Morris Park BID helps spotlight Bronx’s newest Yemeni seafood restaurant
Inside a small kitchen tucked along Morris Park Avenue, chef and owner Nasim is preparing one of his first major catering orders at Alshaibani, believed to be the nation’s first Yemeni seafood restaurant.
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The Morris Park Business Improvement District is continuing its push to rebuild and revitalize the East Bronx — and its latest success story is a cultural first for the neighborhood.
Inside a small kitchen tucked along Morris Park Avenue, chef and owner Nasim is preparing one of his first major catering orders at Alshaibani, believed to be the nation’s first Yemeni seafood restaurant.
“We have a whole plate of salmon that just got done… all this is gonna go out for one of the biggest catering order we have today…” he said, moving quickly as a rush approached.
Nasim, known as “Chef Nas,” says his goal is to bring an authentic piece of Yemen to the Bronx. The restaurant’s menu includes traditional dishes — including one he’s especially proud of.
“The one and only rashush bread,” he said. “Only made by hand.”
Though the restaurant has only been open for two months, Nasim says business has been steady — and growing.
“It’s an amazing team, and I’m very very proud to be apart of it,” he said.
Yemeni cooking, he explains, is rooted in tradition and fast, high-heat techniques that draw out rich flavors in each dish.
Without spending any money on advertising, Nasim credits much of the restaurant’s early momentum to the Morris Park Business Improvement District, which has made it a priority to promote cultural businesses and small neighborhood spots.
“Every time we do something about, you know, culture and again, highlighting the history, everybody’s extremely interested,” said Camelia Tepelus, the BID’s executive director.
The BID recently received $25 million in state funding and was recognized as an “unsung hero” for its work. Tepelus says the new money will help small cultural businesses upgrade their storefronts, making the corridor more inviting for residents and visitors.
With its bright, sea-themed design inside and out, Alshaibani is the type of business the BID hopes to highlight as the neighborhood evolves.
“People just enjoy having a more elevated sort of, public streetscape and shared spaces,” Tepelus said.
Tepelus adds that expanding that mission across the East Bronx remains a top priority.
