Glendale: Middle Eastern BBQ Feast (I Cleaned My Plate!) 🍢​

This weekend, I hit up Raffi’s Place in Glendale with a friend for some classic Middle Eastern BBQ—and let’s just say our reactions were total opposites! 😂 My friend kept saying it was a “letdown,” but me? I scraped every last bite off my plate—no crumbs left behind!​ Walking into the spot, it had that cozy, no-fuss vibe typical of neighborhood Middle Eastern joints—warm lighting, the faint smell of grilled meat and spices wafting from the kitchen, and friendly servers who dropped off pita bread and hummus right when we sat down. The hummus was smooth and creamy, with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika—perfect for sopping up with the fresh, slightly warm pita. 🥙​ We ordered a mix of their signature grills to share: the shawarma plate (tender slices of marinated chicken, charred just right), kofta kebab (spiced ground beef formed into juicy skewers), and a side of falafel. The chicken shawarma had that classic smoky, herby flavor—each bite was moist, not dry at all—and the kofta was packed with cumin and garlic notes that hit just right. The falafel was crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and didn’t taste greasy, which I loved.​ The sides were simple but solid too: fluffy basmati rice tossed with a hint of turmeric, and a fresh tabbouleh salad with chopped parsley, tomatoes, and lemon juice that cut through the richness of the meat. My friend complained that the spices were “too mild” and the falafel “lacked crunch,” but I thought the flavors were balanced—nothing overpowering, just good, hearty Middle Eastern comfort food.​ By the end of the meal, my plate was practically shining (I even dipped the last bit of rice in hummus!), while my friend still had half her kebab left. To each their own, right? 😅 If you’re into straightforward, homey Middle Eastern BBQ and don’t mind “no-frills” flavors, Raffi’s Place is worth a stop when you’re in Glendale.​ #LAFood #WeekendEats #MiddleEasternFood