Oasis   

The set above the counter flashes what looks to be Egyptian national television. The news anchors are starchy and manicured, like any TV personalities. The news itself looks so familiar -- a pastiche of uniformed troops, angry crowds and people in suits shaking hands -- that the language barrier is barely noticeable. The logic extends to the familiar menu of kebabs, dips, savory pies and desserts on the menu at this no-frills Middle Eastern cafe, just steps from the Bedford Avenue stop on the L train. If you don't pay attention, you won't notice that your falafel is a cut above the ordinary. The savory pies -- small $2 bites of ground lamb, onion and spices -- are as tasty as anything that ever came out of a microwave oven. The kebabs are grilled to order and come on an economical sandwich or as a more ambitious platter with rice and vegetable. The sandwiches are served in handy wax-paper sacks that make eating on the go a breeze.