Howard's Mediterranean Cafe and Catering Menu

Breads

Flatbreads and sesame rings baked in hot ovens throughout the day.

• Kaak AsrouneVegetarian · VeganLebanese purse-shaped sesame bread with a handle, often split and filled with cheese or za'atar from street carts.
• Pita (Khubz Arabi)Vegetarian · VeganPuffed pocket flatbread with a soft, chewy texture, baked in a very hot oven so it separates into two layers.
• Ka'ak al-QudsVegetarian · VeganJerusalem-style oval sesame bread ring, chewy and crusty, traditionally eaten with za'atar and boiled eggs.
• Markouk (Saj Bread)Vegetarian · VeganPaper-thin, wide flatbread stretched by hand and cooked on a domed saj griddle, soft and foldable for wrapping shawarma or labneh.
• Taboon BreadVegetarian · VeganRustic flatbread baked on hot stones, with a blistered, dimpled surface and a smoky, chewy bite.
• BarbariVegetarian · VeganLong Persian flatbread with grooved ridges, golden crust and a sprinkle of sesame and nigella seeds.

Manakish & Savory Pies

Flatbreads and filled pastries baked to order or sold warm.

• Za'atar ManakishVegetarian · VeganRound flatbread spread with thyme, sumac, sesame and olive oil, baked until the edges crisp and the herbs turn fragrant.
• Cheese ManakishVegetarian · SavoryFlatbread topped with melted akkawi or a blend of white cheeses, stretchy and lightly salty.
• Lahm bi AjeenSavoryThin open-faced flatbread topped with spiced ground meat, tomato, onion and a splash of pomegranate molasses, baked crisp and served with lemon.
• Spinach FatayerVegetarian · VeganTriangle pies filled with spinach, onion, sumac and lemon, with a tangy filling and soft baked dough.
• Meat FatayerSavory · Contains nutsBoat-shaped or triangular pastries filled with ground beef or lamb seasoned with allspice and onion, finished with toasted pine nuts.
• SfihaSavorySmall square open pies topped with minced meat, onion and spices, baked crisp at the edges.
• Cheese SambousekVegetarian · SavoryHalf-moon turnovers stuffed with salty feta, akkawi and chopped parsley, baked or fried until the cheese bubbles and the crust turns golden.

Baklava & Phyllo Sweets

Syrup-soaked pastries layered with nuts, sold by the piece or by weight.

• BurmaVegetarian · Contains nutsRolled cylinders of shredded kataifi dough wrapped tightly around pistachios, sliced and drenched in syrup.
• Znoud el SitVegetarianCrisp fried phyllo cigars filled with ashta clotted cream and drizzled with fragrant sugar syrup.
• BasbousaVegetarian · Contains nutsSemolina cake soaked in syrup, dense and moist with a sandy texture, topped with an almond in each piece.
• MabroomaVegetarian · Contains nutsThick rolls of shredded pastry packed with pistachios, baked until crunchy and sliced into rounds.
• BaklavaVegetarian · Contains nutsLayers of buttered phyllo filled with chopped walnuts or pistachios, baked crisp and soaked in rose- or orange-blossom syrup.
• Bird's Nest (Esh el Bulbul)Vegetarian · Contains nutsCoiled phyllo nests baked until golden and brittle, each cradling a mound of whole green pistachios and glistening with light syrup.

Knafeh & Cheese Sweets

Warm cheese pastries and creamy desserts typically served by the plate.

• Knafeh SandwichVegetarianWarm knafeh tucked into a sesame bun, a Beirut breakfast combining crunchy, gooey and sweet in one bite.
• Halawet el JibnVegetarian · Contains nutsRolled sheets of soft sweet cheese dough filled with ashta cream, garnished with pistachios and rose petals.
• AtayefVegetarian · SeasonalSmall yeasted pancakes folded around ashta or walnuts; the fried version is syrup-soaked; especially popular during Ramadan.
• MafroukehVegetarian · Contains nutsSemolina dough cooked with butter and sugar, topped with ashta cream and a generous layer of nuts.
• Knafeh NabulsiehVegetarian · Contains nutsSweet, stretchy white cheese baked under a layer of buttery semolina or shredded pastry, served hot with syrup and crushed pistachios.

Cookies & Date Pastries

Shortbread and semolina cookies for coffee, tea and holidays like Eid and Easter.

• Date Rolls (Ajweh Rolls)VegetarianSpirals of tender dough rolled around date paste with cinnamon and cardamom, sliced into pinwheels.
• Sesame Ka'ak SticksVegetarianCrunchy sesame-studded breadstick cookies, faintly sweet and flavored with anise and mahlab, commonly served alongside a glass of tea.
• Ma'amoulVegetarian · Contains nutsMolded semolina shortbread filled with date paste, walnuts or pistachios, crumbly and fragrant with orange-blossom or rose water.
• GhraybehVegetarian · Contains nutsPale, delicate butter cookies made with ghee and topped with a single pistachio or almond, crumbling at a touch.
• BarazekVegetarian · Contains nutsThin, crisp Damascene cookies coated on one side with sesame and the other with pistachios.
• Ka'ak bi HaleebVegetarian · SeasonalLightly sweet milk cookies spiced with mahlab and anise, ring-shaped and soft, often sold for Eid.

Soups

Daily soups served by the cup or bowl, often with a slice of bread on the side.

• French onion soupSavoryDeeply caramelized onions in beef broth, topped with a toasted crouton and a blistered cap of melted Gruyère.
• Lentil vegetable soupVegan · Gluten-freeHearty soup of brown lentils, carrots, celery and tomato with cumin and thyme; earthy and filling.
• New England clam chowderSavoryCreamy chowder with clams, potatoes, onion and a touch of bacon, thick enough to coat a spoon.
• Tomato basil bisqueVegetarian · Gluten-freeSmooth, creamy tomato soup brightened with fresh basil; a natural partner for a grilled cheese or a hunk of baguette.
• Broccoli cheddar soupVegetarianThick, velvety soup of tender broccoli florets in a sharp cheddar base, often served in a sourdough bread bowl.
• Chicken noodle soupSavoryClear, savory broth with shredded chicken, wide egg noodles, carrots, celery and fresh parsley; homestyle, warming and gently seasoned.

Drinks

• Chai latteVegetarianSpiced black tea concentrate with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and clove, combined with steamed or iced milk for a warming, gently sweet cup.
• Flat whiteVegetarianA smaller, stronger cousin of the latte: a double ristretto under silky, barely-foamed milk for a dense texture and pronounced coffee flavor.
• MochaVegetarianEspresso, chocolate sauce, and steamed milk, sometimes crowned with whipped cream; a dessert-leaning drink balancing cocoa richness with coffee bite.
• Cold brewVeganCoarse grounds steeped in cold water for twelve hours or more, yielding a smooth, low-acid concentrate served over ice with chocolatey undertones.
• Iced vanilla latteVegetarianChilled espresso and cold milk shaken or poured over ice with vanilla syrup; a sweet, refreshing staple of bakery counters in warm months.
• Hot chocolateVegetarianSteamed milk whisked with cocoa or melted chocolate, frequently topped with whipped cream or marshmallows; a caffeine-free favorite for kids with a cookie.