Huge portions, unfriendly service, and clean seating area. Ordered the falafel gyro with white and coriander sauces, as well as the pakora chips The portion size of the gyro was huge, and it was absolutely delicious. It was also very aesthetically appealing, and I was sorry I didn't snap a picture. The pakora chips were tasty, but reminded me of potato wedges more than South Asian style pakoras. If I were to go back, I would get the pakora chips, but they are definitely misleadingly labelled. Shah's appears to be more of a takeout spot than a dine-in restaurant, but the seating area and restroom were spotless. The establishment is also very conveniently located, and ample parking was available on a weekday evening, though I am unsure about weekends. The person who took our order and assembled the gyros was not very warm or welcoming, though they were efficient. At one point, I felt sorry for having intruded into the establishment. At a place where dine-in is an option, that should not be the case. Overall, I would get take-out from here if I'm in the city again (the food is reasonably priced) but do not plan to dine-in. read more

First time here. Ordered the chicken sandwich with fries and a side of pita bread. We also got regular baklava and an assorted pack that came with a birds next, more baklava and other assorted treats. I wish the baklava was homemade read more

Shah's Halal Food is a chain of fast-casual Halal restaurants that launched in Queens, New York in 2005. It was founded by Afghan immigrant Ibrahim Mashriqi and his two business partners Shafiq "Shah" Mashriqi and Rahimullah Mashriqi. The business began with a simple food cart that would set up each day at the corner of 121st Street and Liberty Avenue in the Richmond Hill section of Queens. All of the food was prepared at home, using a small kitchen and a garage. The core menu items became their signature chicken and rice platters, gyros, chicken sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks, hot wings, and burgers. Pretty soon they couldn't keep up with the supply and demand, and more food carts started popping up around Queens. As their popularity continued to grow, the brand shifted from food carts to brick & mortar restaurants. By 2016, Ibrahim's son Khalid Mashriqi took over as CEO of the company and took over all business operations. The company is a family affair, with nearly 60% of the corporate staff made up of members of the Mashriqi family. As of 2025, there are more than 90 Shah's locations in the U.S. and more than 150 worldwide. My family and I visited Shah's Middletown location this past summer while we were in the area. This location, the fifth Shah's to open in Connecticut, opened in September 2023. Mashriqi family members Rafi Mashriqi and Mohammad Mashriqi own and operate all of the Connecticut locations. My family and l had previously ordered food from the New Haven location and loved it. For this lunch occasion, my wife and I ordered and shared the "Chicken" and "Falafel" Salad Platters while our two sons shared a "Chicken Sandwich", "Chicken Nuggets" and "French Fries". As with our previous experience in New Haven, the food at the Middletown location was delicious! I also made sure to order a couple containers of Shah's famous "White Sauce" to take home. We plan on visiting Shah's locations again and again! read more

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Came here to pick up a quick bite to eat for my mother. I ordered her the 6 piece falafel balls and a chicken gyro. Staff was very helpful and friendly. The food was okay. The falafel balls were pretty good but the chicken gyro was very soggy and after taking a few bites , I bit into a hard fat chunk of chicken. read more

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Earlier this year, we ordered chicken over rice with white sauce, falafel, and hummus with pita through DoorDash. I'm partial to food like this, so I'm generally pleased with such orders. The disk shaped falafel gets points for trying to be different. That said, I can't say they Shah's versions of these things measure up to my favorite places for similar food in CT in regard to flavors and textures. In that regard, I wouldn't recommend against Shah's, but I would recommend trying other places with similar food as well to see what you like best. 3.5 Stars read more

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This meal was good really nice portion size was able to finish it in one go but afterward, I was completely full. Definitely will order it in the future read more

Shah Halal Food - They did not have Dr Pepper - Mediterranean Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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Great new addition to Foodie St Middletown We have ordered 3x in the past two weeks. Ummm. Their chicken over rice is amazing. The rice is reminiscent of pullao.- long grain and mildly seasoned and delicious. The chicken is juicy and well sauced. We get double protein and have it for lunch next day. We get it with chick peas, lettuce, cucumber and white sauce. Soooooo gooood! It's set up like a chipotle. You choose the meats, toppings, veggies. Enjoy! Go. Just. Go. It's take-out but that's cool! Service is friendly. read more

