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7 Places Putting Middle Eastern Food Back on Your Radar

Sophie Steiner ShanghaiWOWeng 2018-11-30


Shanghai really has it all when it comes to international cuisine. From authentic Italian food prepared by chefs trained in Rome to three-Michelin star French restaurants to Spanish tapas that transport you to the gastronomic markets of Barcelona, you can truly dine on the most authentic of food, easily forgetting what country you really are in.


But what about some of the less common cuisines, like the easily bypassed Middle Eastern food? Although usually overlooked, now is the time to put those Middle Eastern classics back on your radar and check out what you’ve been missing. Here are some of our favorite Middle Eastern dishes and where you should go to satisfy those cravings.



Shakshouka at Bread Etc.   


Shakshouka is a common breakfast staple found across Israel, the Mediterranean, and the rest of the Middle Eastern region. Composed of eggs slow-poached in a thick sauce of tomatoes, chili, peppers, and onions, the dish gets its kick of spice from cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. It’s homey, warming flavor makes it the perfect dish, especially in winter.



I come to Bread Etc. for one dish, something that is surprisingly so easy to make, yet I’ve been burned by too many places before that all rave their shakshouka is the best. Well, right now in the city of Shanghai, Bread Etc.’s Shakshouka (RMB 64) takes the cake. 


Photo credit: Dianping user 白日梦想家


Served boiling hot with tender tomatoes braised in a perfectly spicy, thick stew and topped with the gooiest soft egg that oozes yellow yolk all over as you cut into it, this shakshouka is something my Israeli family members would even enjoy. The portion is large, and it comes with either three thick slices of grain bread of nearly half a loaf of challah, so you definitely won’t be hungry until dinner.


Address: 1486 Nanjing Xi Lu

Tel: 021 6247 0788

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7am-10pm


Falafel at Eli Falafel

Photo credit: Dianping user 四颗柠檬


Falafel is easily the quintessential favorite when it comes to vegetarian meals in the Middle East. Who can fault crispy fried patties of mashed chickpeas with loads of flavorful herbs and seasoning, like parsley, scallions, garlic, cumin and coriander? Originally hailing from Egypt, these chickpea fritters can now be found across the globe.


Photo credit: Dianping user onlylihaixue


I think the best (and crispiest) falafel hails from a restaurant that owes its name to this humble food, Eli Falafel. At RMB 45 for five pieces or RMB 40 for a Falafel Wrap, falafel makes an affordable lunch or an excellent sharing appetizer for a group. 


Photo credit: Dianping user 哈皮的小二二


Eli Falafel sticks to the basics with a well-seasoned mixture that is fried to perfection (there is nothing worse than a soggy falafel). If it’s meat you’re after, you can’t go wrong with the Shish Taouk (RMB 40).


Address: 294 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu

Tel: 021-5401 7778

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am-10pm


Pides from Black Pepper


Pide is Turkey’s version of a pizza. If you have taste buds, there’s no way not to love it, and for some authentic Turkish food, Black Pepper is the place to get it at. Plus, with great drink spots nearby, like Logan’s Punch, you can easily grab a pre- or post dinner cocktail (or both)!  



Start out with a crowd-pleasing appetizer, like one of their meat or vegetarian pides. These wood-fire oven baked flatbreads are a surefire win for kids, picky eaters, and restaurant connoisseurs alike. I highly recommend the Kusbasili Pide (RMB 75), topped with loads of tender beef, crunchy onions and peppers, sweet tomatoes, and loads of mozzarella cheese.


Address: 2/F, 99 Taixing Lu
Tel: 1381 833 6837

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30am-10pm


Pilavli Kuzu Kaburga (Roasted Lamb) from Garlic


Lamb, or mutton, is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, whereas the Chinese animal protein favorite of pork is less common. As the sister restaurant to Black Pepper, it’s no surprise that the lamb at Garlic is equally tender AF. My personal favorite is the Pilavli Kuzu Kaburga (RMB 180), a dish so good that its shameless menu description is “the best lamb you can ever taste.”



After being slow-roasted for six hours, the meat is served with a chestnut and rice pilaf. Although cliché to say, the delicate mutton really does melt like butter in your mouth. 



If a big fatty portion of lamb sounds too heavy for you, do not skip on the Kuzu Tandirli Humus, a dish composed of warm, creamy hummus topped with lamb tandoor (RMB 88).  


Address: 698 Yongjia Lu

Tel: 021 5424 3332

Hours: Monday-Sunday 6pm-11:30pm


Hummus from Kate and Kimi


Hummus is a chickpea-based dip usually involving some combination of tahini, olive oil, herbs, and lemon juice that, when spread on anything, pretty much always makes it taste better. Rich in good fat and protein, this healthy option works as a side dish or shmear to amp up the flavor on any meal. Nowadays, you can find so many varieties of hummus, like garlic, spinach, roasted red pepper, and beetroot. There’s even Delighted by Hummus, a company making vegan-friendly dessert hummus!


Secret Recipe Tel Aviv-style


The online grocery retailer Kate and Kimi (kateandkimi.com) has been expanding their line of available hummus, and with each choice made fresh daily with no preservatives, you can snack your way through the whole gambit, guilt-free. When it comes to hummus, I’m a purist at heart, so the Secret Tel Aviv-Style (RMB 38 for 200 grams) wins me over every time. 


Harissa and Roasted Garlic Hummus


Having some friends over? Order a spread of Balsamic and Caramelized Onion Hummus (RMB 38) and pair it with Babaghanouj (RMB 28 for 200 grams), another Middle Eastern favorite composed of spreadable roasted eggplant with loads of garlic.


Website: www.kateandkimi.com

WeChat: Kateandkimikeshikemi


Lahmacun from Pasha

Photo credit: Dianping user Cici666666666


While pita and filo pastries are the Middle Eastern carb-centric snacks most of us think of, the Lahmacun flatbread should not be forgotten on this list. Found in restaurants and street stalls alike across Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, and other Arab countries, this twist on the döner kebab we all know and love is quickly gaining in popularity.



At Pasha, a casual Middle Eastern fare and steakhouse restaurant, enjoy this Turkish flat bread topped with minced meat, tomatoes, and crunchy fresh onions for only RMB 45. That little squeeze of fresh lemon brings out those trademark cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon spices making it all the more addicting.


Address: 125 Nanchang Lu

Tel: 021 6471 2288

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:30am-11:30pm


Kebabs from Brother’s Kebab


Kebabs gained their popularity originally in the Middle East, but nowadays, almost every county in the world has their own version. From the classic German döner kebab to the American summer BBQ favorite, meat and veg kebab, to Indian tandoori kebabs, everyone does their own twist, and there is no right or wrong way when it comes to well-seasoned grilled and skewered meats.


Photo credit: Dianping user 贸可


At Brother’s Kebab, you can indulge your kebab cravings on the cheap. Choose from chicken, beef, or lamb in a variety of ways, ranging from RMB 40 to RMB 50. I’m a big fan of the Shawarma Pita, but if I’m feeling extra hungry, I’ll opt for the Kebab Plate. However, I’ve never been crazy enough to try the Kebab Pizza (RMB 65), an uncommon fusion of Italian and Middle Eastern.


Address: 310 Fengxian Bei Lu (and 2 other locations around Shanghai)

Tel: 021 265 5177

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am -11pm






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