Dos and Don'ts of finding the best Arabic food in a small city

Sometimes you have a craving that needs to be filled... with hummus. Or some other kind of Arabic dish. But if you don't live in a big city in North America or anywhere in the Middle East, it won't be easy to find. So I’ve taken it upon myself to compile a handy list to help you on your search.

The Don'ts

1. Do not accept anything that doesn’t come with garlic sauce.
2. Do not accept a falafel sandwich from a place that hands you a side of french fries in a box. Why is it in a box? How long has that box been sitting on the counter? Are you sure that what's inside are even french fries?? I digress.
3. Do not accept a shawarma that's been wrapped in naan bread. (Especially if it was white people that told you it was the best shawarma in town.) Pita bread is where it’s at!

Not an example of a don't, just a photo of some warm, lovely pita bread.

The Dos

1. Do go somewhere that only sells Arabic food and nothing else. Don't be deceived if it says it's a Mediterranean take out express or something. They could be serving up the best tabbouleh you've ever had.
2. Do try and find a restaurant that has huge containers of olive oil somewhere in sight.
3. Do they have an indoor charcoal grill in their kitchen? Yes? THEN WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!
4. Do eat at a restaurant that uses their great great great grandmother's recipe for kebab spices.

Hopefully this will help you on your search! If not, you could always just make it yourself you know. What are your own Dos and Don'ts for finding great Arabic food? Post them in the comments section below or let me know on Twitter or on my blog’s Facebook page!