Tuesday, 19 March 2019

Which Santa Monica Restaurant Has The Best Israeli Kebabs?

Ask two Israelis where you can find the best kebabs in Israel and you are sure to get at least three opinions. Classic Israeli? Middle Eastern style with parsley and cumin? Go heavy on the garlic for a Romanian flavor? That’s without even debating if the best kebabs are found in Tel Aviv or Jaffa in the first place! We haven’t even discussed what the perfect sides are for kebabs (couscous and some chopped vegetables, obviously…anything else is heresy). Everyone has their opinions, but some things are certain: a great kebab will have the right mix of great meat, char, and flavor.


            The question of where to find the perfect in Santa Monica is much simpler to answer… Habayit Restaurant! Located at 11921 West Pico, Habayit offers up a variety of delicious American-Israeli cuisine. Blending both traditional Ashkenazi and Sephardic dishes, they cater to an eclectic palate. Classic falafel and hummus? Check. Babaghanush? Check. Grandma’s matzah ball soup? She would be offended if she knew how nice Habayit’s tastes.

Back to the kebabs. For the uninformed, Israeli kebabs are marinated, juicyminced meat patties which are roasted on an open grill.The kebabs are placed on the grill and the fat oozes from the meat as it cooked, causing it to blend well with the sauce and vegetables.At Habayit restaurant, cooking is an art, and they pamper the kebabs with the utmost care. Making use of quality herbs and spices (the recipe is a secret!), delicious kebabs await you. Habayit always makes sure there is a regal vibe with their kebabs that leaves a strong impression on our customer’s taste buds. Incredibly juicy Kosher meat is used for the preparation of the kebabs. It is through this delightful food that they win over their customer’s hearts.

If after a day at the beach or during a short workday lunch you hunger for something fresh, fast and different, pop by Habayit for delicious Israeli kebabs.To enjoy it like a local, you’ll need to smear some Israeli salad onto pita bread, add a little kebab meat, roll it up and munch!So bring your appetite and experience the heavenly kebabs from Habayit Kosher delivery restaurant in Los Angeles.

Habayit Restaurant, located on 11921 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 900064 offers authentic American Israeli food. Dine in, takeout, and catering are all available. For the latest special offers call (310) 479 - 7173

Friday, 4 January 2019

Tehina – The Core Of Israeli Cuisines!

If you love hummus, then you will surely love Tehina (also called as Tahini) -- a creamy, nutty paste made from ground sesame seeds. Tehina is an ancient Middle Eastern paste or butter that made from toasted ground sesame seeds which is perhaps comparable to the peanut butter, but without sugar. It's extremely versatile and can be used in cooking sweet and savory dishes. Simple and perfect, it’s a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, and you’ll find it in most of the Habayit’s dishes.


One of the most common uses of Tehina is mixing it with pureed chickpeas to make the Middle Eastern dip hummus, one of Israel’s most celebrated foods and Habayit’s local favorites. Tehina gives that tempting, smooth texture to the chickpea based dip Hummus. But Tehina isn't just an ingredient in a dip. This creamy paste is much more than a background flavor. It stands on its own as a salad dressing, marinade and even as a cooking sauce for meat. It can be consumed with vegetables, on bread or crackers, or used as a dip for a variety of other food items depending on your preference.

Tehina is an essential constituent of Israeli cooking and being one of the best Israeli style restaurants in Santa Monica, Habayit uses Tehina in most of the cuisines. In Habayit kosher restaurant, Tehina is often served in the form of a blended Tehina sauce, which includes mixing Tehina with lemon juice, water, salt, and garlic. It’s rich, creamy, perfectly smooth, nutty and tangy flavor helps to balance spice or add a savory edge to the cuisines. Its subtle garlic flavor enhances the toasted sesame flavor and creates a flavor profile that pairs well with all sorts of Mediterranean dishes.

Tehina is a versatile paste, and can be used as a topping, side dish, sauce, spread, or appetizer for a variety of dishes. It is tasty, low-fat, and can be mixed with other ingredients to create unique, zesty dressings. Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine often includes Tehina on the side as a dipping sauce for meat dishes such as grilled chicken. It can also be drizzled over sandwiches such as shawarma or barbecued meat. It is also a major component in baba ghanoush, and can also be turned into a variety of sauces that can be enjoyed with falafels, roasted eggplant and other vegetables.

