Mediterranean fusion fast food comes to Kelowna with Tahini's opening

Shawarma, falafel, gyro, kafta and halloumi.

Tahini's -- the Mediterranean fusion fast food place with big Middle East and Arabic inspiration -- has it all.

And, Kelowna can now get a taste because Tahini's has opened its 42nd franchise at 2090 Harvey Avenue in the same unassuming strip where Cash Money is and where Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits will open soon.

"We are thrilled to bring Tahini's to Kelowna," said the chain's founder and CEO Omar Hamam.

"Our newest location reflects our passion for Mediterranean cuisine and our commitment to quality. We look forward to becoming a staple in the Kelowna community, sharing our love for delicious food with everyone who walks through our doors."

What exactly is Mediterranean fusion?

Well, a quick look at Tahini's menu will give you a mouthwatering idea.

There are chicken shawarma wraps and bowls; gyro wraps and bowls; falafel wraps and bowls; beef kafta, shawarma, halloumi cheese and chicken tenders mini sandwiches; Jamaican jerk wraps and bowls; butter chicken wraps and bowls; Arabian shawarma bites; samosas and poutine bowls.

Wraps come in at $9 for small, $12 for medium and $15 for large; bowls, which come with basmati rice or crispy fries and fattoush salad are $13 for regular and $16 for large; those mini sandwiches are $5; and baklava for dessert is $8.

See, we told you it was fusion because Jamaica is nowhere near the Middle East, butter chicken comes from India, which is in South Asia, and poutine is most definitely a Quebecois dish.

The news release announcing Tahini's Kelowna opening this week puts it best: "The restaurant's menu, featuring an array of delicious shawarma and fusion bowls, masterfully captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine fused with other global flavours and spices. Tahini's expansion into Kelowna underscores its dedication to offering innovative flavours, enhancing the city's vibrant food scene with its contemporary Mediterranean cuisine."

By the way, Tahini's namesake, tahini, is a creamy sesame sauce that is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine.

All wraps and bowls come with your choice of toppings, including tahini, of course, and can be ordered with no heat, medium or hot.

Tahini's was founded in 2012 in London, Ontario and has grown to 43 franchises across the country, with Kelowna being the latest.

It also has some Tahini's Kitchen outlets in some FreshCo grocery stores and also has some Tahini's packaged foods that are sold through select grocers.