CHARLESTON — The Holy City welcomed an authentic street food spot to its downtown dining scene over the weekend, which happens to be the sister restaurant of North Charleston’s Istanbul Shish Kabob.
Palmetto Pita, which opened at 141 Calhoun St. on April 18, serves Mediterranean cuisine in build-your-own-style bowls, as well as sandwiches and wraps. But no matter what you order, it’s made from scratch.
“When you walk in the restaurant, you can see its open kitchen,” said Emad Hammad, owner of Palmetto Pita and Istanbul Shish Kabob. “Like literally you’re behind the counter, you can pick your bowl, build your bowl or sandwich or wrap. And you can see your meat shaved from the shawarma.”
You can choose shawarma, either chicken or lamb, or another meat like chicken kabob or lamb kofta. Bowls are served over lettuce or basmati rice, then it’s time for toppings. And it’s more than chopped vegetables, Hammad explained. From tahini salad to tzatziki and hummus, everything is made in the Istanbul Shish Kabob kitchen.
Palmetto Pita has limited seating inside, but the carry-out establishment sits conventionally across from Marion Square, where patrons could enjoy their meal outside.
Opening weekend for Palmetto Pita saw some locals and tourists come in more than once in a day, Hammad said. “I really like to provide something authentic, something unique. We like to add (a) story to our visitor,” he said.
The family business is closed on Monday, but open every other day of the week starting at 11 a.m. On Friday and Saturday, Palmetto Pita serves customers until 3 a.m. To learn more, visit Istanbul Shish Kabob’s Facebook page.
Dining and Cooking