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Ali Baba's Turkish Kitchen
Categories: Restaurants Turkish Restaurants Food Stands Turkish, Food Stands [Edit]
SW 10th Ave & SW Alder StPortland, OR 97205
Neighborhoods: Southwest Portland, Downtown
(503) 916-9631
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 3:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
24 reviews for Ali Baba's Turkish Kitchen
Review Highlights
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"Had a very tasty Doner Kebab wrap." In 8 reviews -
"I recommend the Kofta over Rice." In 5 reviews -
"Great lunch spot, I highly recommend this cart." In 10 reviews
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Jordan W.
Portland, OR
11/4/2011
I studied abroad in Germany (where Döner Kebab is on nearly every corner) and I can confidently say for this to get anymore authentic you would have to be standing on a Straße in Berlin. Everything from the taste of the meat to the texture and flavor of the pita transport me back to eating this marvelous dish in Germany. Absolutely delicious!
I have now visited Ali Baba's twice and both times it hasn't disappointed. It is a great and quick lunch option while downtown, one I will go to every time I am in the area because it is one of the few places you can get Döner in America. For $6 the value is spot on especially considering you get a little piece of German/Turkish cuisine on the streets of Portland. -
Review from Olivia T.
8/12/2011
I had two bites of Jesse's kebab and I wanted to shoved him off. The Kebab is that GOOD. I almost got into kebab wrestling match with my boyfriend just because dumb me didn't order this amazing thing and he was the smarty one.
Next time, Ali Baba, your kebab will be mine! -
Review from Paul V.
8/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Having coincidentally spent several months in London, mecca of both Greek Gyros and Turkish Doners, before coming to Portland for a visit, I was looking forward to see what the States would be able to serve up.
Star 1 - Was the service good?
Portland's Food Stand culture is something that everyone should experience for themselves. Miles beyond the bottom-of-the-barrel Mexican food that's commonly associated with Food Stands in Los Angeles, many of these Portland Originals dish up some of the best fast food in Portland, and Ali Baba's doesn't disappoint. My server was both friendly and prompt, running each of my friends and I through a quick doner customization list to make sure we were all satisfied. Star Granted.
Star 2 - How were the portions relative to the cost?
For about $6, the kebabs at Ali Baba's are priced comparatively to other fast food options, and their doner wraps, while not as large as they could be, are no doubt satisfying. While I must admit I prefer to leave kebab joints with a wrap the size of a Chipotle Burrito in hand, Ali Baba's was comparitively large to the point to where I wasn't walking past other food stands dissapointed that I hadn't put my money elsewhere. Star Granted.
Stars 3/4 - Did the food taste good?
I should start off by saying that, unfortunately, Ali Baba's doner wraps were a bit off base in terms of authenticity (It should be noted that my view of authenticity may be a bit skewed as it's based off of the London kebab culture, but I feel as though it's a fair comparison). While the first warning flag was that my chicken was taken from what appeared to be a heated metal container as opposed to shaved fresh off of the rotisserie, there was also no shredded lettuce, no chili sauce, and no hot peppers. At the end of the day, Ali Baba's more closely resembled a modern-day Subway as opposed to a London Kebab stand.
That having been said, my Doner Wrap really was quite good. The meat was properly tender, the ingredients fresh, and while I'd asked for the "spiciest available", the rather mild chili powder provided a good kick. I enjoyed my meal, although I was disappointed at the lack of authenticity. Single Star Granted.
Star 5 - Would you eat it every day if you could?
After only a week in Portland I've learned that the city's quirkiness really does make it a hotbed for great food options, and the Food Stand culture especially is unlike anything I've ever seen. I very much enjoyed my doner wrap at Ali Baba's, but with the options available and the lack of authenticity a bit irking in my book, I wouldn't come every day. No Star Granted. -
Review from J. H.
Portland, OR
4/24/2011
It was raining, and I was hesitant to walk in the rain to the ATM. I then discovered this spot was accepting VISA/MasterCard. The owner is super friendly and the kebab plate was AWESOME!
Since that rainy day, I am a fan of this food cart.
I give 4 stars for GOOD food at an affordable price.
