I have been checking out various ethnic restaurants all over town, all family owned. My ears have heard whispers of authenticity And Affordabilityhidden gems that have attracted thousands, which led my search to two specific businesses: Shah Jee’s and Sweet Basil. The former has been around since the 90s, while the latter has flourished during the recent pandemic. Both have fought against all odds to be where they are today.
Shah Jee’s is a world where flavors dance on your tongue and spicy aromas tell stories of culinary finesse. The Pakistani restaurant is located in the heart of downtown in the basement of an office building. According to owner and founder Azhar Shah, it’s a place where “taste and quality stay!” The slogan has been around since he first coined it in 1995, when Shah decided to start a business selling premium meals at great prices.
The restaurant is open only for lunchtime and the food is carefully prepared every morning using fresh ingredients. At Shah Jee’s, authenticity is paramount and originality is not just a buzzword here, but a commitment reflected in every spice blend, every simmering curry and every handmade roti coming hot from the iron pan. Each recipe is a treasured secret passed down through generations, preserving the essence of tradition while encouraging innovation. It’s a hotspot for foodies looking to expand their palates, where Pakistani flavors meet the warmth of the Midwest.
Big things from a small kitchen
“A lot happens in this small kitchen,” says Shah, his eyes lighting up as if he were reciting a poem. “From soaking the chickpeas to steaming the rice to making the cheese. There’s something special about preparing food with a lingering feeling of love that speaks to me. I cook with love and hope my customers can feel that kind of devotion in the food I serve them.”
The rich aroma of colorful curries fills the air as I survey the buffet: chicken masala, chana masala, aloo palak, saag panner, daal masoor, and weekly specials like capsicum potato flakes, eggplant, and cauliflower. “Everything is fresh!” Shah continues. “We encourage our customers to create their own meals by mixing and matching whatever they like.”
Customers say they come here because the food tastes “like a home-cooked meal.” Each main course is served on a three-part plate or in a box. Customers can choose two or more main courses, served with a side of fresh basmati rice cooked on a light tomato base and finished with a dash of spices.
I’m convinced, but Shah tells me I haven’t seen it all yet: the real magic lies in the secret “Green Sauce”. Made from a range of fresh ingredients, with hints of green pepper and coriander, the powerful condiment is a crowd-pleaser. It’s exceptionally aromatic yet spicy! “Several customers have told me they can’t eat my dishes without it,” he says with a smile. “Even when they’re in tears and their throats are burning, most of them can’t stop eating it!”
But it’s not just the food, there’s an atmosphere that whispers stories from the past. There’s a visual here: The decor, a simple food stand reminiscent of the bustling streets of the owner’s hometown, invites you to relax in an atmosphere that feels like a place lost in time, and the walls, though unadorned except for a banner-sized menu, plants and a few photos, capture the essence of a vintage restaurant with a homespun touch. Once you step through the doors and head down the basement stairs to the cafeteria-like center, a line of bodies becomes visible, stretching from the top of the stairs all the way down to Shah’s smiling face. It’s a heartwarming sight, and Shah finds it too. “I’m so lucky to have my customers,” he says. “They’ve stuck with me through thick and thin. I couldn’t ask for a better dream.”
Night markets in Thailand
A similar story can be found at a restaurant on Milwaukee’s South Side. Sweet Basil is a goldmine of delicious magic, serving Thai and Laotian dishes reminiscent of the night markets in Thailand – but here comes the modern twist! They do things their way, the Sweet Basil way, and they’re proud of it. From the small fusion dishes to the large family-style platters, each dish tells a story full of tradition and passion. “Our philosophy is simple: make everything from scratch and treat everyone like family!” says co-founder Victoria Sithy.
And the hospitality? It’s not just about service, it’s about a warm welcome. The staff walks you through the menu with humble enthusiasm to give you a journey through the kitchen. The restaurant offers an upscale, fast-casual experience with the flexibility of guests being able to dine in casually or order ahead online. That’s something that sets Sweet Basil apart from similar restaurants in the area – the ability to prepare their creations quickly while serving them with style. The family believes in fostering neighborhood friendships, using profits to help people and giving back to the community. Here is a business with a lot to explore, so what’s its story?
“Sweet Basil was originally our mother’s dream,” says Sithy, with a hint of nostalgia in her voice. She grew up in a turbulent environment and saw her mother and stepfather work multiple jobs to provide for the family. The family took it upon themselves to fulfill her mother’s dream of owning their own restaurant. Their efforts paid off! “It wasn’t easy,” she continues. “Over the years, our family has put everything into the restaurant and our customers. Much of Sweet Basil’s authenticity and success is due to the dedication and love they put into the kitchen. Without them, this dream would not exist.”
Family trip
It seems their passions carry over into the decor as well. A traditional golden statue greets you in the small doorway as you walk in. The front walls are dotted with a gallery of family photos hanging in elaborate frames, visually depicting the family’s journey to success. The dining room is simple yet functional, decorated with bright lights, simple tables, and various cultural artifacts. Green accents are found throughout the restaurant, and potted plants add a refreshing touch of nature to the interior. The small lounge area at the front transports you to a little paradise, with lounge chairs, bamboo pillars, and bleached woven floor mats set against the vibrant wallpaper, creating a lively space for a hearty meal. There’s a sense of inclusivity here, for both locals and newcomers.
The restaurant cooks and serves dishes like a home kitchen and, similar to Shah Jee’s, gives the food a touch of familiarity that evokes memories of family and identity, especially among the Thai and Lao communities. There’s house-fried rice, tom yum soup and the spicy jeow bong noodles for customers who like things a little spicier. And what are their most popular dishes? “For a while, our pad Thai noodles were the most popular dish,” says Siday, “but recently our customers love the panang curry, teriyaki beef skewer and sweet mango sticky rice for dessert!”
When asked about the artistic fusion of their dishes and how they worked to fuse cultural aspects of Thai and Lao cuisine, Sithy explained that the idea came from her grandparents’ dual heritage. “They were both Thai and Lao, so we grew up with the cultural influences of both countries, but of course they are very similar since the countries border each other.” The menu also features a number of Asian-Midwestern fusions like the Caramel Apple Spring Roll and the Buffalo Chicken Rangoon.
Milwaukee’s culinary landscape is rich, and these two businesses are a testament to the city’s growing diversity. Whether you’re a culinary adventurer looking for new flavors or just craving a taste of home, both Shah Jee’s and Sweet Basil welcome you with open arms and promise a dining experience as fresh and authentic as their food.
Shah Jee’s Restaurant
- 770 N. Jefferson St, Milwaukee
- 414-271-5354
Sweet Basil
- 6509B S. 27th Street, Franklin
- 414-301-4126
