Middle Eastern Cuisine | Dig Into That Raw Scallion Starter đ„Ź
If youâre craving Middle Eastern flavors in Washington, DC, KooKooâlocated on 14th Street in Columbia Heightsâis a spot you donât want to miss! I ordered takeout from here a few times last year, and their lamb shank with spiced rice left such a good impression đ. But dining in? That took a little persistence: I swung by on a Monday before Thanksgiving and found it closed (total bummer! đ), but after three tries, I finally got to sit down and enjoy the full experience. First off, the ownersâhusband and wifeâare so chatty and welcoming! Theyâll happily answer all your questions about the menu (donât be shy about pronouncing those long, unfamiliar dish namesâtheyâre happy to help!). Pro tip: Their lunch menu has a bunch of sandwich combos that look totally worth trying for a quick, satisfying meal. Letâs talk about the foodâevery bite was a delight: The Opening âGreensâ Plate: Itâs got major Northeast China vibes (if you know, you know!)âtopped with crisp, fresh raw scallions that add a bright, zesty crunch. Itâs a simple start, but itâs so refreshing and sets the tone for the meal. Pomegranate Syrup Roasted Eggplant : Donât let its plain looks fool youâthis dish was amazing! The eggplant is tender, coated in a rich, tangy pomegranate syrup that tastes a little like a Middle Eastern version of mole. I ended up spooning that flavorful sauce over my rice nonstopâtotal game-changer for plain grains đ. Signature Grilled Meats: These were delicious, no doubtâjuicy, well-seasoned, and packed with that smoky grilled flavor. But honestly? The lamb shank with spiced rice still takes the top spot for me. The rice is fragrant with warm spices, and the lamb is so tender it falls off the boneâpure comfort in every bite đ. đ Location 3310 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States If youâre in the DMV area and want authentic, flavorful Middle Eastern (Persian-style!) food with a cozy, friendly vibe, KooKoo is a must-visit. Trust me, the third time was absolutely the charmâand itâll be worth any wait for you too! #DMVFood #WashingtonDCFood #PersianCuisine #GrilledMeats