A new full-service restaurant specializing in Pakistani, Indian, Afghani and Middle Eastern fusion cuisine will open at the former Griddle 145 site in Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania. Al Azeez Grill, operated by co-owners Syed Ali and Syed Zeshawn, plans to launch this second location in April at 1146 MacArthur Road. The site previously housed Griddle 145, a breakfast and lunch spot that closed after 13 years in late December.
The expansion comes for Al Azeez Grill, which first opened nearly two years ago at 1959 Street Road in Bensalem Township, Bucks County. Co-owners Syed Ali and Syed Zeshawn also run Zara Halal Food, a fast-casual trailer at 2030 in Bensalem Township that has been operating for about eight years. That trailer focuses on halal gyros, sandwiches and other fresh preparations, according to Ali.
Improvements are currently underway at the Whitehall property, which will feature the full menu from Al Azeez Grill. Diners can expect kebabs, rice platters and biryani dishes, along with items such as samosas, skewered chicken malai bites, mutton Afghani pulao, chicken namkeen, chicken karahi, chicken tikka masala, goat korma, goat kadhai, lamb sirloin chops and fish filets. Appetizers include falafel, hummus, fried shrimp, chicken wings and Al Azeez French fries, while breads like Afghani dhodai, butter paratha, tandoori roti and garlic naan are available. For sweets, options encompass falooda, rice pudding, gulab jamun and milk tea.
The restaurant's website features a message stating: “Welcome to our new restaurant, where we bring you delicious and authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with a fusion of flavors from across the region. We use only the freshest and highest quality ingredients to create mouth-watering falafel, shawarma, kebabs, and more.” Updates can be followed on Al Azeez Grill's Facebook and Instagram pages.
This development adds to the local dining scene in Lehigh County, following the closure of the longstanding Griddle 145.