Just far enough from campus, Aksum is a welcome and easy oasis for students looking to step outside the Penn bubble and relax in a friendly, vibrant locale. Filling West Philadelphia’s severe void of hookah options, the Mediterranean cafe also serves up a menu of fresh, authentic fare.
Our hopes were high as we settled into our table outside. Aksum immediately exceeds other area hookah spots in its cozily lit, contemporary yet warm interior and the contrasting bustle of its exterior. It’s clear that Aksum considers its hookah as a part of its authenticity, and celebrates the fragrant aroma of the nonintrusive smoke. Though smoking is restricted to the outdoors until 9 p.m., it’s unlikely that it would spoil the meals of anyone just there for the food.
We started out light, with the owner–recommended stuffed grape leaves ($4.50). The plump leaves hit just the right tangy notes and graciously wetted our palettes for the pitas we ordered as a main course. The mahi mahi pita ($9.50) was wrapped up with a hostof veggies and other sweet flavors, most notably a rich aioli mayonnaise. Although the dressing made the meal a little saucy to handle, each ingredient complemented the others,rather than overpowering one another, to create a refreshing and delicious course. The side of asparagus could have been a little too salty by itself, but its contrast to the sweeter wrap and coleslaw actually worked better for both.
The chicken pita ($7.90) got the better of our sense of adventure, and thankfully did not disappoint. The wrap was just the right mixture of salty indulgence and cool complements. The vegetables that countered the rich feta cheese and tahini sauce cooled each mouthful in perfect measure. Satisfied from the none–too–heavy respite, we were ready to pass judgment on the hookah — no doubt the establishment’s main draw for social students and neighborhood folk alike.
Though we had taken it easy on our main course (Aksum offers a menu of heavier dinner options, including lamb shanks and grilled salmon), it was easy to imagine kicking back with a belly–full of food and wine (Aksum is currently BYOB) and unwinding under the stars with the smoky dessert. Perhaps we were a little in awe of the delightful atmosphere, but the orange–peach flavored Shisha ($15) we decided on satisfied our craving both in taste and effect.Light, fruity and seductive, the shisha demand leisurely drags and good company and conversation.
Aksum is the pitch–perfect addition to an already thriving restaurant scene in West Philadelphia. If the food isn’t enough to beckon you back for another visit, the lingering aroma of sweet hookah flavors and the impression of a summer night well–spent will.
Aksum 4630 Baltimore Ave. (267) 275-8195 Don't Miss: Orange–peach hookah Skip: Indoor seating $$
