To my knowledge, the newly dubbed Petra Mediterranean Restaurant (37 Bank St., part of the Underground Station retail plaza) is the only locally-owned, independent (bricks ‘n’ mortar) purveyor of Middle Eastern food in Southern Indiana. Google corroborates this, but if I’m mistaken, please let me know.
Operating until now as Aladdin’s, the Sajaja family business has been a staple of downtown New Albany since 2013, having moved to its current location in 2016.
For an excellent account of how Petra came to be, see this undated article by Tony Pacheco in The Horizon (IU Southeast’s student newspaper): A Taste of the Mediterranean in Southern Indiana.
Aladdin’s menu includes standard Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, including gyros, shawarma, kebabs, falafel and hummus. Customers can also get their own pot of Turkish coffee.
(Owner Mike) Sajaja said many of his ingredients are imported directly from the Mediterranean and Middle East, including their olives and pickles. He said this is to help provide a better level of authenticity.
As for the new name, Petra is a special, world-renowned place.
Petra is an ancient archaeological site located in Jordan. It is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and later became a significant trading hub. (It) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, (noted) for its archaeological and historical significance.
At Facebook, the new name is explained.
The full text:
Dear Friends,
After more than a decade of serving you as Aladdin’s Mediterranean Cuisine/ Aladdin’s Cafe, we’ve decided it’s time for a name that truly reflects our heritage and the authentic flavors of our food. We are excited to introduce our new name: Petra Mediterranean Restaurant.
Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, holds a special place in our hearts—it’s just an hour from where we grew up. This name change is not just about rebranding; it’s about embracing our roots and sharing a piece of our culture with you.
Over the years, we’ve noticed that hundreds of restaurants across the U.S. use the name “Aladdin’s,” including a regional fast-food chain with a similar menu. Unfortunately, this has led to confusion, with many assuming we are part of that chain. To set ourselves apart and stay true to our identity, we have chosen a name that best represents who we are.
We are incredibly grateful for the love and support you’ve shown us over the past 11 years, and we look forward to continuing to serve you—
just as we always have.
With gratitude,
Petra Mediterranean Restaurant
