Simsim Outstanding Shawarma / 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92111

Another joint post by the two writers of this blog. First portion written by Maggie.

Simsim means Sesame, and this lovely establishment features Arabic cuisine at it’s finest.

Fortune smiled upon us as Chef Ibrahim was available to greet and give a quick tour of the menu options. Each and every ingredient is brought in fresh, no can variety of garbanzo beans here. The Saj bread is cooked to order right in front for everyone to see and all the meats are marinated in various spices. I was intrigued.

Years ago I had a neighbor that was from the Middle East and she just loved to cook and feed all of her fellow friends. I always looked forward to her dishes, they influenced my love for Arabic food.

Indulge ingredients: Carved chicken, carved beef & lamb mixed with garbanzo beans, parsley, mint, sumac, pita chips, slivered almonds, tomato & tahini sauces.

Layer after layer of flavors invite you to take yet another bite to experience all the subtle spices in the marinated meats including the creamy delicate taste of the tahini sauce and the smoky warm sunniness of the tomato sauce. Each bite had me adding different toppings, pomegranate, almonds, mint, pita chips and the garbanzo beans had the most wonderful flavor. Could not get enough of those beans. It’s amazing how freshness and ingenuity makes such a difference in taste.

My favorite was the baba ghanoush probably because I love bell pepper. They give you pita bread with this dish. I was putting it on bites of chicken and just eating it by the spoonful. 

Just went crazy for this hummus. Took some home and dipped my cut up apples in it. I’ll be sure to bring more home on my next visit. I’ve got plans to use it as a topping for Triscuit’s, a spread for my bagel’s and a dip for more apples. The possibilities are endless.

I’ve been dreaming about this food since I’ve eaten here, it’s that good. They have hit upon a much needed niche here in San Diego I think. Can’t wait to come back and try out more choices.

Below portion written by Soo

French fries were crispy and had a nice potato flavor.  I like how they use fresh oil and there is no aftertaste.

Beef and lamb shawarma featured nicely marinated meat in Saj bread.  I enjoyed the flavors from the beef and lamb mixture and the tender meat. Saj bread had a nice mild flavor.  I wouldn’t have minded getting an extra one and eating it plain.

Pita bread was tender and fluffy with a nice mild flavor.

I thoroughly enjoyed the culinary journey to the ancient Ottoman empire.  I could get use to sipping a rose water and pomegranate drink while chomping down on a shawarma.  Thanks to Brad for arranging this cool Yelp event.  Thanks to the owner and chef for inviting us to try some Outstanding Shawarma.

Simsim
7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
Ste 301
San Diego, CA 92111