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Recession Obsession: Zankou Chicken
Zankou Chicken's Chicken Tarna Plate a la Styrofoam
The Official Recession has been upon us for fourteen official months. It’s still not a reason we can’t enjoy life. This is LA -- we’ve got plenty of inexpensive options! A Recession Obsession is food (or an activity) that is fantastic whether times are good or bad -- because it's that damn good. We last loved on Baja California’s finest fried bargains: fish tacos, and today...
Much has been said about Zankou Chicken. From the drama, to the fine food, to the name drop in one of Beck’s songs -- Zankou has earned it’s status as “LA institution.” As many restaurants close their kitchens, Zankou continues to grow. This family-owned restaurant now has seven Los Angeles locations, plus one in The OC.
A meal at Zankou is usually enough for a hearty sit-down plus some leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. Rarely will one of these plentiful portions cost more than $10 per person. Zankou Chicken is a definite Recession Obsession.
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Zankou's Falafel
Armenia’s Finest
The food is fantastic, though some wail that “the best in town” tag can’t attach to certain menu items (i.e. falafel.) The good news is it's not necessary. Zankou offers an excellent mix of Middle Eastern strengths that are both fresh and healthy.
Zankou’s prices have been slowly rising as their popularity has swelled. Don’t worry, they’re still wallet-friendly.
- Rotisserie chicken. Pita (wrap) sandwiches. The famed Garlic Sauce. Hummus. Chicken tarna (marinated chicken on a spit.) Shawerma (marinated beef on a spit.) Kabobs. Tahini.
This cash-only establishment can feature some pretty gnarly parking lots. Save yourself some headache and park around the corner -- but don't pay to park somewhere. There's a recession out!
Photos by Caleb Bacon for LAist
Do you Zankou? Have a favorite location? Comment below!
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