An extra star to make this review 5 stars is for the convenient payment method. -
Review from Jen B.
Portland, OR
7/20/2011
Ali Baba's do a great kebab. I was hesitant to try them because, growing up with European kebabs, I haven't had a good kebab since I moved to the States (I don't know what those pre-formed lamb patties are supposed to be!!).
Ali Baba's have good, freshly-sliced meat on a nice toasted pita and yummy yoghurt sauce. My husband had the chicken kebab on a roll and it was also delicious.
Definitely my go-to cart for kebabs from now on. -
Review from Beth N.
8/10/2011
hell yes! it is rare that i get this excited about a lunch, and this lunch deserved it. i have been searching for some turkish kafte iskendar and this is the place to get it. the $6 lunch special gives you enough food to stuff yourself and make you happy for the rest of the day.
doner kebab is like gyro meat topped with a tomato sauce and yogurt. it has a nice tangy and savory flavor to it that is just perfect. you can get it over rice, on pita or over salad. since i had never eaten there before i asked the man working there and he said his rice is very popular. so i ordered it over rice.
i am not a rice fan really, but man was it good. it was nicely seasoned and not gummy at all. it went really well with the meat. the lunch comes with a side salad too which was basic, but still great. the meat is nice and crispy and there is a good portion. all of the different elements in the dish mix so well together. i ate the entire thing and was so stuffed, but it was worth it!
this place definitely tops my list for favorite cart food. just writing about it is making me want to go there right now. -
Review from Lelio M.
Portland, OR
Yum! My neighbor turned me onto this cart with a picture of the Doner Kebab sandwich. Really a nice lunch experience. Good food, nice service, reasonable prices and a covered deck to eat your lunch at--a rarity with the cart culture.
I've only had the Doner Kebab, but they seem to put their heart and soul into the food. If you like gyros, you'll love doner kebabs. Cart is immaculate, as well, something that is important to me. -
Review from Natalie W.
Portland, OR
8/29/2010
The doner kebabs I'm used to are from Western Europe (including the German doner restaurant down the street). This one is Turkish, so it's different. Armed with this knowledge, I was ready to judge the cart individually, not compare it to what I already know and love.
Had the doner kebab sandwich. The portion is huge: $6 for that size is a great deal. It's actual sandwich bread instead of pita bread, which is different than what I'm used to (but still tasty). The chicken was juicy and the flavors were awesome (yogurt sauce, curry sauce), although I wish the "spicy" had been a bit spicier.
The cart also has a covered area for sitting and eating, which is really nice. Looking forward to trying their other items!Listed in: Tasty Food Carts
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Review from David D.
3/19/2010
Ditto what Joe V. said. I had the kebab sandwich today and I wasn't too thrilled about it. They lost me with the bread they used. For some reason they made it with rustic bread rather than the pita/flat bread. I pretty much ate a salad sandwich. For good gyros/kebas, go around the corner or across the street.
On the plus side, the staff was nice and the kebab meat was actually pretty good. I may try the kebab platter next time.Comment from Ali A. of Ali Baba's Turkish Kitchen 5/1/2010
Thanks for your comments we appreciate your honesty and… More » -
Review from Michelle M.
Portland, OR
10/6/2010
This is one of my favorite meals of all time.
I either get the doner kebab, kofta (Turkish style lamb meat ball), or the chicken if the first two are sold out. I always order it with the rice plate with Ali's incredible spices and sauces. Between the combination of flavors and perfectly prepared meat+rice I am constantly craving this meal. Also to sweeten the deal Ali himself is one of the nicest most genuine guys in town. Great lunch spot, I highly recommend this cart! -
Review from Carrie S.
San Francisco, CA
5/17/2011
My first outdoor dining experience in Portland satisified my apetite. Very juicy Doner Kebab in big portion, available in four styles (over rice, over greek salad, in a bun or in a wrap). I think the price ($6) is very cheap to a San Franciscan. One extra star for owner's kind service and friendly smile.
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Review from Cool H.
Portland, OR
2/11/2010
I work right by here, and I literally crave this stuff. I feel myself getting the shakes. And talk about authentic.
I always get the #1 it's the beef and lamb ground over rice with vegetables. So good. and ask for some spice!Listed in: Places you can find me...
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Review from Joe v.
Portland, OR
3/19/2010
Awe man!!!
I really wanted to like this place and when I saw a döner cart had popped up I was ecstatic and immediately went to try it. This is my go to food when I go to Spain and Germany for a quick delicious meal. It's like God's Hamburger! These things are amazing! Unfortunately it was not what I expected.
I ordered my döner on a bun which i assumed they meant the Turkish pita (I don't know what it's called) but it was served in an actual bun, i think cibatta. Totally not ok, too much bread! Second the döner didn't come with yogurt sauce. That's the best part besides the meat!!! Luckily they did roast the döner meat on a spit as is it supposed to be.
The pepper sauce was not spicy enough and pretty bland and the toppings used were not good either. Who puts pickles on a döner!?!
All in all a forgettable experience. But the good news is this truck made me want to open up an actual döner cart served correctly or at least start to do this at home.Comment from Ali A. of Ali Baba's Turkish Kitchen 4/29/2010
We'll be adding a new bread as additional option. It's tough… More » -
Review from Tani S.
11/23/2010
Such a friendly proprietor! It was a chilly day yesterday but we wanted to try the food carts. Ali Baba's Turkish Kitchen had an inviting seating area.
We tried two doner kebab buns as well as their soups. It was so good! The owner was so sweet moving his portable heaters so we would warm up and offering us complementary tea at the end (which was so good)...He was so sweet and we found it so interesting that he used to live in the same neck of woods we did (Chicago suburbs). We'll definitely be going back! -
Review from Courtney J.
Portland, OR
9/9/2011
So delicious! Love the chicken - really tasty spice mix, and the fresh bread was a great compliment. A messy eat, but flavors are right on.
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Review from Connie T.
Portland, OR
8/25/2010
My husband Darryl and I love going to this food stand! It is difficult not to frequent Ali's cart a few times a month. The food is absolutely amazing for the affordable price! We usually either get the doner kababs or chicken kababs served over rice. The meat is consistently tender, aromatic, so ever savory, and never greasy! I can actually taste it right now as I'm writing this.
The portion is just right, which also leaves you craving for more. Do not skip the curry sauce when you try the chicken kababs! It is so creamy and smooth! It's so good that we even ask for the curry on the doner (not customary) when we feel like having more meat. (You usually get more of it than you do with chicken.) Do try the desserts baklava and kadayif as well! You're going to want to savor them.
Another detail that we love about Ali Baba's Turkish Kitchen is that it is clean inside! Peak inside the windows and see for yourself! It gives hypochondriacs like myself a peace of mind while eating. I should point out that we once caught him cleaning on a day that the stand wasn't even open! He was so proud of how sanitary his cart was that he even told us to look underneath it. haha
If you want an affordable meal that is delicious as it is healthy, please visit this stand! You'll also leave impressed with all the smiling faces there! -
Review from Kevin G.
San Ramon, CA
3/31/2011
Whenever I order kebabs, the person taking my money is usually a prick, but that's not the case at Ali Baba's. This dude is so friendly and he makes a mean kebab. It's a little expensive, but whatever, I'm filthy rich. I recommend this spot to anyone who's hungry and is passing through the neighborhood. 5 stars all the way.
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Review from Kevin L.
Portland, OR
5/19/2011
Had a very tasty Doner Kebab wrap. Good size, flatbread was slightly crisp, decent amount of meat, sauce, veggies. Definitely an option to satisfy my gyro fix.
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Review from Kris M.
Hillsboro, OR
9/14/2011
Awesome food!! Ali Baba's is top 2 on my list of food carts in Portland. The service is awesome, the food is amazing (so much flavor!), and every time I recommend them to someone for lunch they come back raving about how good it was. You must eat there!!!
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Review from Kenneth H.
