For years, navigating the culinary map of San Diego, a certain fast-casual Middle Eastern spot in Kearny Mesa remained, inexplicably, off the radar. This wasn’t due to any negative reviews, but rather a quirk of mental mapping, associating it with a less-than-stellar previous experience nearby. However, this long-held perception turned out to be a significant oversight, a missed opportunity to savor the delights of Tahini, a purveyor of truly authentic Middle Eastern street food.
It turns out, this gem wasn’t always a brick-and-mortar establishment. Tahini began its journey as an ambitious street cart outside a Pacific Beach gas station. It was there, fueled by passion for their shared Arabic heritage, that founders Osama Shabaik and Mahmoud Barkawi traded conventional career paths to sling authentic Middle Eastern street food, focusing on staples like shawarma and falafel.
Tahini's O.G. Pita, a flavorful example of authentic Middle Eastern street food, featuring Syrian steak shawarma, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce.
This seemingly unconventional choice has yielded heartwarming results. Since establishing their Kearny Mesa location in 2017, Tahini has prioritized ethical employment practices, offering fair wages and actively hiring from the refugee community. This commitment to social responsibility adds another layer of richness to the experience of enjoying their authentic Middle Eastern street food.
Beyond its community focus, Tahini is committed to sustainability, utilizing eco-friendly packaging, a commendable practice for a takeout-centric eatery. Despite these investments in quality and ethics, Tahini manages to keep prices accessible. A satisfying lunch, complete with a beverage, remains comfortably under $15, with their falafel pita sandwich often available for around $11.
To truly appreciate Tahini’s offerings, the “O.G. Pita” is a must-try. Priced at $13, it showcases their Syrian-style steak shawarma, generously nestled in a pita with parsley, onions, tomatoes, pickled vegetables, and, of course, creamy tahini. Other signature pitas include an Egyptian rendition with falafel and hummus, and “the esquire,” a chicken shawarma and French fry combination that even caught the attention of celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
Tahini's O.G. Pita, a flavorful example of authentic Middle Eastern street food, featuring Syrian steak shawarma, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce.
While signature pitas are a highlight, Tahini also caters to the modern desire for customization with a “build your own” approach. Guests can create personalized Middle Eastern bowls, salads, or sandwiches, selecting from a variety of proteins and fresh vegetables. For those seeking variety, a 50/50 bowl allows for a mix of proteins like steak and chicken shawarma. Toppings such as Kalamata olives, pickled turnips, and slivered almonds (a slight upcharge) further enhance the experience. Everything is prepared from scratch, allowing for delightful pairings of garlic paste with various tahini flavors, including cilantro, sriracha, and BBQ.
The food at Tahini stands out as some of the finest Middle Eastern cuisine encountered outside of El Cajon, emphasizing freshness and robust flavor while adhering to halal standards. No visit to Tahini is complete without sampling their falafel. Prepared fresh to order, these falafel patties are vibrant green, bursting with herbaceous and subtly citrusy notes, a welcome departure from the often-dense and monotone falafel found elsewhere. They are, in essence, the perfect vehicle for showcasing Tahini’s diverse and flavorful sesame dressings.
Tahini's freshly made falafel, vibrant green and herbaceous, exemplifying authentic Middle Eastern street food made with quality ingredients.
Discovering Tahini sooner would have been a treat, but the timing is opportune, as Shabaik and Barkawi have recently opened Finjan, a Middle Eastern-style coffee shop right next door. Offering both Turkish coffee and nitro cold brew, Finjan is unlikely to suffer the same mental map misplacement.
In conclusion, Tahini is more than just a fast-casual restaurant; it’s a testament to authentic Middle Eastern street food crafted with passion, community spirit, and a commitment to quality. It’s a culinary destination in Kearny Mesa that deserves to be on everyone’s map, and a place to return to again and again for a genuine taste of the Middle East.
