Whenever I am seriously craving Mediterranean food, the first place that comes to mind is Kareem’s. Don’t let the sparse decor fool you. What they lack in ambiance, they make up in the quality of the food they serve.
Whenever I come here, there are three things I must order. One of them is the babaghanoush. They roast their eggplants to perfection with the smokiness coming through in every bite. Whatever additional spices they add to it just enhances this dip making it the best I’ve ever had. It’s so addictive and when they don’t have it, it’s very frustrating knowing what I’m missing out on.
I usually order the falafel plate with hummus and babaghanoush. The falafels are also some of the best I’ve had. The outside is crispy which the inside is a beautiful pistachio green. The nutty taste is so flavorful that this non-vegetarian can’t get enough of.
The other dish I must have is the kofta. These are ground meat seasoned with a house blend of spices and made into sausage-like shapes and grilled. I’ve had kofta in many restaurants and this is positively the best both in texture and flavor. The kofta comes with rice, a grilled tomato, some grilled onions and a side.
A plate of condiments come with your entrees and included are pickles, raw onions, tomato and fresh jalapenos.
I like to add a little of each to the kofta which I then make a wrap out of with the pita bread they give you. It is absolutely delicious. You can do the same with the falafel if you like but I find those are best eaten on their own with a little bit of tahini sauce.
The owners are both the cook and the server and they are very personable. After only one visit, they remembered us on subsequent visits, and welcomed us back into their restaurant. These days, whenever I’m craving falafel, babaghanoush and kofta, there is only one place I will go to!
Kareem’s
1208 S Brookhurst Street
Anaheim, CA 92804
Tel: 714-778-6829
Let’s go! You had me at babaganoush.