How many kinds of hummus do you want to eat today? DC-based Israeli fast-casual restaurant Shouk has four. And, you don’t have to venture over the bridge to get them all, whether you’re thinking of classic chickpea and tahini spread, or one topped with falafel, veggies or oyster mushroom shawarma.
Yes, the shawarma is made from oyster mushrooms because all of the dishes at Shouk are vegan. Israeli food, descending from a land of kibbutzes, is inherently vegetable-forward. Shouk makes veggies the centerpiece, never relying on soy proteins or other processed meat alternatives. Instead, co-founders Ran Nussbacher and Dennis Friedman rely on natural meat replacements like the aforementioned mushrooms, which are also used in the new the Fried Shouk’n, the two-restaurant chain’s take on a Southern fried chicken sandwich. (There are Shouk’n nuggets too!) Other pita sandwiches include the award-winning burger, topped with roasted tomato, pickled turnip, arugula, charred onion and tahini; falafel; and an eggplant patty.
It sounds good, but driving to DC can make it a bit less appealing if you don’t have other business in the city that day. But Shouk now comes directly to NoVA throughout the week. With its “hood drops,” the restaurant delivers to a different neighborhood in the DMV each day. Each area has a designated pickup location, whether it’s at a synagogue, neighborhood pool or community center. For a $5 flat delivery and service fee, hungry customers can order as much food as they want. Locations include Ballston on Monday, Alexandria on Tuesday, Fairfax on Wednesday and Falls Church on Friday. To learn more, click here.
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