Daily Delivery Deal: Journey Across the Middle East with These Dishes

Katie Coy, Managing Editor | Jun 2, 2022 9:22 am | Add a comment | 472 reads

The options to take your taste buds for a trip around the world are pretty amazing here in the capital – so we’re taking it upon ourselves to focus on the culinary works of a new country or region each day.

On this day we will be taking a look at some of the most famous dishes that hail from the Middle East. Beijing has an abundance of restaurants serving up a huge variety of different dishes, so let’s have a look at some of the best ones.

Hummus – Toast at The Orchid

This dip made from chickpeas is a staple across the Middle East, and makes a perfect side dish, starter or accompaniment for any meal.

Not too long ago packaged hummus was readily available from the usual Western supermarkets such as April Gourmet or Jenny Lou’s, however it's become markedly absent in more recent times. But that’s no problem as plenty of restaurants in Beijing have this delicious dip for sale. My personal favorite had always been the hummus at Bite a Pitta, RIP. However, with its closure I have found a great alternative from Toast at the Orchid.

One of the capital’s most popular brunch spots in normal times, Toast at the Orchid has a plethora of hummus varieties on offer, in fact six in total. From the Classic Hummus (RMB 48) to Hummus topped with Merguez Sausage (RMB 68) or Grilled Eggplant (RMB 62) there is plenty to choose from and all come with fresh pitta bread too. If you’re looking for a whole hummus meal they also have a Hummus and Falafel Salad Plate for RMB 168 which served two people.

To order go to their mini program in WeChat by searching “Toastattheorchid”, you can either choose to get your food delivered or pick it up from The Orchid Hotel.

Kebab – Turkish Feast

Not too different from China’s beloved 串儿 chuan’r, kebabs are also typically skewered meat cooked over a fire, though on a much longer stick than those used for chuan’r.

There are plenty of options when it comes to kebabs in Beijing – there is even a Doner Kebab shop which is sure to be a hit with any Brits reading, however our personal recommendation is Turkish Feast. They have the classic Shish Kebab of Chicken (RMB 78) Beef (RMB 98) and Lamb (RMB 98) or you can get all three with their Kebab Platter for RMB 118. All their kebabs come with onions, grilled peppers and tomatoes, bulgar pilaf rice and homemade yoghurt.

Available to order on Meituan Waimai and JSS.

Shawarma – Taiba Shawarma

One of the world’s most popular street foods, shawarma gets its names from the way the meat is cooked on a vertical rotiserrie or spit, with thin slices being cut off as it continually cooks.

Given that their name includes Shawarma, it should be no surprise that Taiba Shawarma is the go-to place for this dish. They have Beef Shawarma Wraps (RMB 45) and Chicken Shawarma Wraps (RMB 33) available, though my personal favorite is the Cheese Chicken Shawarma Wrap (RMB 42). However, for just an extra 10 RMB both the Chicken and Beef Wraps can be upgraded to a meal package that includes a side of fries, salad and hummus which is a real bargain!

Available to order on Meituan Waimai and JSS.

Shakshuka – The Rug

A popular North African dish that consists of eggs poached in a spiced sauce of tomatoes, olive oil, peppers, onion and garlic, this is one of my all-time favorite brunch dishes.

There are only a handful of places offering this, including Toast at The Orchid which we mentioned earlier, but another place to try is Beijing brunch spot The Rug. The Rug puts their own unique twist on the traditional shakshuka, titled The Veggie Shakshuka (RMB 108), they add zucchini, eggplant and other veggies to the dish to create a hearty vegetarian meal that will even impress meat eaters.

Available to order on Meituan Waimai and JSS.

Falafel – Al Safir

These deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas are commonly served in a pitta bread or flatbread and make a delicious lunch.

Most Middle Eastern restaurants in Beijing will offer up falafel in some form, but we’ve chosen Al Safir as they have two different falafels available. They have Normal Falafel (RMB 37.1) or Spicy Falafel (RMB 42.4) dish, each containing eight falafel balls. Or you can get a Falafel Sandwich (it’s really a wrap rather than a sandwich) for RMB 37.1.

Available for delivery on JSS.

Lahmacun – Doner Kebab

Known by many as “Turkish Pizza”, Lahmacun is a Middle Eastern flatbread, typically topped with minced meat (most commonly beef or lamb), minced vegetables, and herbs.

For a whole variety of different Lahmacun there really is no better option than Doner Kebab which have four kinds. From the classic Lahmacun (RMB 25) to the less traditional Cheesey Lahmacun (RMB 38) these work great as a snack or as a side dish to one of their other meals.

Available to order on Meituan Waimai and JSS.