Shah Halal Food - Looks messy tastes amazing. - Mediterranean Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Worst falafel i have ever eaten in my entire life. It tasted not fresh, had a weird texture, and the sauce they used isn't tahini. I asked 6 times if its tahini. Its not. Its disgusting ranch dressing masquerading as taziki sauce. The sandwich was soggy and fell apart as i was eating so I threw it in the garbage. read more

I was so excited to see we finally have halal food in the area! And Shah did not disappoint. I ordered delivery from UberEats, and it seems like they're running a BOGO free offer on most entrees since they are fairly new. Of course, I had to take advantage of this so I ended up getting two chicken + lamb combination rice bowls. I don't eat lamb often because I'm usually not the biggest fan of its flavor, but I loved it! I actually ended up liking it more than the chicken. Both meats had great texture, and I specifically liked how soft the lamb was. It also didn't have a strong gamey taste. I also appreciate that they put A LOT of sauce on top by default because it's the best part. The sauce was tangy and flavorful, and the ratio was perfect. Overall, the food here is great. read more

Very excited that Shah's opened up in Middletown! Shah's has always been a favorite of mine and now it is closeby. We visited this location on a Tuesday night. It's small but has a few tables inside and outside. The quality of food is really good and there is a variety of items on the menu. I got the combo platter with white sauce. We also got fries and chicken gyros which all tasted great. Can't wait to come back again. read more

Shah Halal Food - Combo platter - Mediterranean Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

First time trying and highly recommended this place. I ordered one falafel gyro and my husband ordered combo over rice . The falafel tasted so yummy and well cooked to the perfection.My husband enjoyed the rice combo had chicken and lamb with different sauces in them. Would love to come back again.Great taste good portion size and the baklava tasted so delicious.Nice customer service and friendly staff. read more

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A made-to-order fast food franchise restaurant in downtown Middletown. Their service is quick and the food is nicely presented. I ordered chicken with rice ( enough for two), and a side of crispy fried falafel. Both very good, with healthy portions. It's a storefront and the atmosphere isn't fancy, but it's very neat and clean. A good place to grab and go lunch or dinner. Recommended. read more

Good food after the bar. Big combo dish bursting with flavor! Would def return. I want to try a new dish.

Great platters. The white sauce , green sauce and hot sauce are all great. I recommend the platters Z. Enjoy.

Very good for halal food. If you're looking for a wholesome and healthy meal, Shah Halal is a great option. Takeout service was quick and efficient when I ordered. My only complaint is about price. Ingredients are basic and easy to prepare at home for a fraction of the price. Maybe Shah Halal could offer a few more options that are a smaller serving for less money? Either way, I will certainly consider coming back. read more

I've been here multiple times since they've opened and have never been disappointed. After living 10 years in NYC and eating Halal food from countless street carts, I like to think I know what's good or not by now. Well, this one definitely has my approval. The rice is perfectly moist and fluffy and lightly seasoned, and I have had the lamb and chicken platters and the meat for both is very nicely spiced and rich in flavor. I love that they let you choose your toppings as well including different veggies, sauces and hummus. The food is served quickly and you can take it home or choose to eat there although it is a bit of a small space with limited seating. The staff is friendly and accommodating as well and have great recommendations. I would advise to try their spicy green sauce (ask for it on the side) it's not actually that spicy but adds even more flavor! For the less adventurous people out there, they also serve hamburgers and chicken sandwiches as well. I definitely recommend this spot to anyone that wants to try it out. read more

Shah Halal Food - Lamb over rice with white sauce - Mediterranean Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Very good. I've had food from here multiple times at this point. Chicken over rice or the chicken gyro are my go-to!!

Most of the food was tasty but the hummus was the thickest most unspreadale stuff I ever had. The platters are well priced and the serving generous. However the staff seemed disorganized. Everyone was told their order would take 5 minutes. Ours and most people's was closer to 25. There are only three tables in terrible condition. One of the chairs actually collapsed for one diner and he was not large. For a newer place to have such worn stuff is not acceptable. I was hoping for more. I hope they get it together. read more

The chicken over rice was so good! Also, they had a special going. Buy one meal get one free. Added the white sauce on the side. I'm glad we tried Shah's. read more

I had the lamb over rice with white sauce and cucumber salad. I have to say it was full of flavors from around the world. The concept of ordering is super easy, subway style ordering. Can't wait to go back and get a gyro!! Will be back real soon. read more

Shah Halal Food - Chicken over rice with cucumber salad and white sauce. - Mediterranean Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Amazing. Just make sure to order easy on the sauce. Otherwise they will put too much.

