Mediterranean meal prep bowls featuring chicken shawarma, falafel, and fresh toppings from Taza Shawarma and Falafel in Falls Church VA
Meal Prep Guide

Mediterranean Meal Prep Made Simple

Five ready-to-eat meals in under 30 minutes. Shawarma bowls that taste just as good on Thursday as they did on Monday. Here is how to meal prep with Mediterranean food from Taza.

4.8 stars on Yelp (92 reviews) -- Open 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

2Meals Prepped in 30 Minutes
~$5Average Cost Per Meal
16g+Protein Per Bowl
46%Halal Certified
The Case for Mediterranean Meal Prep

Why Mediterranean Food Is Perfect for Meal Prep

Bowl-based meals with components that store, reheat, and taste right for days.

Most takeout falls apart after a day in the fridge. Burgers get soggy. Fried chicken loses its crunch. Sushi is a one-day food by nature. Mediterranean bowls are different. The components are designed to coexist: grilled proteins over grains, dressed with oil-based sauces, topped with sturdy raw vegetables. Every element holds up under refrigeration because the cuisine was built around preservation long before meal prep became a trend.

Shawarma meat -- both chicken and beef -- keeps its flavor and texture for 3-4 days when refrigerated. The marination process does double duty: it adds flavor on day one and acts as a moisture barrier that prevents the meat from drying out on day three. Basmati rice absorbs the juices gradually, which means your Thursday lunch actually tastes more seasoned than your Monday lunch. Tahini sauce stays stable at fridge temperature without separating. Hummus thickens slightly but returns to its original consistency with a quick stir.

The bowl format is the other advantage. Unlike sandwiches that get compressed or wraps that turn mushy, a bowl keeps every component in its own lane. Protein here. Grains there. Vegetables on top. Sauce on the side. When you order from Taza's build-your-own bowl menu, you are ordering a meal that was engineered for storage from the start.

Proteins Stay Moist

Shawarma is slow-roasted on a vertical spit with its own fat basting the meat continuously. That cooking method means proteins retain moisture for 3-4 days -- unlike grilled chicken breast that dries out overnight.

Bowl Format = Easy Storage

Bowls naturally separate into components. Protein and grain in one compartment, fresh toppings in another, sauces on the side. No soggy bread, no collapsed structure.

Sauces That Last

Tahini, garlic sauce, and hummus are oil-based or legume-based -- not dairy-based like ranch or cream sauces. They stay stable in the fridge for 4-5 days. No curdling or separation.

The Components

The Building Blocks of Mediterranean Meal Prep

Four categories. Mix and match across the week for variety without decision fatigue.

Protein Layer

The anchor of every meal. Choose one protein per bowl and rotate across the week to prevent palate fatigue.

  • Chicken Shawarma -- Leanest option at ~35g protein per bowl. Slow-roasted whole cuts of breast and thigh. Best for high-protein, lower-calorie days. The most popular meal prep protein.
  • Beef Shawarma -- Richer flavor, higher iron and B12. ~32g protein per bowl. Reheats exceptionally well due to higher fat content that keeps the meat moist through storage.
  • Falafel -- Plant-based protein from ground chickpeas and fresh herbs. ~12g protein with 8g fiber per serving. Pair with hummus for a complete amino acid profile. The best vegan option.

Base Layer

The foundation that determines the calorie and carb profile of your entire meal. Two options with very different nutritional outcomes.

  • Basmati Rice -- Complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. ~200 calories per serving. Absorbs meat juices over time, which actually improves flavor on days 2-4. The default choice for most meal preppers.
  • Mixed Greens -- Low calorie, high fiber base. Drops the bowl by ~200 calories and 45g carbs compared to rice. Best for low-carb or keto meal prep. Store in a separate container to prevent wilting.

Toppings

Fourteen toppings included at no extra charge on every bowl. Strategic topping choices affect both the nutrition profile and shelf life of your prepped meals.

  • Store-Friendly -- Pickled turnips, olives, cucumbers, and onions hold up well for 3-4 days under refrigeration. These are your weekday workhorses that go into every container.
  • Add-Day-Of -- Lettuce, tomatoes, mint, and parsley are best added right before eating. Store them in a separate airtight container with a paper towel and top your bowl fresh at the office.

