other side of the wall makes it easier for the restaurant to buy in bulk and pass on the savings to customers, Ali says. And, of course, all the dips we have are vegetarian friendly.'įor those who are not familiar with Aladdin's or Mediterranean food in general, Ali suggests they try the chicken gyros or one of the combination plates including items such as lamb chops and shrimp.Īladdin's did have to make adjustments because of the COVID-19 virus, but it is still open for dine-in service, albeit with a smaller number of tables, and the staff has worked to improve the curbside takeaway and delivery services. '(For vegetarians), falafels are the big items, along with mixed vegetables and grape leaves. 'We mostly do everything from scratch, and we use lean meat and fresh ingredients,' Yoseph Ali, the proprietor, says of Aladdin's healthy food preparation.

This year, the two together top the lists for Best Ethnic Grocery, Best Vegetarian Options and Best Place to Eat Healthy Food. The restaurant and Aladdin's Mediterranean Grocery next door are perennially on the Best of Jackson winners' list. Many locals regard Aladdin's, located near Fondren, as Jackson's premier spot for Mediterranean food such as shawarma, gyros, baklava and others. (730 Lakeland Drive, 60, )Īladdin Mediterranean Grill has been a staple in the metro since 2004.

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