Best Zaatar in Northern Virginia
Searching for authentic zaatar manaeesh near you? At Taza the flatbreads and pies are baked in the oven as orders come in. Whether you grew up on zaatar or are trying it for the first time, this is the real thing.
The Ancient Spice
What Is Zaatar?
Zaatar is one of the oldest and most beloved spice blends in the world, with roots stretching back thousands of years in the Levant.
The Zaatar Herb
Zaatar refers to both a wild thyme plant native to the Middle East and the spice blend made from it. The herb has been used in the Levant for thousands of years, mentioned in ancient texts and passed down through generations of home cooks.
The Zaatar Blend
The spice blend combines dried thyme, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and salt. Each family and region has their own ratio. The sumac adds tartness, the sesame adds nuttiness, and the thyme provides the earthy backbone.
How It Is Used
Zaatar is mixed with olive oil and spread on flatbread (manaeesh), sprinkled on labneh and hummus, used as a seasoning for grilled meats, or simply eaten with fresh bread dipped in olive oil. It is the most versatile spice in the Lebanese kitchen.
The Taza Process
How We Make Our Zaatar Manaeesh
Four steps, no shortcuts. This is how authentic zaatar manaeesh is made at Taza every single day.
The Zaatar Blend
The chicken and beef are 100% halal, so the whole menu is open to halal diners. The blend is fresh, aromatic, and true to the Levantine tradition.
Fresh Dough Daily
Manaeesh, pita and pies are baked in the oven at Taza. No frozen discs, no pre-made crusts. The dough is soft, elastic, and rolled by hand to the perfect thickness for maximum crispiness in the oven.
Generous Olive Oil
We mix our zaatar with extra-virgin olive oil until it forms a rich, spreadable paste. The dough is brushed generously -- not sparingly -- so every bite is packed with the herby, tangy flavor that makes zaatar manaeesh irresistible.
Oven Baked
Each manaeesh is baked in our oven at high heat until the edges are crispy, the bottom is lightly charred, and the zaatar topping is bubbling and fragrant. Served hot, straight from the oven to your plate.
Our Zaatar Menu
Zaatar Varieties at Taza
Three ways to enjoy our oven-baked zaatar. Every option is made fresh to order with ingredients.
Zaatar Manaeesh
$6.95Our signature zaatar manaeesh. Fresh dough is rolled thin, generously brushed with a mixture of zaatar herb blend and extra-virgin olive oil, then baked in our oven until crispy, fragrant, and golden. The quintessential Lebanese breakfast and snack.
Cheese Manaeesh
$7.95The best of both worlds: our zaatar herb blend meets melted Akkawi cheese on fresh-baked dough. The cheese adds a creamy, salty richness that perfectly complements the earthy, tangy zaatar. A customer favorite.
Zaatar Pie
$2.95Folded pastry filled with zaatar and olive oil, baked until golden and flaky. Perfect as a quick snack, lunch side, or grab-and-go breakfast. Light, portable, and packed with flavor.
More Than Delicious
Zaatar Health Benefits
Zaatar is not just a spice -- it is a functional food with centuries of traditional medicinal use and growing scientific backing.
Rich in Antioxidants
Thyme and sumac are both packed with antioxidants that help protect cells from damage. Zaatar has been used in traditional Middle Eastern medicine for centuries as a health-promoting food.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The thymol in thyme has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Sumac is also known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, making zaatar a functional food as well as a delicious one.
Memory and Focus
In Lebanese tradition, children are given zaatar bread before exams because it is believed to sharpen memory and focus. Modern research on thyme and its compounds supports some of these cognitive benefits.
Digestive Health
Thyme has long been used to aid digestion. Combined with olive oil -- a staple of the Mediterranean diet -- zaatar manaeesh is both a comfort food and a digestive-friendly meal.
Cultural Heritage
Zaatar in Lebanese Tradition
Zaatar is more than food in Lebanon -- it is a way of life. Here is how this ancient spice blend is woven into everyday culture.
Breakfast Staple
In Lebanon, zaatar manaeesh is the most common breakfast. Families buy it fresh from neighborhood bakeries every morning, often rolled up with fresh mint, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
School Day Fuel
Lebanese mothers have sent their children to school with zaatar bread for generations. The belief that zaatar sharpens the mind is so deeply rooted that it is practically a cultural institution.
Gathering Food
Zaatar manaeesh is the food of gatherings. Whether it is a family breakfast, a coffee with neighbors, or a late-night snack, zaatar brings people together around the table.
Pantry Essential
Every Lebanese household keeps a jar of zaatar in the pantry. It is used daily -- on bread with olive oil, sprinkled on eggs, mixed into salads, or used as a coating for grilled chicken and fish.
Serving Northern Virginia
Fresh Zaatar Near You
Located on Seminary Road in Falls Church, Taza is easily accessible from communities across Northern Virginia. Order for pickup or delivery.
Falls Church
Virginia
Arlington
Virginia
Alexandria
Virginia
Fairfax
Virginia
Annandale
Virginia
McLean
Virginia
Tysons
Virginia
Vienna
Virginia
Springfield
Virginia
Merrifield
Virginia
Bailey's Crossroads
Virginia
Herndon
Virginia
Common Questions
Zaatar FAQs
What is zaatar?
Zaatar is both a wild thyme herb and a spice blend originating from the Middle East. The blend combines dried thyme, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and salt. It is one of the most important spices in Lebanese and Levantine cuisine.
What is zaatar manaeesh?
Manaeesh (also spelled manoushe or man'oushe) is a Lebanese flatbread. Zaatar manaeesh is dough spread with a mixture of zaatar spice blend and olive oil, then baked in an oven until crispy and fragrant. It is the most popular breakfast in Lebanon.
Is zaatar healthy?
Yes. Zaatar contains thyme (rich in antioxidants and thymol), sumac (anti-inflammatory), and sesame seeds (protein, healthy fats, minerals). Combined with olive oil, zaatar manaeesh is a nutritious, heart-healthy food rooted in the Mediterranean diet.
Does Taza make zaatar manaeesh fresh?
Absolutely. The manaeesh and pies at Taza come out of the oven hot and ready to eat. We use zaatar sourced from the Middle East and extra-virgin olive oil.
How much does zaatar manaeesh cost at Taza?
Our zaatar manaeesh is $6.95. Zaatar and cheese manaeesh is $7.95. Zaatar pies are $2.95 each. All are freshly baked and served hot.
Can I order zaatar manaeesh for delivery?
Yes. Order online for pickup through Clover, or call (703) 340-1014. For best results, we recommend pickup so you get it straight from the oven.
Visit Us on Seminary Road
Taza is located in Falls Church, just minutes from Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax. Come in for fresh zaatar manaeesh straight from our oven, or order online for pickup.
5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM -- Open 7 Days a Week
Taste the Best Zaatar in Northern Virginia
Fresh dough, zaatar, extra-virgin olive oil, oven baked. Order your zaatar manaeesh online for pickup or delivery from Taza in Falls Church.