Sauces

The flavor layer that ties everything together. Always order sauces on the side for meal prep -- this is the number one rule.

  • Tahini -- Sesame-based, oil-stable. Lasts 5+ days in the fridge without separating. Adds healthy fats and ~3g protein per tablespoon. Stir before using if it thickens.
  • Garlic Sauce -- Emulsified garlic and oil. Tangy and punchy. Keeps 3-4 days sealed. Ask for extra portions -- it transforms reheated bowls from okay to outstanding.
  • Hummus (as sauce) -- Order a side ($4.95) and use as a thick sauce layer on top of rice. Adds 7g protein, creaminess, and a completely different flavor dimension.
Weekly Game Plan

5-Day Meal Prep Plan Using Taza

A complete Monday-through-Friday plan with specific orders, prices, and macros. Total weekly cost: ~$60.

MondayHigh Protein

Chicken Shawarma Bowl on Rice

from $12.45~35g | ~600 cal

Start the week with the staple. A chicken shawarma bowl on basmati rice with all fresh toppings and tahini sauce. This bowl reheats better than almost any takeout because the rice absorbs juices from the chicken over time and the tahini acts as a natural moisture barrier. The marinated chicken provides roughly 35 grams of protein from whole cuts -- no processed patties, no fillers. Pack the sauce on the side in a small separate container.

Meal Prep Tip: Ask for extra garlic sauce on the side -- it doubles as a flavor booster when you reheat on Tuesday or Wednesday.

TuesdayPlant-Based

Falafel Bowl on Greens

from $10.45~18g | ~480 cal

A plant-based day keeps things varied and gives your body a break from animal protein. Falafel bowl on mixed greens with hummus topping, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled turnips, and tahini. Falafel stays crispy for a full day when stored separately from the greens. The chickpea protein and fiber from 14 included toppings make this a filling lunch without the heaviness of a meat-based meal. The lower calorie count also balances out the higher-calorie Monday bowl.

Meal Prep Tip: Store falafel in a separate container from the greens to keep them from getting soggy.

WednesdayIron-Rich

Beef Shawarma Bowl on Rice

from $12.45~32g | ~650 cal

Swap the protein to keep your palate interested through the middle of the week. Beef shawarma has a deeper, richer flavor profile than chicken and delivers more iron per serving -- important if you are active or training. Served on a rice base with pickled turnips, Arabic salad, and garlic sauce. The beef fat content actually helps with reheating because it stays more moist than chicken on day two or three. This is the meal that reminds you why you chose Mediterranean food for meal prep over bland batch-cooked chicken breast.

Meal Prep Tip: Beef shawarma reheats better than chicken because the higher fat content prevents it from drying out.

ThursdayHighest Protein

Chicken Shawarma Bowl + Hummus Side

$17.40~42g | ~780 cal

Double down on the protein with chicken shawarma and a full side of hummus. Use the hummus as a thick topping layer over the rice or save half as an afternoon snack with pita bread. The combined protein from chicken shawarma and hummus pushes this meal past 40 grams. This is the highest-protein day of the week and a solid choice if you are training hard mid-week or need sustained energy for a long afternoon.

Meal Prep Tip: Hummus keeps well for 3-4 days refrigerated. Order one large container and portion it across Thursday and Friday.

FridayEnd-of-Week Treat

Falafel Bowl on Rice + Baba Ghanouj

$15.40~20g | ~620 cal

End the work week with a satisfying combo that feels like a reward. Falafel on rice gives you both plant protein and complex carbs, while the baba ghanouj adds smoky depth and healthy fats from roasted eggplant and tahini. Baba ghanouj is lower in calories than hummus by about 30 percent, so this is a lighter Friday option. The combination of textures -- crispy falafel, fluffy rice, creamy baba ghanouj -- makes this a meal that never gets old even after weeks of the same rotation.

Meal Prep Tip: Baba ghanouj is lower in calories than hummus by about 30% but still packs protein and flavor.

Weekly Cost Summary

~$60

Total for 5 meals

~$12

Average per meal

~147g

Total weekly protein

0 hrs

Time spent cooking

Cost Analysis

Meal Prep Cost Comparison

How Taza bowls stack up against cooking at home and ordering from other restaurants.

