New restaurant offers taste of Arabia in heart of Halesowen

A new addition to the Halesowen culinary scene was given a grand official opening.

The ribbon was cut for the Taj Al Arab Restaurant on the High Street on Thursday, with a large group of prominent Yemeni community leaders, representatives of community organisations from across the United Kingdom, local residents and police representatives attending.

The restaurant offers the rich flavours and culinary traditions of Yemen and the wider Arab world to the local community and highlighted the growing presence of Yemeni-owned businesses in Britain.

Among the guests in attendance were Hashem Abduljalil Ahmed, Chairman of the Yemeni Communities Coordination Council in Britain, and Ahmed Al-Bakri, Chairman of the Yemeni Community in Birmingham, alongside Fadl Al-Saeedi, a member of the Birmingham Yemeni Community's administrative committee.

Also attending was Mr Rajeh Muflihi, Executive Director of the Yemeni Community in Sandwell and a local council member, together with Hajj Mansour Ghaleb, a well-known figure within the Yemeni community in the United Kingdom.

Representing the local Yemeni community in Halesowen were Marwan Bakaili, Chairman of the Yemeni Community in Halesowen, and Abdullah Yahyah, a trustee of the organisation.

The ceremony was also attended by Police Officer Adeeb Radman, alongside Halesowen MP Alex Ballinger, community trustees, secretaries, members and local residents who gathered to celebrate the new establishment.

The restaurant's menu features some of Yemen's most celebrated traditional dishes, including Mandi, Saltah and Fahsa, alongside a variety of Gulf and Levantine specialities and freshly baked goods.

Restaurant owner Mr Hamood Mohsen warmly welcomed the guests and expressed his appreciation for the community's encouragement and support during the opening celebration.

He said: “Beyond the food, Taj Al Arab seeks to offer an authentic experience of Arab hospitality, where families, friends and visitors can gather in a welcoming and comfortable environment.

“Whether visiting for a family meal, meeting friends or discovering Yemeni cuisine for the first time, every customer is invited to enjoy the same warm hospitality.”

Marwan Bakaili spoke about the significance of the restaurant in the community alongside other Yemeni businesses.

He said “Yemeni-owned businesses continue to play an important role in local communities, contributing to the economy, creating opportunities and sharing cultural traditions with the wider British public.

“Restaurants such as Taj Al Arab provide an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to come together, experience traditional cuisine and develop a greater appreciation of Yemen's heritage.

“The presence of community representatives from across Britain at the opening ceremony also underlined the importance of unity, cooperation and mutual support in helping Yemeni-owned businesses succeed.

“Above all, Taj Al Arab hopes to bring people together through food, creating a welcoming meeting place that celebrates cultural diversity and strengthens the bonds between the many communities that make Halesowen their home.”