Uncle Taher

- 7204 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209

New York City's culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven with flavors from every corner of the globe. Among the boroughs, Brooklyn stands out as a hub for truly authentic international cuisine, particularly in neighborhoods like Bay Ridge. If you’re a New Yorker seeking an unforgettable and genuinely traditional Middle Eastern dining experience, look no further than Uncle Taher on Fifth Avenue. This restaurant is a celebrated destination for authentic Yemeni cuisine, offering a menu rich with slow-cooked meats, aromatic spices, and hearty, comforting dishes that speak directly to the soul of Yemeni culinary heritage.

Uncle Taher has cemented its reputation among local food enthusiasts as a reliable source for high-quality, flavorful food. While the dining scene in Bay Ridge boasts a strong presence of Middle Eastern establishments, Uncle Taher distinguishes itself by focusing squarely on the robust and distinctive flavors of Yemen. Diners are invited to experience dishes that are both deeply traditional and expertly prepared, making it a perfect spot for those who are new to Yemeni food and those who seek a taste of home. From the moment you step inside, you are transported away from the bustling streets of Brooklyn into a warm, inviting space dedicated to serving traditional meals with quick, friendly service. It is a place where every platter is prepared to be shared, in the true spirit of Middle Eastern hospitality.

The menu is comprehensive, covering all the bases from satisfying appetizers to signature entrées and unique breakfast items. Many New Yorkers rave about the freshness and quality of the offerings. For example, the experience starts right with the basics, like the fresh-baked, tandoori-style homemade bread, or Yemeni Bread, which is the perfect companion to their rich and creamy Hummus. Beyond the familiar Middle Eastern staples, the restaurant features specialty dishes like Shakshooka Eggs, a Yemeni-style scrambled eggs cooked with onions and tomatoes, making it a fantastic choice for an authentic and savory start to the day. The diversity of the menu ensures that there is a deeply satisfying meal for everyone, whether you are craving slow-cooked lamb or a hearty vegetarian stew.

In a city overflowing with dining options, Uncle Taher stands out for its commitment to serving authentic Yemeni food, a cuisine that is becoming increasingly popular in the New York area. It’s an ideal spot for a family meal, a casual lunch, or a satisfying dinner that offers far more than just sustenance—it offers a cultural experience.

Location and Accessibility

Uncle Taher is conveniently situated in the heart of Bay Ridge, one of Brooklyn’s most diverse and welcoming neighborhoods. This prime location on Fifth Avenue places it right in the middle of a lively commercial corridor, making it easily accessible for Brooklyn residents and visitors from other boroughs. Bay Ridge is well-known for its rich collection of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean businesses, and Uncle Taher fits right in as a cornerstone of this culinary community.

The restaurant's address is 7204 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA. Getting there is straightforward, whether you're traveling by public transit or driving. The neighborhood is served by local buses and is a reasonable distance from major subway lines, offering accessibility to those commuting from Manhattan, Queens, or deeper parts of Brooklyn. For those driving, street parking can be found in the vicinity, though, as with many bustling NYC neighborhoods, it is always wise to allow for extra time. The ease of access makes Uncle Taher a perfect weekday lunch spot, a destination for a weekend family dinner, or a quick, quality takeout option. The location in Bay Ridge not only provides convenience but also ensures a vibrant, neighborhood-centric atmosphere that enhances the dining experience.

Services Offered

Uncle Taher is dedicated to making its authentic Yemeni cuisine available to the community through a variety of convenient services. The core offerings are centered around providing a clean, welcoming environment for a full-service dining experience, complemented by options for enjoying the food at home or on the go.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy the full, authentic experience in the restaurant's welcoming and clean environment, which is frequently noted in customer reviews for its excellent upkeep.
• Takeout: For customers in a hurry or who prefer to eat at home, the entire menu is available for quick and easy pickup.
• Delivery: Uncle Taher partners with third-party delivery services, ensuring that the delicious, piping-hot food can be brought right to your door in the Bay Ridge and surrounding Brooklyn areas.
• Lunch and Dinner: The menu is suitable for a substantial midday meal or a hearty, family-style dinner.
• Authentic Yemeni Menu: A comprehensive selection of appetizers, breakfast dishes, lamb entrées, chicken entrées, grilled items, seafood, and desserts, providing a truly specialized culinary focus.

