From handmade dough to heartfelt hospitality: a taste of Palestine in Fishers

I recently had a wonderful experience at Al Manakeesh in Fishers and wanted to share my thoughts on this local gem.

During a recent breakfast meeting, I had the opportunity to speak with the owner, Kamal. His passion for authentic Palestinian cuisine and hospitality truly stood out. Everything at Al Manakeesh is made fresh from scratch using high-quality ingredients, including meat sourced from Michigan and traditional items like za’atar, Palestinian olive oil, Akkawi cheese, and labneh.

Photo provided by Pooja Thakkar

Their specialties center around manakeesh – traditional Middle Eastern flatbreads – baked in a Turkish brick oven at 600 degrees. The open kitchen allows guests to watch the dough being hand-shaped and prepared. Beyond their savory options, like the unique baked falafel pie and double-layered meat and cheese pies, their sweet treats are exceptional. Kamal treated us to an incredible warm sweet pie topped with ishta, honey, and pistachios.

What makes Al Manakeesh truly special is its focus on community and cultural sharing, evident down to the educational packaging that accompanies the food. It is a fantastic place to slow down, enjoy authentic flavors, and learn about Levantine food culture.

Photo provided by Pooja Thakkar

I highly recommend giving it a try the next time you are looking for a great meal in Fishers.

Pooja Thakkar is working to build cultural connections. You can read her column each week in the pages of The Reporter.