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International Delights

Posted by hollyandholley 20 May 2008 3 Comments
740 Ninth Street (between Chubby’s and Jimmy John’s)
      We’ve been eating here so long that we recall when you could not even think the word ‘ketchup’ in International Delights.  Now you can request ketchup (for your fries, which are deliciously crunchy/soft and lavishly peppered).  My family calls this place The Falafel House. 
     We tried the gyros (Yee-Ros according to the menu) meat–beef & lamb at $9.99.  It was a generous serving with crispy edges yet tender and flavorful.  The foul (fava beans) had just the right tang (lemon juice) and saltiness.  The hummus is my favorite in Durham and worth eating with a spoon if you run out of pita.  My only negative was the pita which was too crunchy in the middle today.  Best eat it while its hot.  Two of our six children had lunch with us and shared a turkey breast sub ($6.99).  It was on a ‘good and crusty’ roll.  While they ordered it with only lettuce, we saw several loaded subs delivered to other tables and they looked yummy.  This place is in our top five on the Great Sweet Tea list.  Yes, we know it is fountain tea.
     The baba ghanouj (had some kick to it) was delicious and more than plenty to serve as an entree with pita, even though we had it as a side.  The chicken shawermah sandwich ($9.99) was a  good combination of meaty chicken, cilantro and mint.  It felt very fresh and springy and the tzatziki sauce added the right bite of tang.  This mother’s advice to save you from eating the whole plate of fries (less than 2.50) – tell them no pepper.  The kids, sadly, balked and we devoured the plate!  The menu has several salads as well as ‘child-friendly’ choices like subs.
     Mon-Sat  11am-9pm.  The door listed Sun but no hours mentioned.  Generous portions/Sharing suggested.  No frills dining in a great 9th Street location.  Be prepared to discuss the purpose of the hookahs with your children (good reason to quote Lewis Carroll’s Caterpillar:  “Explain yourself!”).

3 Comments »

  • Dim Sum said:

    Oh, don’t forget the phily steak- don’t think it’s for kids, it may be the best thing they do there. Not exactly done Philly style (hold the Whiz!) but damn tasty, especially for a town lacking any good options for deli-style subs.

    [Reply]

    # 21 May 2008 at 9:05 am
  • TSQ75 said:

    LOVE this place! in lieu of ketchup, ask for the pepper sauce! its a pureed fresh green chile sauce with awesome tang and heat!

    one of my favorite cofort dishes there is the Emjaddrah (sp) a lovely lentil and rice pilaf topped with fried/caramelized onions, and shredded lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, fresh herbs and a nice portion tangy lemony tahini . MM! their hummus is def, my favorite in town…and their falafel is fab too…

    and dont forget, you can rent a hookah to smoke on while you’re eating or after! and get some good lebanese coffee to round it all out.

    my only con…it really is a bit prices for what it is…peasant food.

    unfortunately, i gladly pay it because its so frikkin good

    [Reply]

    # 21 May 2008 at 9:08 am
  • durhamfood said:

    Ugh. I don’t go to ID if I can avoid it. Being from the Middle-East, I have high standards for the food. ID’s renditions are mediocre to terrible. Their falafel is abominble and the hummus not much better. The pitas are downright vile. I’ve heard many good things about the cheese steak, but honestly, that’s not what I go to a ME place for…

    [Reply]

    # 26 May 2008 at 2:26 pm

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