Hummus, kabobs and gyros, who could ask for anything more delicious? This week the Jersey Diner crew tried out Norma’s Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Restaurant in Cherry Hill. Located in the Barclay Shopping Center right off of Marlton Pike, this inviting cafe serves dishes from all over the eastern Mediterranean and even has an attached mini-grocery.
With plenty of parking and a friendly atmosphere, we wanted to note that takeout orders are picked up at the checkout desk at their grocery store, which has a separate entrance next to the restaurant. If you have a moment, take a look around! Norma’s has a wonderful selection of Middle Eastern snacks, sauces, jarred foods and other goods that you won’t find at your regular grocery store.
Now onto the review. If you want the most bang for your buck and are looking to feed a few, the maza is the way to go. For $45 you get an assortment of their house specialties, including containers of hummus, baba ghanouj and tabouli as well as stuffed grape leaves, marinated feta, falafel and kibbi. You also get an entree combination of lamb, chicken and kafta kabobs served over rice pilaf.
We have to admit, Norma’s makes a great hummus. Super smooth and topped with a generous pour of quality olive oil, the crew had to stop themselves from eating it all right away. The baba ghanouj was equally good, with a smokey flavor that complimented the eggplant base. We also enjoyed the tabouli, which consisted of chopped parsley, diced tomatoes and onions, cracked bulgur wheat and spices with an olive oil and lemon juice dressing. The marinated feta, which combines feta cheese, tomatoes and onions, marinated in EVOO, is a great spread and works as a topping or dip for the provided flat breads!
Stuffed grape leaf lovers will appreciate Norma’s, as they are truly stuffed. Even those in the crew who don’t traditionally like this dish enjoyed these. Similarly, the falafel was clearly made in-house and was well seasoned and fried to perfection. Also fried, the kibbi was great too!
As for the entree, Norma’s knows how to make tender and well seasoned meat. The lamb, chicken and kafta kabobs were finished first, pairing great with a bed of buttery rice that made this meal extra filling.
Dining and Cooking