Best Tahini in Northern Virginia
Tahini is the unsung hero of Mediterranean cuisine -- a creamy, nutty paste made from ground sesame seeds that appears in nearly every dish at Taza. From our silky hummus to our falafel dressing to our shawarma bowls, premium tahini is the thread that ties our menu together. Come taste why our tahini-based dishes are some of the most loved in Northern Virginia.
The Basics
What Is Tahini?
Tahini is one of the oldest condiments in the world -- a simple paste made from ground sesame seeds that has been a cornerstone of Middle Eastern cooking for over 4,000 years. At Taza, it is woven into nearly everything we make.
On Our Menu
How Taza Uses Tahini
In Our Hummus
Tahini is the secret ingredient that makes our hummus impossibly creamy. We blend it with chickpeas, fresh lemon, garlic, and a touch of cumin for that silky, rich texture that sets great hummus apart from the mediocre stuff.
In Our Baba Ghanouj
Our baba ghanouj gets its distinctive richness from generous tahini blended with fire-roasted eggplant. The tahini adds body, creaminess, and a nutty depth that balances the smoky char of the eggplant.
As Falafel Dressing
Every falafel pita, wrap, and bowl comes drizzled with our house tahini sauce -- a thin, pourable dressing made from tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water. It is the classic pairing that no falafel is complete without.
On Shawarma Plates
Our chicken and beef shawarma bowls and wraps get a generous drizzle of tahini alongside the garlic sauce. The nutty, slightly bitter tahini cuts through the rich meat and adds a layer of complex flavor.
As a Bowl Topping
Building a custom bowl? Tahini is one of our most popular dressings. It pairs beautifully with rice, greens, roasted vegetables, and any protein. A healthy fat that ties the whole bowl together.
With Warm Pita Bread
Order a side of tahini with warm, fresh-baked pita for the simplest and most satisfying snack. The warm bread soaks up the creamy tahini. Add a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of sumac for perfection.
Nutrition
Tahini Health Benefits
Tahini is not just delicious -- it is a nutritional powerhouse. Here is why nutritionists love this ancient superfood and why we use it generously in our cooking.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Tahini is packed with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats -- the same heart-healthy fats found in olive oil and avocados. These fats help reduce LDL cholesterol and support cardiovascular health.
Excellent Calcium Source
Two tablespoons of tahini contain about 130mg of calcium -- more than a glass of milk. This makes it an important food for bone health, especially for those who avoid dairy.
High in Plant Protein
Tahini provides about 5 grams of protein per serving from sesame seeds. Combined with the chickpeas in our falafel and hummus, it creates a complete amino acid profile.
Packed with Minerals
Sesame seeds are one of the richest food sources of copper, manganese, magnesium, iron, zinc, and selenium. These minerals support immune function, energy production, and antioxidant defense.
Anti-Inflammatory
Sesame seeds contain sesamin and sesamolin -- unique lignans with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Regular consumption is linked to reduced inflammation markers.
Supports Digestion
Tahini is a good source of dietary fiber and healthy oils that support smooth digestion. The fats in tahini also help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the vegetables you eat with it.
Perfect Pairings
Tahini Pairings & Recipes
Tahini is one of the most versatile ingredients in Mediterranean cooking. At Taza, we pair it with everything from falafel to shawarma. Here are some of our favorite combinations you can try when you visit.
Tahini + Falafel
The classic combination. Crispy, herb-packed falafel with creamy tahini dressing is the foundation of Middle Eastern street food.
Tahini + Roasted Vegetables
Drizzle tahini over roasted cauliflower, sweet potato, or eggplant. The nutty richness transforms simple roasted vegetables into a gourmet side.
Tahini + Rice Bowls
Tahini works as a creamy dressing for any grain bowl. It adds healthy fats and ties together diverse toppings into a cohesive meal.
Tahini + Fresh Pita
The simplest pleasure. Warm pita dipped in smooth tahini with a squeeze of lemon. A snack that has fueled the Middle East for centuries.
Tahini + Salads
Use tahini as a salad dressing base. Thin it with lemon juice and water, add garlic and cumin, and you have a creamy vegan dressing that beats any bottled option.
Tahini + Shawarma
The nutty, slightly bitter tahini balances the savory richness of slow-roasted shawarma. It is a classic pairing in Lebanese and Palestinian cuisine.
Where to Find the Best Tahini in Northern Virginia
If you have ever wondered what makes Mediterranean food taste so distinctive, the answer is often tahini. This ancient paste made from ground sesame seeds is the backbone of dishes like hummus, baba ghanouj, and falafel sauce. At Taza Shawarma & Falafel in Falls Church, we use premium-quality tahini across our entire menu, and it shows in every bite.
Great tahini should be smooth, slightly runny, and have a balanced flavor -- nutty and rich with just a hint of bitterness. Low-quality tahini tastes gritty, overly bitter, or flat. The tahini we use at Taza is sourced specifically for its clean, creamy consistency and well-rounded flavor. It is the same quality you would find in the best restaurants in Beirut or Amman.
For health-conscious diners in Northern Virginia, tahini offers remarkable nutritional benefits. It is one of the best plant-based sources of calcium, providing more per serving than milk. It is rich in iron, magnesium, and zinc. The healthy fats in sesame seeds support heart health and help your body absorb vitamins from the vegetables and grains it is served with.
Whether you are visiting from Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Springfield, or anywhere in the NOVA area, a trip to Taza on Seminary Road gives you access to some of the best tahini-based dishes in the region. From our hummus plate to our falafel bowl to a simple side of tahini with warm pita, you will taste the difference that quality ingredients make.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Tahini
What is tahini made from?
Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds. The highest quality tahini uses hulled sesame seeds that are lightly toasted and then stone-ground into a smooth, creamy paste. At Taza, we use premium-quality tahini in all of our dishes.
Is tahini healthy?
Yes. Tahini is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and B-vitamins. It is a significant source of plant-based protein and has anti-inflammatory properties from sesame lignans. It is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Which dishes at Taza contain tahini?
Tahini is in our hummus, baba ghanouj, and falafel dressing. It is also served as a standalone sauce with shawarma plates, bowls, and pita bread. You can add extra tahini to any order.
Is tahini vegan and gluten-free?
Yes to both. Tahini is made purely from sesame seeds and is naturally free of all animal products, dairy, eggs, and gluten. It is safe for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
Can I buy tahini to take home from Taza?
Our tahini sauce is prepared fresh for in-house use, but you can order extra sides of tahini with any meal. For larger quantities or special requests, call us at (703) 340-1014 and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What is the difference between tahini and hummus?
Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. Hummus is a dip made from chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. So tahini is an ingredient in hummus, but they are different products. Tahini is thinner and has a more nutty, bitter flavor.
Visit Taza in Falls Church
Address
5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041
Hours
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM -- Open 7 Days a Week
Call Us
(703) 340-1014Taste the Difference Real Tahini Makes
From our silky hummus to our falafel dressing to our shawarma bowls, premium tahini is in everything we make. Order online or visit us on Seminary Road.