Mubarak Shawarma now open at 225 S. 45th St. (Photo by Rana Fayez)

The 45th street block between Locust Ave and Walnut Ave has seen a couple of new restaurants as of late, the newest of which is Mubarak Shawarma, has opened in the space where Ethio Cafe used to be.

Helmed by Jemila Mohamed, the restaurant will be offering Ethiopian and Middle Eastern food – breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you’ve had injera bread at a restaurant in Philly, chances are good you have already tasted her cooking. She has been making the signature bread out of her home kitchen and supplying it to restaurants, grocery stores and bodegas.

“So far I’m the No. 1 injera maker in Philadelphia,” says Mohamed. “It’s always been my dream to cook, I’ve always been cooking.”

Mubarak Shawarma has been open for about two weeks, but does not plan on making any drastic changes to the interior of the restaurant and the menu, only make additions to the menu. Mohamed says she was friends with the previous owner and that was how she found out about the storefront vacancy. 

“The lady that owned the previous restaurant told me she was going to sell her business so I bought it.”

Offerings from the previous menu such as Sambusa, Beef Tibs and Doro Wat will still be available, along with additions such as Shawarma, Kofta and Falafel.

The plan is to install a new sandwich station and a new register. In a couple of months, Mohamed also plans on putting together a more inclusive menu. Ethiopian coffee will also be available. The restaurant will be open from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday with the exception of Sunday, when it will be open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

– Rana Fayez