おるたな
Good evening everyone! Do you like Middle Eastern food? I'm sorry for starting off with such high energy... I just really love Middle Eastern cuisine. One of my favorite dishes is Koshari, which is commonly eaten in countries like Egypt. It's similar to sobameshi in Japan, with rice topped with pasta, specifically a smaller type of pasta called vermicelli, and cooked beans in tomato sauce, all topped with a generous amount of fried onions. It's a carb-loaded national dish that is absolutely delicious. In Tokyo, there is a Koshari specialty shop where you can try authentic Koshari, but it's hard to replicate the taste without special spices like Za'atar. At this kebab shop run by Abdou, they also sell falafel at festivals and are regulars at Fuji Rock. They speak great Japanese, work efficiently, and are always busy taking orders on Uber. The shop itself is small and unassuming, like a lottery ticket counter, but it's always bustling with customers. I found the shop, eagerly ordered Koshari, tried the freshly made falafel on the spot, and then took my food to go. I also ordered a non-alcoholic Middle Eastern drink called Barbican with pomegranate flavor, which I used to drink a lot in the past. I sat outside the shop in the light rain, waiting for my food, enjoying the Middle Eastern news on the TV inside. The owner asked me if I could handle a bit of spiciness, and when I said yes, he gave me a green sauce in a bottle, which turned out to be just the right amount of heat. It was probably jalapeno sauce, and it was perfect. The falafel was also delicious, especially when freshly fried. I love Middle Eastern food so much that I watch a lot of local cooking YouTubers and even try to make some dishes at home, although they are not authentic. Eating falafel made by someone else was truly a treat. I was considering buying some hummus on my way out, and the owner seemed happy that I appreciated good food. I got a loyalty card as well. Apparently, their chicken rice is also very popular, so I'll look forward to trying it next time! As I waved goodbye, the owner said, "You really appreciate good food, don't you? You're a true foodie!" Even if you can't fly Emirates, you can still enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine in the corner of Tokyo!