There are many local restaurants in downtown Sioux Falls, so it can be easy for several to be overlooked. However, this is not the case for Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean, a popular site for many. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch or are meeting up with friends, it is the perfect destination.
After hearing positive reviews from others, I visited Sanaa’s during open lunch to determine for myself if it was worth all the hype. With a total of just over $13, I was satisfied with the amount of food that came with it. I decided to order the chicken shish tawook and tabouli salad.
I started with the chicken shish tawook, a Middle Eastern chicken dish served over basmati rice. Just by looking at it, I was excited to dig in. The chicken was well cooked and the rice was not too sticky or undercooked. Personally, I am not much of a spicy food person, but the spice was neither too subtle nor overwhelming, and the flavoring of the rice perfectly complemented the chicken. I would give the chicken shish tawook an 8/10.
Next, I tried the tabouli salad, which is a salad made of finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, bulgur wheat, olive oil and lemon juice dressing. Other than seeing the tomatoes and parsley, I did not have much of an idea what I was eating. Though it was good, there was an overpowering taste of parsley, but as far as I’m concerned that’s just how the salad is supposed to be. I would rate the tabouli salad a 6.5/10.
Though I did not order it, I got to try their homemade hummus served with pita bread. I can confidently state that, if I was given the opportunity, I would gladly eat many servings of their hummus. Not only was it perfectly blended, but the flavor was not too strong or too dull, and the pita bread was freshly baked thus adding the perfect addition. The hummus is a solid 9/10.
Overall, I would give Sanaa’s an 8.5/10, and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a delicious, local meal. Not only is it quick and affordable, but it is also located conveniently close to other businesses and stores, making it the perfect destination.
