Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
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.
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.
Sponsored message
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!
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