More than simply a substitute to peanut butter, Tehina is a crucial element in many cuisines we are probably eating without even knowing it. We have always known Tehina as an ingredient of hummus. But a variety of recipes exist using Tehina as a main component. It can be used by itself as a sauce or mix it with other ingredients to make other sauces and dishes.  A good Tehina sauce is like a light whipped cream which can be served alongside a kosher meat meal as a dairy-free alternative to cream sauce. You can make your dishes irresistibly creamy by adding Tehina.

Tehina is one of those super foods that are both incredibly versatile and nutritious is rich in minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium. With sesame flavor and a texture like peanut butter, this versatile paste gives a creamy twist to dressings, dips and desserts. Are you looking for a creamier nutty spread but staying away from dairy products? Then Tehina will be absolutely perfect for you! Visit Habayit Jewish style restaurant in Santa Monica to know the taste of real Middle Eastern Tehina!


Friday, 7 December 2018

Shawarma – The Ultimate On-The-Go Meal!


Shawarma is a classic Middle Eastern fast food and ultimate on-the-go meal. A good shawarma is the best thing you will ever eat. Perfecting shawarma is an art that Habayit kosher restaurant in SantaMonica have mastered.  This is a finger-licking delicious quick treat with thinly sliced meat, wrapped in pita bread with veggies and sauce. It is served with a huge selection of salads from around the globe. The tastes and textures of Shawarma are extraordinary and can become quite addicting.


Shawarma is a street food found not only in Israel but all over the Middle East. The most popular fast foods of Israel are by far falafel and shawarma. Both are served in either pita or lafa and with a variety of salads and dips, resulting in the perfect bite of food. Shawarma, a uniquely Israeli street dish is served with variety of salads and sauces and can be eaten on a plate, wrap or sandwich.

Shawarma, the delicious Israeli fast food is made by piling up the spiced meat on a rotating vertical spit. This allows the flavors to drip from top to bottom and makes the meat moist and tasty. It is slow roasted as it rotates for hours on end. The dripping fat bastes the meat below it. The crispy slices of meat are stuffed into pita bread with fresh vegetables, pickles, and tahini sauce. This healthful, filling, tasty whole meal, in a single sandwich is surely going to knock your socks off.

The Incredible Shawarma at Habayit kosherrestaurant is made by impaling layers of meat on an oversize spit with a flat base and roasting the meat in an upright rotisserie. Marinated in spices including cardamom and cinnamon, exterior layer of meat which is dripping with spices and flavor is sliced off the rotating shawarma. The heat creates a crunchy, juicy bite of meat which is then laid in a piece of warm, fresh pita or a laffa (a thick, flat bread wrap that is larger than a regular pita) along with various spreads, sauces and vegetables.

Once the roasted meat is sliced off, a layer of meat, not yet exposed to heat is revealed which is then rotated around the heat source till it’s perfectly roasted. If it’s not quite crisp, it can be thrown onto the flat-top for a minute or two. The result will be a mix of crispy and moist shreds of meat that are full of both flavor and texture. It is then ready for the next individual purchasing a quick bite of Middle Eastern goodness. The best shawarma will be sliced straight from the spit.

Our customers are a big fan of shawarma wrapped in pita, drizzled with tahini, with a touch of hummus, fried onions and Israeli salad. The combination of hot grilled juicy meat inside pita, together with the Israeli salad is energizing and finger-licking. Visit Habayit Jewishrestaurant in Santa Monica and enjoy the Mediterranean goodness with our delicious Israeli shawarma.


Monday, 26 November 2018

Have A Middle Eastern Feast With Magadra – A Signature Dish


Let us introduce you to another typical Israeli dish - Magadra which is popular throughout neighboring countries as well. Magadra, a simple and comforting dish made with rice and lentils, is popular all through out the Arab world. This authentically traditional Israeli lentil dish is also sometimes written as mujadarra, mujadara, magadra or mejadra. Call it whatever you like, this healthy comfort food has been pleasing palates and filling bellies since Biblical times.



This traditional, classic dish is a combination of rice, lentils, and onions, where the rice and lentils are steamed together with spices before adding freshly fried crunchy onions. The main flavor comes from caramelized onions, fried to the point of golden brown. This gives the rice a beautiful depth, both in color and taste. The awesome combination of freshly cooked rice, Middle Eastern spices, lentils and caramelized onions is as comforting as it can be. Who knew such simple ingredients could taste so dynamic?

Magadra is virtually no oil vegan Middle Eastern feast which is filled with rich flavors and history. It is a great supplement for a big Mediterranean meal, or a meal by its own as it’s full of proteins and delicious. It can be enjoyed on its own, or as a comforting side of falafel. It is a hearty vegan option. Magadra works for pretty much everyone – It is filling, tasty, versatile, healthy and cheap–that it’s a wonder we do not eat them every day. They’re high in calcium, potassium, zinc, niacin and vitamin K and even higher in protein, iron, folate and dietary fiber.

