Yes, these BBQ joints and hookah lounges are located in California:
Tustin's Divan Mediterranean Grill and Lounge. This eatery offers a hookah room and serves Mediterranean food. Everyday from 11 AM to 2 AM, it is open.
Fresh Grill and Hookah Lounge in Tustin is fantastic. Additionally, hookah and Mediterranean food are offered at this establishment. They are open every day from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. at 1355 E. First St.
The Middle East, with its rich history and diverse cultures, is a treasure trove of culinary wonders. Each country and region within this vast expanse brings forth its unique flavors, cooking techniques, and traditions that are deeply rooted in their ancient customs and stories. This essay seeks to illuminate some of the most celebrated dishes that exemplify the Middle Eastern culinary landscape.
To start, hummus, perhaps one of the most globally recognized Middle Eastern dishes, hails from the Levantine region. Made primarily of blended chickpeas, tahini (a paste made from sesame seeds), lemon juice, and garlic, hummus is not just a dish but an experience. Its smooth texture and nutty taste, often complemented with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika, make it a favorite across various cultures.
Yet, hummus is only a fragment of the vast array of mezze or appetizers that are celebrated in Middle Eastern cuisine. Tabbouleh is another such dish. Native to the mountains of Lebanon and Syria, this refreshing salad made of finely chopped parsley, mint, tomato, bulgur, and seasoned with lemon juice and olive oil offers a zesty flavor profile.
Venturing further into main courses, the Middle Eastern cuisine boasts of a dish like Mansaf from Jordan. This ceremonial dish made of lamb that's cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce, then served over a bed of rice or bulgur, is a testament to the region's penchant for blending diverse flavors and textures.
Kebabs, particularly from Turkey and Iran, are yet another signature dish. Skewered meats, meticulously marinated and grilled over open flames, kebabs offer a smoky and juicy taste. The variants are innumerable: from the Shish Kebab of Turkey to the Koobideh of Iran.
Then there’s Kabsa, a beloved dish from Saudi Arabia. This spiced rice dish often comes with chicken, lamb, or fish, adorned with almonds and raisins. Its rich blend of spices like cloves, black lime, bay leaves, and coriander represents the spice route's influence on Middle Eastern cuisine.
Falafel, deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, are a staple in countries like Egypt and Israel. These golden-brown delicacies are often served in pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce, forming the perfect street food or snack.
Desserts from the Middle East are equally tantalizing. Baklava, layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup, is a popular sweet treat throughout the region. Then there's Knafeh, a cheese pastry soaked in sweet sugar-based syrup, which has won hearts globally.
In conclusion, the Middle Eastern cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors, textures, and aromas. It's a testament to the region's history, its intersection with various cultures and trade routes, and its respect for ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. Whether you're diving into a bowl of hummus, savoring a skewer of kebab, or indulging in a piece of baklava, you're partaking in a culinary journey that's as diverse as the Middle East itself.
Middle Eastern cuisine offers a diverse range of delicious dishes. Some popular ones include hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, shawarma, kebabs, baklava, and kofta. These dishes showcase the rich flavors of the region and are often enjoyed in hookah lounges and barbecue restaurants in California and beyond.