Like so many small kabob cafes, Shishkabob House is family owned, a friendly spot on Williams — the Kenner boulevard dotted with international eateries. The chicken shawarma is a specialty, but everything is good. Don’t expect ambiance, but the rock bottom prices are sure to please.

While the second location of Hummus & More on Maple Street didn’t last, the original Lebanese restaurant that Huda Aldisi and Lisa Labit first opened in Metairie in 2015 is still going strong. Serving a vast menu of falafel, lentil stew, mousaka, stuffed kibbeh, and more, the wide-ranging dishes are fresh and refined. In addition to takeout, Hummus & More is now on Waitr, Doordash, and Uber Eats.

From the thin-style pita bread baked in house to the tender rounds of falafel that earn its royal status, the Falafel King delivers tasty food at budget prices. The combo plates are huge, everything is fresh and service is offered with a smile. A second location opened in Metairie this May on Veteran’s Boulevard.

At this fabulous, vegetable-forward restaurant just off Esplanade, diners can’t go wrong — there’s the all-dip option to start, then the meze feast, but don’t forget the radishes with whipped feta. There’s also a Little Fig in Pythian Market for an additional take away option.

Fatma’s Cozy Corner in Treme opened in 2017, a purveyor of savory baked goods, tasty hummus and fatoush salad with feta and red onion, parsley and cucumbers. Turkish specialties sometimes include boreks (flaky, puff pastry turnovers) and pide, a type of flatbread similar to pita, usually scattered with zatar, a lemony Turkish spice.

The market with many hard-to-find Middle Eastern products attached to Stella Maris is icing on the cake, as this spot is serving up some of the best versions of falafel, gyro, tzatziki, kebab, grape leaves, and more in the area. Yes, it’s a bit outside of town, but with the large portions, friendly service, and good prices, it’s worth the trip to Arabi.

It’s a good sign if taxi drivers are chowing down, which they always are at Cleo’s, the 24-hour joint with locations on Canal and Decatur. The menu hits the faves — shawarma, lamb with hummus, stuffed grape leaves — along with grilled salmon and shrimp platters and lots of vegetarian options.

The owners of Daisy Dukes expanded with this fast casual spot just off Canal and business is brisk. Great for late-night grub in the French Quarter, Istanbul Cafe also offers takeout and now delivery. Besides generous portions of bargain priced gyros, falafel, and burgers, there’s also a tasty Philly cheesesteak.

This mediterranean favorite in Metairie expanded to a larger location on Freret at the end of 2019, Acropolis is known for its traditional Greek cooking — along with a smattering of Italian dishes and pizza. Nibble through an appetizer sample of dips and spinach pie and move on to the signature six-onion soup, served under a puff pastry cap. Salads, pita wraps, and platters of savory grilled meats and vegetables round out the menu.

Not to be confused with Shawarma on the Go, the newer Shawarma on the Run in Terrytown is where some of the area’s silkiest hummus can be found. Co-owner Osama Albassis (who started out at Shawarma on the Go) focuses on beef and chicken shawarma, falafel and spinach pie, hummus and tzatziki, and platters and bowls, served with yellow rice, salad, pita, Armenian pickles, corn, and traditional sauce.

With influences that stem from Israel, Europe and North Africa, Saba reflects a collection of moments where food and culture have crossed paths, offering a taste of this ever-evolving cuisine. Wood-fired pita bread baked steps from the table will soak up the flavors of Bulgaria, Yemen, Syria, Morocco, Turkey, Palestine, and Greece, to name a few. Chef de cuisine Cara Peterson sources seafood, meats, and produce from local farms around New Orleans, guiding them over hot coals to family-style platters on the table.

A great option for healthy fare Uptown, Tal’s Hummus on Magazine dishes Israeli inspired dishes including falafel, hummus, pita sandwiches, kebabs, and salads — all made fresh to order. Take a pint home — no not beer, but hummus, Moroccan carrots, and other tasty treats.

Like so many of these Medi cafes, Sahara on the West Bank does a ton of app-based delivery business. Authentic flavors, prepared in the moment, from shawarma and gyros to foul and lamb shank will satisfy. Portions are huge, making this spot a true budget option.