This signature Middle Eastern dish of lentils and rice garnished with crunchy onions is known more as “poor man’s food,” or peasant food because of its cheap and staple ingredients. But don’t underestimate this dish: the caramelized onions and the hint of cumin give the Magadra a strong wholesome flavor and once you start eating it, you cannot stop. You will love the warmth this dish brings to your body. Complex in history and culture, this cuisine exudes charm in its simplicity and authenticity of ingredients and preparation. It’s yummy, filling, and good for you.

This uncomplicated concoction of spiced lentils and rice, most often served with a generous swirl of tahini sauce and a topping of fried onions, is an all time favorite of Israeli people. It also figures prominently on the menu at Habayit. A heavily spiced blend of lentils, rice, and fried onions is a perfect bowl of comfort food. This time when you visit Habayit kosher restaurant in Los Angeles, wolf into a bowl of Mujadara - a complete one-dish meal of rice and lentils gently flavored with sweet and earthy spices like cinnamon and cumin and topped with crispy fried onions. This classic, simple and delicious Middle Eastern rice and lentil dish can be both a satisfying and complete one-dish main course.

It can be daunting to look at a menu filled with words that you’ve never seen before, but most of us love to try new dishes from time to time.  Habayit kosher restaurant offers a variety of American-Israeli cuisines featuring delicious spices, incredible flavors and fresh ingredients.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to try any of these kosher dishes before, learn about them first and get your mouth watering before making your way to Habayit Israeli style restaurant in SantaMonica!


Sunday, 7 October 2018

Experience the ultimate “Israeli schnitzel” at Habayit!


Schnitzel was first brought to Israel by European immigrants in the late 19th century and since then it has become one of the popular street food of Israel. Schnitzel is so in demand these days that most of the restaurants have it on their menu, right next to falafel, shawarma and shakshuka. Tender on the inside, crunchy on the outside, this recipe is a winner all around. Although the Schnitzel is a dish that can be found on pretty much every restaurant menu, there are universes between a standard Israeli Schnitzel and one that’s prepared and cooked by an expert.

What is an Israeli SCHNITZEL?” Israeli schnitzel is the ultimate comfort kosher food which is fast and convenient. It’s nothing but a flattened piece of tenderized meat coated in flour, dipped in beaten eggs, covered in breadcrumbs, and finally pan-fried in oil. It was originally called Wiener Schnitzel, which is made from escalopes of veal coated with flour, eggs and breadcrumbs. The recipe evolved and people eventually started making chicken, fish and turkey schnitzel. These fried slices of meat have taken on different variety of forms in the current foodie world.


Schnitzel is known in different names in different countries, but they all use almost similar recipe: boneless, skinless meat is tenderized by pounding it into a thin cutlet, which is then breaded and deep fried or grilled. Most kosher restaurants shallow-fry their schnitzel, while some others boldly chucks them in the deep-fryer or grill instead. Cooked slowly in a wide enough skillet, the breadcrumbs crust will be golden and crispy by the time the chicken is cooked through. It makes them super crisp.

The key is well-seasoned bread crumbs, perked up with a handful of za’atar, the ubiquitous Israeli spice blend, protecting the flavorful meat. You can also schnitzels tucked into a pita with that some salad, plus pickles, to eat out of hand. Chicken and tahini have a beautiful combination for each other. Adding tahini increases the richness of meat without overpowering its delicate flavor. The final result is a juicy slice of meat covered in a light, gratifyingly crunchy crust, making it completely reminiscent of Israeli street food.

Chicken Schnitzel is one of the best ways to cook chicken breasts. It’s more like chicken nuggets but way bigger and flatter. Many kosher restaurants toss sesame seeds and paprika into the chicken’s breading and stack the cutlets in pita sandwiches piled high with Israeli cucumber & tomato salad, hummus, hot sauce, tahini, and a generous heap of French fries.

These days, schnitzels are made using nearly any protein and are present in both fine dining and in cheap lunch spots; that the common word for boneless chicken breast has become simply, schnitzel. It forms a perfect pair for French fries and of course, kids love it. Try the ultimate Israeli Schnitzel from Habayit Jewish kosher restaurant in Santa Monica with a wedge of lemon & veggies, and you have yourself one incredibly delectable meal. Enjoy!




Friday, 31 August 2018

The Sabih - An Iconic Israeli Street Food Becomes A New Favorite!


