When I arrived in Little Palestine for the Arab America Summit, I expected a weekend of panels, performances, and passionate discussions. What I didn’t expect was how deeply this neighborhood would move me. Arab Americans from across the country had gathered to celebrate heritage, identity, and unity, and Little Palestine felt like the heartbeat of it all. The music in the air, the scent of cardamom coffee, the laughter spilling from family-run restaurants — everything here told a story of home away from home.
A Neighborhood Built on History and Heart
Little Palestine’s charm isn’t just in its food and culture, it’s in its resilience. Arab immigrants began settling in this area as early as the late 1800s, bringing with them their entrepreneurial spirit, craftsmanship, and love of community. Over generations, they opened grocery stores, cafés, bakeries, and restaurants that became both livelihood and legacy.
Today, Arab Americans continue to drive the economic vitality of this neighborhood — turning it into a thriving hub where old-world traditions meet new-world energy. Walking down its streets, you can feel the pride of a community that has helped shape the cultural and culinary identity of American cities.
To check out my lively food and culture tour, click on my new video below! (more detail on the destinations I visited below)
Five Must-Visit Spots in Little Palestine
1. Mokafe Yemeni Coffee House – 1022 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503
The ancient traditions of Yemeni coffee meet a groovy modern interior. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by the deep, earthy aroma of freshly roasted beans. Mokafe celebrates Yemen’s ancient coffee traditions, offering brews that are rich, spiced, and soulful. Each cup feels like a tribute to the origins of coffee itself, and to the artisans who keep those roots alive. Grab a rich Dubai brownie, pistachio croissant, or a biscoff tres leches cake for the full indulgent experince. Starbucks will look boring in comparison.
2. Asal Bee Honey
Trade in your cough syrup for a spoonful of this syrupy sugar! This small, gleaming shop is a testament to nature’s sweetness and the craftsmanship of Arab beekeepers. You’ll find jars of golden honey sourced from across the Middle East and locally produced blends infused with herbs and flowers. Each batch of honey has a medicinal property, from aiding digestion to soothing a sore throat It’s not just a store — it’s a celebration of health, heritage, and sustainability.
3. Nouri Brother’s Market 999 Main Street,Paterson, NJ 07503
Nour Market feels like a sensory journey through the Arab world. The aisles overflow with fragrant spices, olive oils, and fresh produce. Locals stop here not only to shop, but to catch up with friends and share family recipes, a reminder that community thrives where food does.
4. Darna Restaurant
“Darna” means “our home,” and the name couldn’t be more fitting. The moment you walk in, you’re treated like family. From the sizzling kebabs to the fragrant rice dishes and mezze platters, every plate at Darna is prepared with love and meant to be shared. Don’t leave without trying the house hummus and baba ghanouj as well as their mixed grill plate on a bed of fluffy turmeric rice.
5. Nablus Sweets
If heaven had a flavor, it might taste like kanafeh from Nablus Sweets. This iconic dessert spot serves some of the best Palestinian pastries in the country — gooey cheese layered with crispy semolina and drenched in syrup. Each bite is nostalgia and joy rolled into one, made just like they do from the origin city of this confection: Nablus Palestine.
A Living Mosaic of America
Little Palestine isn’t just a neighborhood — it’s a living mosaic of stories, songs, and shared meals. It reminds us that America’s cities have always been shaped by immigrants who carried their culture in their hearts and their recipes in their hands.
As I left the Arab America Summit, I realized that Little Palestine is more than a destination. It’s a feeling of warmth, resilience, and belonging. And if you ever find yourself nearby, come hungry — not just for food, but for connection.
