NYCReview
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Come to Karam for Lebanese-style sandwiches, which are served wrapped in flatbread, stuffed with pickles, and drizzled with a pungent garlic sauce that perfectly compliments the richness of Karam’s shawarma. The falafel balls here are crisp, fluffy, and fragrant with cumin and garlic, and the rice pilaf that’s served with the platter is memorable in its own right. In the front of the restaurant, you’ll see a rotisserie oven spinning whole chickens and a display of za’atar pies and lahmajeen—sometimes referred to as “Lebanese pizza.”
Food Rundown
Falafel Sandwich
The falafel here are made with chickpeas, fava beans, and sesame, and they’re heavily scented with garlic, onion, and cumin. You can order them by the dozen, but they pair especially well with lightly charred flatbread and pickles.
Mixed Shawarma Sandwich
It will be impossible not to stop and stare at the spits of roasting shawarma when you walk into Karam, and this sandwich offers you the opportunity to try a little bit of each. The pickled turnip, which is dyed neon fuschia, is a particularly nice addition.
Zaatar Pie
Like a Lebanese pizza with no sauce or cheese, just olive oil and all the good stuff (AKA za’atar). This is only $3, and it’s a great standalone snack or accompaniment to anything else on the menu.