This is infuriating. Where are all the delicious shwarmas and kebobs? Where’s the fatoush at? Ana b’hab al lahme.
August 4, 2006 by rottenoysters
This is infuriating. Where are all the delicious shwarmas and kebobs? Where’s the fatoush at? Ana b’hab al lahme.
obviously it’s because middle eastern food hates our freedom…
that must be it, John Thompson
There is FABULOUS middle eastern food in Charleston and it’t to be found at Pita King. Their schwarma rocks beyond belief – especially if you stand by and request that the owner or staff compile it to your liking from the array of super fresh condiments. Don’t miss the hummus or hot sauce. The latter is swirled in with a fork and a loving touch. It is one of the best feeds to be found in Charleston.
Ignoring the argument about Israeli food actually being middle eastern food, I don’t think Pita King is really up to snuff. Yes, their condiments are good, specifically the Israeli cabbage, but they don’t fry the falafel fresh, so it’s not always hot out of the fryer. Schwarma is schwarma. I agree that meat on a stick is delicious, but it’s not like this is something that’s made fresh or from the owners special recipe. They get if from a supplier, which is fine, but that doesn’t make Pita King unique or special. Also, do they bake their pita fresh? And not putting yoghurt sauce on schwarma is a major let down, though I know they’re kosher.
What i’m looking for is a place that serves Middle Eastern food without a lot of short cuts, whether Israeli, Lebanese, or Moroccan. Fresh baked pita, whole roast fish with cumin, kebabs, tagines.
Let’s recruit some Middle Easterners to open up a restaurant. Who’s with me?
I’m with you, Erin. There’s a good spot in Columbia on Devine St. called Al Amir– I think it’s run by Syrians judging by the Damascus bread (huge warm flatbread with sesame seeds) they champion. If it opened here it could do very well. They have no website but I have always wanted to bother them about Charleston. My ultimate middle eastern food dream though would be a great Lebanese place in Charleston with super fresh food and a fresh juice bar like the ones you can find all over London (my favorites are Beirut Express on Edgware Rd and any Ranoush or Maroush place.) These restaurants are almost fast food-like though the food is fresh, inexpensive, and relatively healthful without claiming to be healthy–which generally means tasty.
You’ll find great Middle Eastern food at Pita King.
We do have MIddle Eastern – it is just hidden. Does Pita (East Bay St). – the meat pie is pure Syrian street food. The fattoush is rockin’. Also, at Saffron, there are plenty of import groceries to have your awn Hafla.
thanks isidella–saffron is a good place to find middle eastern groceries–i shop there for sumac, zaatar, fenugreek, pomegranate molasses, and real persian kabob skewers. I think they serve persian food on fri nights, though i have not checked it out yet.
As far as Doe’s, I like her pita and think it’s a nice little lunch spot, though it’s not the authentic thing i am looking for.
anyway, thanks for the input.
Hi, new to the sight, and have always shared a love of food. Rumor has it, there’s going to be an authentic Med. restaurant on Daniel Island soon. Adorned with shwarma, kababs, baba…and who knows, maybe belly dancing?