Downtown Glens Falls has a unique new lunch and dinner spot!
Alif Café, at 193 Glen Street in the former Samantha’s Cafe space, features Pakistani and South Asian street food, chais and coffees, the energetic 24-year-old owner Muhammad Saud told Glens Falls Living.
His parents own the Tandoori Grill and the original Alif Café in Lake George Village, but Mr. Saud said “Our cuisine has been missing in Glens Falls for some time.”
“I was looking to open a new restaurant, and I looked everywhere from New York City to Houston, but I decided it was time Glens Falls got some mideastern cuisine!” he said. “We love Glens Falls! My family has been part of this community for nine years. We feel like we know exactly what Glens Falls needs.”
Alif Café opened on January 15. A proper “grand opening” is planned when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, Mr. Saud said.
Muhammad Saud at Alif Café
He describes South Asian food as diverse, flavorful and aromatic.
“We’re known for our diversity and our love for street food,” he said. “It’s not overpowering, but more of a blend of spices.”
Karahi chicken bowls, served with basmati rice, bread and salad, “have been going out the door like crazy,” Mr. Saud said. “Everything is made here every day.”
Another favorite is the unique “Naanwich, our panini-style sandwich version of our dishes, modernized and westernized. We’re still figuring out what people want. We want to do Pakistani breakfasts. We’re killers for eggs sunny side up, and we make the best omelets. There’s so much flavor it’s crazy!”
Other entrees include veggie bowls, Pakistani fruit lassis, rolled ice cream and pakora fritters, and more.
Open every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (and now available on DoorDash), he said “last Friday we ran out of food! Business has been amazing. I’ve never experienced people being this generous. Everyone has been so welcoming.”
He said owners of other downtown restaurants like Gourmet Cafe, Farmacy, Mean Max, Radici and Mikado “have all been so supportive.”
Alif Café has a five-year lease with building owner Chad Nims, Mr. Saud said.
By the way, it’s not just Glens Falls that’s taking note of Mr. Saud’s innovative recipes - his TikTok food videos have gained him a following of over 20,000 and growing. “I’m looking forward to keeping it going,” he said.