Features / Highlights

Uncle Taher shines not just for its cuisine, but for several operational and menu-specific qualities that make it a standout choice for New Yorkers seeking high-quality Middle Eastern food. These features are often highlighted by repeat customers and contribute to the restaurant's reputation for excellence and authenticity.

• Authentic Yemeni Cuisine: The primary highlight is the deep focus on traditional Yemeni recipes and flavors, a cuisine less common than broader Middle Eastern fare, providing a unique and special culinary niche.
• Signature Slow-Cooked Meats: Dishes like Haneeth Lamb (slow roasted lamb) are renowned, showcasing a cooking technique that results in incredibly tender and flavorful meat infused with traditional Yemeni spices.
• Hot Clay Pot Dishes: Specialties such as Fahsa (shredded lamb stew) and Salta (mixed vegetable stew) are served bubbling hot in traditional clay pots, a presentation that maintains heat and often imparts a slightly smoky, earthy flavor, as noted by appreciative diners.
• Exceptional Cleanliness: Multiple customer reviews emphasize the very clean restaurant environment, including the bathrooms, which speaks to a high standard of operation and professionalism.
• Quick and Friendly Service: The staff is consistently praised for providing fast, efficient, and welcoming service, which enhances the overall dining experience, especially during busy hours.
• Family-Style Options: The menu is well-suited for sharing, with large entrées and platters (such as the Mixed Grill family style platter) that are perfect for groups and family gatherings.
• Special Tea Offerings: The Adeni Chai is a popular beverage choice, described as "flavorful and delicious," making for a perfect end to the meal.
• Freshly Baked Bread: The presence of fresh-baked Yemeni Bread (Khobz Tannour), often served on the side, is a staple of the authentic experience.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers interested in dining at or ordering from Uncle Taher, the necessary contact and location details are provided below.

Address: 7204 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA

Phone: (718) 808-8877

What is Worth Choosing

For first-time visitors or seasoned patrons, selecting a dish from Uncle Taher's rich menu can be a delightful dilemma. To fully appreciate the culinary artistry of this Bay Ridge gem, New Yorkers should focus on the deeply traditional and highly-praised specialties that define Yemeni cooking.

One of the most essential choices is the Lamb Haneeth. This slow-cooked lamb, marinated in a blend of imported traditional spices, is a hallmark of the cuisine and consistently receives high marks for its incredible tenderness and deep flavor. Paired with aromatic basmati rice, it is a truly satisfying and classic Yemeni main course.

Another must-try is any of the dishes served in the bubbling Clay Pots. Specifically, the Fahsa (a traditional shredded lamb stew) or the Salta (a vegetarian vegetable stew) are signature experiences. Served in a sizzling hot stone pot, these stews offer a depth of flavor and a unique texture that is unique to the region. As one reviewer noted, this cooking method can impart a "slightly smoky flavor," enhancing the rich seasoning.

For poultry lovers, the Chicken Kabsa and Chicken Agda Curry are both excellent options. The Kabsa features chicken mixed with aromatic rice, while the Agda (a stir-fried chicken and vegetable dish) offers a flavorful stew-like consistency. The Chicken Agda Curry specifically has been cited as a favorite, especially when enjoyed with the accompanying homemade bread.

To start the meal, don't overlook the appetizers. The Hummus, praised by customers for its fresh quality, is a perfect dip for the fluffy, tandoori-baked Yemeni Bread. Conclude your visit with a cup of the highly-recommended Adeni Chai—a sweet and perfectly spiced tea that provides a warm, comforting finish.

In summary, Uncle Taher offers New Yorkers a clean, welcoming, and authentic experience with a focus on the rich, hearty, and aromatic flavors of traditional Yemeni cuisine. Its Bay Ridge location makes it an essential visit for anyone in the region looking to explore one of the Middle East's most distinct and rewarding culinary traditions.

Uncle Taher

7204 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA