Meet the Menu

Say "Marhaba" to a few Shami staples...

Shami Café is a flavorful embodiment of the life of owner / chef Wael Elasady,

who was born and raised in Damascus but came of age as an Arab-American here in the US.

At Shami, we believe something magical happens when people from different walks of life sit down at the same table to exchange food, stories, and perspective.

That is why we strive to introduce our Portland neighbors to the true beauty and charm of Syrian food, culture, and people.

So come on in to Shami Café and say "Marhaba" (مرحبا) or ‘Hello’ to some of our delicious home cooked Syrian dishes!

Kufta Kabob

Bold, iconic, and unmistakably Shami.

Tender, flame-grilled perfection — our juicy Kufta is a handcrafted blend of seasoned lamb and beef, bursting with bold, savory flavor.

Served plated with fluffy Basmati rice or wrapped in a warm lavash, our Kufta is topped with creamy hummus, crispy French fries, fresh parsley, sumac slaw, and a drizzle of our house-made tahini.

Falafel

Made fresh every morning from a blend of hand-soaked local chickpeas, aromatic herbs, and our signature spice mix, each falafel ball is fried to crunchy perfection while staying tender and fluffy inside.

Served piping hot in our signature Crunch Wrap or Bowl, these falafel are nestled in warm pita or plated generously with fresh vegetables, pickles, and a drizzle of house-made tahini sauce.

M'sabaha

Portlanders love hummus — but they’ve never had it like this.

Our Syrian-style hummus is next level: a cloud of smooth, fluffy, creamy perfection—fresh daily and bursting with unforgettable flavor.

This is M’sabaha, straight from the streets of old Damascus — topped with warm jalapeño chickpeas and a swirl of olive oil, served with crisp Syrian pickles, zesty olives, and soft, warm pita.

Shawarma

One bite, and you’re back on the streets of Damascus — where the scent of char and spice fills the air and every bite is a piece of heaven.

Thinly sliced, flame-roasted chicken, marinated to perfection and seared for that irresistible street-side char. Wrapped in soft lavash with a slather of toum — our bold, creamy garlic-lemon aioli — plus crispy fries and tangy pickles.

Bold. Nostalgic. Absolutely to die for.

Saltat Fatoush

Crisp mixed greens and Syrian cabbage slaw tossed with sumac vinaigrette and topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, and crunchy pita chips, finished with a drizzle of pomegranate molasses.

A beloved Levantine staple that shows just how bright and complex a salad can be. This classic brings together freshness, crunch, acid, and sweetness in a way that feels both comforting and unexpectedly vibrant.

Kunafe

Meet our Palestinian style Kunafe: Crispy, buttery kataifi pastry layered with rich, melted Akkawi cheese — a heavenly balance of salty and sweet.

Finished with pistachios and a drizzle of fragrant rose syrup, it’s the dreamiest, most decadent bite on the menu.

Golden, gooey, and utterly irresistible — especially with a cup of cardamom-infused Arabic coffee.

Meet the Menu

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