After a long holiday season and getting back to the daily grind of work, you deserve to treat yourself to a mouthwatering brunch and we’re here to help. Shakshuka, originally an African dish adapted as a common Israeli breakfast, is traditionally made with stewed tomatoes, garlic, onions and poached eggs. It’s no surprise that this magical combination of ingredients makes Shakshuka one of the hottest brunch dishes around. Here are some of our favorites in NYC:
Balaboosta
Shakshuka at Balaboosta. Photo: @foodiesdnycEinat Admony, the mastermind behind Balaboosta, was one of the first to make shakshuka in NYC, so you could say she knows a thing or two about the dish. Balaboosta’s shakshuka is made with a spicy tomato sauce and is paired with grilled sourdough instead of pita, which perfectly compliments the tartness of the tomatoes. Perfection.
Miriam
Shakshuka at Miriam. Photo: @newyorknoshIf you’re looking for a classic shakshuka, head to Miriam in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Miriam has been serving up modern Israeli food since 2005 and we’re confident when we say that they’ve got their shakshuka recipe down to a science. The sauce is tomato-y and peppery and comes with two perfectly poached eggs, and, to top it all off, a side of hummus with pita *preach hands*. If you’re in Park Slope, or even if you’re not, go here.
12 Chairs Cafe
Shakshuka at 12 Chairs Cafe. Photo: @12chairscafe12 Chairs Cafe has two locations, one in Williamsburg and one is SoHo, so Brooklynites and Manhattanites rejoice! The café serves up Russian and Israeli fare so they take the traditional spicy North African tomato sauce and top it with some Bulgarian feta cheese and serve it up with a side Israeli couscous. The result? Salty, spicy, savory, and absolutely amazing.
Jack’s Wife Freda
Shakshuka at Jack’s Wife Freda. Photo: @foodfitforgfsOne of the most iconic shakshukas currently being served in NYC, the shakshuka at Jack’s Wife Freda, is probably what Dr. Seuss was dreaming of when he wrote “Green Eggs and Ham.” Instead of using red sauce tomatoes, the chefs at Jack’s Wife Freda use tomatillos, green peppers, onion, garlic, and cilantro to create a zesty sauce that’s served with slices of grilled challah for dipping. If Sam I Am offered us these, no way we could refuse.
Bessou
Shakshuka at Bessou. Photo: @tastingtableHere’s where things really start to get funky, but we’re so into it. At Bessou, they’re infusing Japanese flavors into their shakshuka by cooking curried roast kabocha squash and miso tofu labneh into their rich tomato sauce. This dish is served with huge slices of Japanese milk toast, perfect for sopping up every last drop of that surprisingly perfect sauce. It’s probably the most unique shakshuka we’ve ever tried, and that’s a good thing.
Taboonette
Shakshuka at Taboonette. Photo: @la_francovietnamericaineIf you’re in need of a speedy brunch but still want to get your shakshuka fix, try Taboonette. This quick-casual hotspot in Union Square makes their shakshuka with fresh ingredients you can taste and finishes it off with a spicy bite that will leave you wanting more.
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