Portland, OR
3/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Do you like Turkish food? If you aren't sure then you probably do. Because when you put Asia and Europe together great things happen, great things like Doner. Finely shaved beefn'lamb off of the rotating meat log piled high on a bed of rice covered in some sort of curry-ish sauce. Throw in a small salad and a slice of orange and you have a filling cart meal for 6.50. If you want a piece of flat bread (pita like) and red (think tomato) sauce instead that option is an Iskendar (which is the Turkish name for Alexander the Great) and will cost you like a dollar more or something. You can get it wrapped up, but I prefer eating my meat shavings with a fork (its a texture thing). The food is good quality, and definitely fills you up. It is the perfect wedding of quality and quantity and I will be returning.
On a strange side note this Doner reminded me more of the places I visited in Kreutzberg Berlin than the ones in Turkey, but minus the omnipresent red and white sauce that you find at every one of these places everywhere in Europe.Listed in: Food Carts
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Review from Michelle H.
Portland, OR
10/29/2009 1 photo
You had me at gigantic free sample.
Ali is brilliant for doing this. I am a sucker for Turkish food, but in a sea of awesome choices, I need something extra to draw me in. You pretty much get a hearty mini version of either the kofte and rice or the chicken and rice. I tried the kofte--the right mix of ground beef and spice. I ended up following through with the kofte on rice with the shepherd's salad. The salad is almost like a pico de gallo that isn't spicy. The meal was simple and delicious. The flavor of the meatballs really stood out against the rice and simple salad. You do get a hearty helping of cacik to mix in with your rice and salad, but it was almost too neutral. I know it probably isn't traditional, but if I could have had a couple squirts of hot sauce, I'd have been even happier with an already great meal. The price, $6.50, was worthy for the portions you get. They don't skimp on the kofte, which I was afraid of.
I also picked up a Turkish coffee while I was at it. It takes a few extra minutes, but absolutely worth it. They don't have to-go containers for the coffee, so you'll have to sip it there from the cute cup and saucer. It seems a little crazy, spending $2.50 on what is essentially a shot of coffee, but the rich, creamy treat is worth it. You wouldn't want much more than that.
They serve dessert, but I can't imagine packing that away after all the rice.
They're one of the few carts getting on the bandwagon of accepting VISA/MasterCard. I could hug them for this. I realize the fees suck, but I'm 10x more likely to eat at a cart that accepts cards.
The service was super friendly--chatting me up about where I worked and what my weekend plans were. They kept their tables and chairs dry, which is huge when you're trying to eat outside in October.
I'm glad I let the sample win me over.Listed in: Carte Blanche!
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Review from Wulfstan C.
Santa Rosa, CA
8/10/2010
This place is great and just about the best and most authentic Turkish food I've had so far in the US. I have not had the Iskender here, so cannot review that (it's one of my ultimate tests for great Turkish food), but the doner meat is excellent and authentic and the buttery rice is also just like Turkey. The fact that it is a small street-side food stand is even better, making it great for a quick, inexpensive meal and also giving one the feel of a street-side bufe or doner stand in Turkey.
For those, as I see in other posts, complaining about it being "for some reason" on "rustic" bread rather than a pita or "flatbread" (presumably meaning lavash), this is more authentic to real Turkish food. Although one finds lavash (a Persian bread) a lot in Turkey, it is typically used for things such as gozleme (a Turkish-style quesadilla typically with feta and herbs) or other things, and is not normally used for doner. One my see it more in the eastern part of the country, but it is simply not the norm for this food. Pita (in Turkish, pide), is, first, not the thin, flat thing usually seen in this country or a "pocket" and, moreover, in its true form is normally not used for doner but for pizza. -
Review from Kristi T.
Tucson, AZ
6/13/2011
Staff was super helpful! Gave us samples to try and we were convinced to eat here. We had the Ali's doner kebab wraps. They were excellent.
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Review from Scott S.
White Salmon, WA
3/14/2010
I've had kofta all over Istanbul and Bodrum Turkey, and I can say with some authority that Ali Baba's kofta (meat patties) rival the best you can find in Turkey. I recommend the Kofta over Rice. It's to die for. And the baklavah is excellent--fresh and delicious. And what a nice guy. I'm a fan on Facebook. I could go on and on, but best you just go try the food. You'll be hooked.
