Hello Food Enthusiasts!
For our inaugural food review, we traveled to 9th Street’s oldest restaurant: International Delights. Started by the current owner, Emad’s parents in 1992, International Delights was one of the first Mediterranean restaurants in Durham.
Emad’s parents are refugees of Kuwait’s Desert Storm. When the Lubbad family landed in Durham, Emad’s father told his family, “Hey, the plane landed here, let’s see where life takes us.”
At the time, Durham was, according to Emad, “more of a meat and potatoes town.” So, the Lubbad family faced early difficulties due to Durham residents’ unfamiliarity with Mediterranean cuisine. However, through word of mouth about the excellent homemade hummus, beautifully grilled meats and authentic, hearty meals, International Delights quickly became a hit.
When Emad’s father neared retirement, he proposed selling the business. Emad, having grown up watching his parents “fulfill the American dream,” replied, “Over my dead body.” The rest is history. International Delights is now the longest-running restaurant on 9th Street and a household name.
Over the years, the shop has welcomed countless Duke Basketball players, from Quinn Cook to Dereck Lively II, both of whom appreciated being treated like regular people, not celebrities. Emad recalls how they would come in several times a week, banter opposing teams, and share a meal together.
We wanted our first review to spotlight a restaurant with real history, heart, and homemade food — a restaurant that helped shape 9th Street long before “foodie culture” arrived. Without further ado, here is our food review.
The Signature Bowl definitely earns its name.
Bowen Kim and Claudia Kronk
The juicy chicken is tender and well seasoned, tucked into a generous portion of quinoa or rice. Sautéed onions and mushrooms add warmth and depth, while a scoop of hummus brings a creamy contrast. A drizzle of tzatziki brightens the dish, and the warm pita on the side ties everything together. It’s hearty, balanced and satisfying. It’s the sort of bowl you order once and then immediately add to your rotation. We definitely will be coming back to get this again.
One of the best parts of the visit was watching Emad make the Signature Bowl. He works with easy confidence: mixing, seasoning and grilling everything in a steady rhythm. As soon as the garlic hits the grill, the whole station fills with that warm, savory smell. Seeing it happen in front of us added a whole new appreciation for the bowl.
Whether you are a gym bro or just another hungry Duke student, the Gyro Platter is impressive.
Bowen Kim and Claudia Kronk
Three perfectly cooked pieces of lamb and beef are the stars of the dish. Each piece has a slight crisp on the outside that gives way to a tender, juicy meat inside. A layer of thick, warm pita underneath adds a savory base that complements the heartiness of the meat. The salad, topped with olives and feta crumbles, cuts through the richness with a bright acidity. You best believe I maxed out the bench press right after.
Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake: You wouldn’t think that a restaurant that specializes in delicious entrees has also perfected desserts — but they do.
Bowen Kim and Claudia Kronk
Let’s break this down. The bottom layer consists of fine cookie crumbles that add a wondrous texture to the dessert. The next layer of thick coconut and pistachio provided an earthy flavor. The cheesecake above was wonderfully balanced between sweetly indulgent and savory. The dark chocolate on top, thick and glossy, adds a subtle bitterness to complete the dish.
International Delights’ baklava (pronounced bak-la-wa) is a layered masterpiece disguised as a $2.50 dessert.
Bowen Kim and Claudia Kronk
Each piece features super-thin and buttery phyllo with crushed pistachios. The dish is coated in an amazing sweet and light syrup. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great dessert that isn’t decadent or heavy. It’s small, cheap and the kind of thing you end up grabbing every time you walk in. It’s an absolute must try.
Sage Tea for everyone.
Bowen Kim and Claudia Kronk
I’ll be honest: I wasn’t planning on trying the sage tea. I don’t like tea. At all. But Emad insisted, and I’m really glad he did. It arrives in a clear pot, and you get to pour it yourself, which is super fun. The smell alone is soothing, but the flavor is what surprised me. It was warm, clean and sweet. It’s the first tea I’ve ever genuinely liked, let alone thoroughly enjoyed. If you’re usually a “tea hater,” this might be your gateway drink.
Sincerely,
The Taste Buddies
Dining and Cooking