The day after Christmas Day, known in some countries as Boxing Day, is both a continuation of festive festivities, and a bit of a wind-down. Many of us spent much of the day before either cooking, or snoring our way through a food coma. For that reason, a trip to the mall, perhaps to spend some cash that we were gifted, makes for a pleasant excursion.
Westfield Culver City has the added advantage of a particularly good food court, aka the Dining Terrace. And situated in the middle of it all is Massis Kabob.
“At Massis Kabob, we’ve been grilling with passion since 1976. What started as a small family dream has grown into The Original Kabobery — a Los Angeles institution loved for big portions, bold flavors, and Mediterranean comfort food made fresh every day,” they say online. “For nearly five decades, we’ve stayed true to one mission: serve authentic kabobs and plates prepared with care, tradition, and plenty of flavor. Whether you’re here for a classic beef shish kabob, a juicy chicken wrap, or one of our signature plates piled high with rice, salad, and sides, you’ll always get the same quality and freshness we’ve been known for since day one.”
Their desire to constantly strive for the best possible quality is clear when digging into their ingredients. “We believe authentic flavor starts with fresh ingredients and care in every step,” they say. “All of our meats are marinated in-house, grilled over open flames, and paired with sides made fresh daily. From crisp salads to handmade sauces and perfectly cooked rice, we take the time to do it right — because great food is never an accident.”
We opted for the most attractive vegan option on the menu – the Jumbo Falafel Wrap: “A delicious vegetarian favorite packed with bold Mediterranean flavor. Crispy falafel balls are wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh salad, tangy pickles, and creamy tahini sauce for a perfect balance of crunch and zest.”
The falafel balls were crisp and fluffy, if slightly bland. However, the bread is warm and fresh, while the salad is full of vibrancy and life. The tart of the pickles pairs wonderfully with the rich tahini, and it all ties together quite nicely.
The surprise star of the show is the pita chips on the side. Crunchy and full of flavor, they’re almost worth purchasing by themselves.
Massis Kabob is located at Westfield, Level 3 Dining Terrace, 6000 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City 90230. Call 310-572-7200 or visit massiskabob.com.