Foodprint: Mona's Cafe
- zhaoyili1
- May 31, 2025
- 2 min read
I officially wrapped up my first year of medical school. The year flew by in a blur of lectures, anatomy labs, late-night study sessions, and non-stop self-doubt. At any given moments, it felt like I had a thousand things demanding my attention. Academically, it wasn’t my strongest year. But honesty, I’m proud of myself – not for being perfect, but for showing up, trying my best, and not giving up. That’s worth celebrating.
Despite the packed schedule, I still managed to explore some of New Orlean’s food scene. One of my favorite discoveries has been Mona's Cafe, a causal Middle Eastern spot close to the campus. Mona's serves up traditional dishes like falafel, shawarma, and hummus, alongside a small market stocked with spices, groceries, and their house-baked pita bread. It’s become a go-to for my classmates and me, especially after our dreaded block exams that start at 8:30 AM and wrap up just in time for lunch.
Mona's Cafe is tucked away in a quiet residential part of Mid-City. The menu offers a wide variety of options – from appetizers, soups and salads, and to hearty entrées and a few Veggie platters for plant-based esters. The first time I visited, I ordered the half-and-half shawarma, which came with both chicken and beef. It was served with a side salad and a generous scoop of hummus. Everything was flavorful, but the hummus especially stood out – creamy and rich. The portions are fair, and the prices felt more than reasonable for the quality.
On my second visit, I tried the Chicken Lula – a dish of a dish of fresh ground chicken marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, then grilled. It was tender, well-seasoned, and just as satisfying as my first meal at Mona’s. Interesting, I also came across a dish called the Meat Grape Leaves Plate. It reminded me of zongzi, a traditional Chinese dish. Both share a similar concept: a savory filling of rice and minced meat wrapped in a leaf. While the ingredients and seasonings are different, there’s something beautiful about how different cultures create such similar comfort food in their own unique way.
Mona's Cafe is kind of place that keeps you coming back, whether you’re looking for comfort food or just a break from studying or work. For me, it holds some beautiful memories from one of the busiest seasons of my life.
Mona's Cafe
Hours: Mon - Sat: 11AM - 9PM
Sun: 12PM - 9PM
Location: 3901 Banks St, New Orleans, LA 70119
Contact: (504) 482-7743
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