THE BLUEPRINT:
Taim expands menu across New York City, Chicago, D.C., and Plainview
New items include beef and lamb shawarma and spicy tahini
Menu update reflects Mediterranean flavor traditions
U.S. Mediterranean food market hits $33B in 2024
Taim Mediterranean Kitchen, with a location in Plainview, has introduced new items on the menu that are now available across locations in New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
Now part of the Craveworthy Brands portfolio, Taim was founded by Einat Admony – a James Beard nominated chef and two-time Food Network champion – and her husband Stefan Nafziger. And the new offerings at Taim align with the restaurant’s roots, according to Craveworthy.
“These new offerings stay true to what Taim is all about, using real ingredients and daring spices to celebrate flavors cherished across the Mediterranean,” Jax Sperling, vice president of Culinary and Supply Chain at Craveworthy Brands, said in a news release about the menu updates.
“The halal beef and lamb shawarma was developed with care and respect for the cultures it comes from, and everything we’re adding, using more unique spices like baharat and kofta, allows us to hit even more authentic flavor profiles for our guests,” Sperling added.
The new menu items come amid growing interest in Mediterranean cuisine. The market research firm IBISWorld reports that the U.S. Mediterranean food market exceeded $33 billion in revenue in 2024, with global projections reaching $74 billion by 2032. Taim’s latest offerings were designed to meet consumer demand for fresh, globally influenced dishes that emphasize flavor, according to the news release.
Taim means “tasty” in Hebrew. Founded in 2005 in New York City’s West Village, Taim serves Mediterranean dishes built on fresh produce, traditional spices and long-standing cooking methods. With 14 locations nationwide, the restaurant has received national recognition, including awards such as “Best Falafel” by “The New Yorker.”
The company has plans to expand, but “with care,” according to a spokesperson.
New offerings include beef and lamb shawarma plate, beef and lamb shawarma pita; pita chips; roasted mushrooms; cucumber and tomato salad; spicy tahini sauce; pomegranate mint lemonade; a dip of carrot hummus, beet and spicy feta; and strawberry lemonade.
Taim’s menu accommodates a range of dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.