Sabih or Sabich was once a humble breakfast and has now become a trendy delicacy. When served fresh and hot, it really is addictive. While hummus, falafel, and even shawarma has all the fame, one of the more affordable and tastier dishes sabih pita sandwich remains one of the country’s best kept secrets. When debating on the national dish of Israel, most will say its falafel, while sabih, its lesser known cousin –has been declared as the national dish by many Israelis. And the ultimate Israeli street food Sabih is in strong competition with falafel. 
So what is this sabih pita sandwich all about? It is a glorious synergy between pita bread, egg, eggplant, and vegetable salad, with humus tahini, and amba. Sabih is an Israeli sandwich made by stuffing pita with thin strips of lightly fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, potato, tomato, cucumber, onion, parsley, tahini, hummus, amba (pickled mango sauce), and hot sauce. All the ingredients are layered so that with every bite you get a little bit of each component. The exceptional ingredients are the addition of tahini and amba sauces.


Sabih is an Israeli preparation of all that’s right in the Mediterranean culinary world – fresh hot pitas, fragrant fried eggplant, fresh salads with herbs and loads of savory sauces. Sliced egg adds texture and protein, and makes this the perfect Israeli-style meal for vegetarians. The super cool marbling technique on the hard boiling eggs doesn’t hurt either. It’s typically eaten for breakfast and it is SO good. It’s totally acceptable to eat this breakfast, lunch or dinner. It’s an everything sandwich!

The sabih at Habayit event catering restaurant in Los Angeles is magically delicious. To top it o, bowls filled with pickled cabbage and other vegetables are given, creating the perfect balance of flavors. For those that like it hot, a teaspoon of green or red crushed pepper sauce is added at the beginning, following the hummus, or at the end. Making sabih sounds simple enough, but preparing it just right is an art form that few truly master. And Habayit kosher restaurant is the true masters of this culinary art. Although falafel is our most popular specialty, sabih is one of its delicious rival.

Nomore usual sandwich eating blunders of sauces running down your arm, and bits of salad crashing down to the sidewalk. Come to Habayit koshercatering restaurant in Santa Monica, and enjoy the luscious mouth watering pita sandwich. It’s all you could want in any sandwich, and more. So are you ready to try intensely flavorful sabih pita sandwich from Habayit?

Saturday, 4 August 2018

Baba Ganush – A Must Try Mediterranean Dip!

Everyone loves hummus, but have you tried other Mediterranean dips like Baba Ganush? It’s freaking amazing. Baba means “dad” in Arabic and Ganush means “spoiled” which refers to someone who is lucky to get spoilt by its smooth, creamy goodness. It is the second most popular Middle Eastern cuisine after hummus which is enjoyed as a dipping appetizer with hints of other flavors such as garlic or lemon.
Baba Ganush is a roasted eggplant dip that is creamy & savory, and like much of the Mediterranean food, it makes a healthy addition to your diet. The simple, yet delicious dip consists of a mix of roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, olive oil and lemon juice. This dish is a good source of fiber and healthy fat.
Also, the stuff has proven to be fairly versatile so far. It has worked its way into sandwiches both warm and cold, in addition to being a dip. The dip is best with roasted veggies, alongside your falafels or as a scrumptious savory spread. It is a mouth-watering grain and pulse free option that will satisfy all your dipping needs.
And, if you are looking for reasons to eat more veggies; yes! Baba Ganush is the reason. With a combination of eggplant, parsley, lemon juice, salt and tahini, how can you wrong with Baba Ganush? This dip is a great addition if you’re hosting some guests. Or a great dip with pita bread (it’s actually super filling!). It adds an extra something to an otherwise plain dish.YUM!
For those who are already fans of Baba Ganush, we don’t need to tell you that it is one of the healthiest and delicious dip you could eat. But if you haven’t had full exposure to this cuisine, then you better visit Habayit Israeli style Restaurant in Santa Monica and experience Baba Ganush.
Many of our regular customers are big fans of Baba Ganush who always look forward to having this dish every time they visit Habayit, since it ticks all of the “great dip boxes”: great on bread, great by the spoonful, great to dip some carrots into. If you are ever in need of good Israeli food in Santa Monica, your search has ended. Head on over to one of the best kosher restaurant in Los Angeles: Habayit.
Habayit Jewish Kosher Restaurant in Santa Monica offers a variety of both vegan and meat based kosher delights. From appetizers to dessert every dish is carefully prepared to showcase authentic Mediterranean cuisine. The food is reasonably priced too. All you need to do is visit this Kosher Dining Restaurant at Santa Monica once; the next visits are guaranteed!