Open disclosure, wife and I love a certain halal chain in NYC, for Real, you Guys. I've been hoping to have a halal place open closer to us in CT, and after a coworker gave a thumbs up, I grabbed some takeout. It's a hard charging second to our fave. Wife and I split a chicken platter, and our daughter had a fish. Both were excellent. I will absolutely say the counter guy was much more amendable than the average trailer halal guy in NY. read more

Visited on a Thursday night, and pleasantly surprised by the food as someone used to NYC halal food! Will stop by when in the area in the future :) read more

Shah Halal Food - Mediterranean Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

I tried this place last night for take out and it was delicious. I got the chicken and lamb platter and my husband got the falafel platter. We both loved the meal with the salad and the rice. Really good. We also added the fried potatoes and again...delicious. We Will be back read more

I called ahead to place a larger order for a group of people. After they took my order, they said it would be ready in 5-10 minutes. Once I got to the store, nothing was made yet. They asked me what I wanted on my orders even though I ordered ahead. I had to make a call to see what everyone wanted again and then told the guy at the counter what the meals were again. After I hung up, he asked me what I wanted on my orders. The chicken came out chewy and the orders were never made correctly. read more

Nice store front and happy to have a Shah's locally. However, the girl that served us tonight was extremely rude. She barely put a scoop of salad in my platter and then was throwing the dipping spoons as she was mad that I asked. Service is everything for a business. I don't think I'll be back with the impression I got with this location read more

This is my repeat delivery order- always arrives beautifully packaged, still hot, and scrumptious

Staff was friendly, food was great and has good portions. Always love to have more halal options in central CT, will come by often

I did not have a good experience. My party entered the restaurant with suitcases, luggage, and 20 minutes to spare before our Amtrack arrived. We figured takeout would be quick and easy, and we could eat while we waited. When we arrived, we decided on two gyros and one bowl. We were told the gyros would take 3 minutes to warm up and made our bowl, which wasn't given to us for some reason but was put off to the side. We paid and sat down to wait. Almost on cue, a handful of people came in at once with separate orders. During this time, we didn't get our gyros nor were we called upon. After 10 minutes, the room cleared and we walked to the counter and asked if the food was ready. There was a different server who had no clue who we were. We said we paid for the food and the guy didn't offer to make our food then and there, but just said the lady was on her break. We reiterated our point and he left to get her. While waiting, we noticed our premade bowl was gone. The lady returned, and initially ignored us for a second to prepare another order right in front of us! After a minute, she looked at us like we were completely new people and a nuisance. We told her what happened, and she begrudgingly got to work. The first gyro she made without gloves on, which we had to remind her to wear. The food was made in just 5 minutes. Horrible experience that almost made us late for our train ride. The food was good, but not good enough to forgive the treatment we received. read more

Leaves a great taste in your mouth, and I'm not just talking about the food. Service is spectacular and the food is delicious. Simple and straightforward menu and pricing, staff is helpful and friendly. read more

Went in last night for the first time only to pick up a menu. I was overcome by the delicious smell of the restaurant that I placed an order to go. We had gotten a falafel platter and a chicken platter which were absolutely delicious. Not only were there so many flavors with each bite, the presentation was so pretty with all of the colors from the toppings with the perfect amount of sauce drizzeled on top. Yash, our server, was super friendly and you could tell he wanted his customers to be happy. Well in our case, he succeeded! I highly recommend coming here, I will be back for certain. read more

By far the least fresh gyro I've had my entire life tzatziki comes in a sealed pouch not made fresh tomatoes looked like they've been sitting out for at least 3 days the chicken was scooped out of a warming container and the shawarma was bad looking meat also scooped out of a warming container I will say the staff always lovely but the food was an ALL TIME DISSAPOINTMENT try crazy gyro in southington gyro love in Cromwell instead read more

Worked late . Food was absolutely amazing and delicious . I can't say enough about how fresh everything was . My new go to spot .

Want great food, friendly staff and prices really well? Come here. Owners were extremely friendly and delicious food. Have been here a few times already since they opened. Some tables outside to eat which was nice and inside was very clean. read more

This is my new favorite place , great prices and awesome food! I would eat here everyday!

Food was amazing and service was incredibly personal. Best new restaurant on the middletown main street strip.