CategoryTaza Mediterranean BowlsHome Cooking / Other Takeout
Average Cost Per Meal$10-$13 (Taza bowls)$8-$12 (groceries) / $13-$18 (other takeout)
Prep Time Required0 minutes -- order and portion45-90 min cooking / 0 min (other takeout)
Protein Per Meal18-42g depending on orderVaries widely / 15-30g (typical takeout)
Shelf Life (Refrigerated)3-4 days with proper storage3-5 days (home cooked) / 1-2 days (fast food)
Ingredient QualityWhole grilled meats, fresh veggies, halalDepends on sourcing / processed ingredients common
Variety Across the Week3 proteins, 2 bases, 14 toppings, 4+ saucesLimited by batch cooking / varies by restaurant
Cleanup RequiredNone -- transfer to containersFull kitchen cleanup / minimal (other takeout)

The sweet spot for Taza meal prep is the time-to-value ratio. Home cooking can be slightly cheaper per meal, but it costs you 4-6 hours per week in grocery shopping, prepping ingredients, cooking, and cleaning up the kitchen afterward. Other takeout (chain restaurants, delivery apps) typically costs $13-18 per meal and rarely holds up past one day in the fridge -- think about how a Chipotle burrito tastes after 48 hours. Taza bowls sit in the middle of the price range while offering restaurant-quality Mediterranean food that stores for 3-4 days with minimal quality loss. For people who value their time, that tradeoff works out to saving roughly $15-25 per hour compared to cooking from scratch.

Fresh Mediterranean falafel and toppings laid out for meal prep at Taza Shawarma and Falafel

Fresh Ingredients. Real Meal Prep.

Every bowl is made to order with 14 toppings, grilled-to-order proteins, and sauces you can portion across the week.

Ordering Strategy

How to Order for Meal Prep at Taza

Small adjustments to your order make a big difference in how well your food stores.

Step 01

Order Bowls with Sauces on the Side

This is the single biggest factor in meal prep success. Tahini and garlic sauce poured over a bowl on day one will make the rice soggy and waterlogged by day three. In separate containers, those same sauces stay fresh for 4-5 days and taste just as good on Friday as they did on Monday. If ordering online through the Clover page, use the special instructions field to request sauces packaged separately. If ordering in person or by phone, just ask -- the staff at Taza will package everything in its own container without any fuss.

Step 02

Request Extra Sauce Portions

One sauce portion per bowl is standard, but for meal prep you want extras. Ask for two or three portions of tahini and garlic sauce when ordering your weekly prep. The cost is minimal and having extra sauce transforms reheated meals from adequate to genuinely good. Cold tahini drizzled over hot rice is one of those combinations that makes meal-prepped food taste almost better than eating it fresh. Extra garlic sauce works as both a dip and a dressing to change up the same bowl on different days.

Step 03

Consider Double Protein for Bigger Meals

If your calorie and protein needs are higher -- say you are training, working a physical job, or just have a larger appetite -- ask for double protein on your bowls. A double chicken shawarma bowl pushes past 50 grams of protein for about $3-4 more. It costs less per gram of protein than ordering a separate side of meat, and everything stays in one container for easy portioning. This is the move for anyone doing serious meal prep for fitness goals.

Step 04

Mix Your Proteins Across the Order

The most common meal prep mistake is ordering five identical bowls and getting bored by Wednesday. Order two chicken shawarma bowls, one beef shawarma bowl, and two falafel bowls. The variety keeps meals interesting without requiring any extra planning. Each protein has a different flavor profile, fat content, and macro breakdown, so you get nutritional variety alongside the taste variety.

Step 05

Time Your Pickup Right

Order Sunday evening or Monday at lunch. Taza is open until midnight seven days a week, so a Sunday evening pickup works perfectly for Monday-through-Friday meal prep. The food is freshest when the spit has been running all day, and evening orders tend to have shorter wait times than the lunch rush. Call (703) 340-1014 about 30 minutes before you plan to arrive for a large order so the kitchen can have everything ready.

Your Sunday Evening Prep Timeline

6:00 PM

Call Taza at (703) 340-1014

Place your order for 5 bowls with sauces on the side. Request extra tahini and garlic sauce. Mention it is for meal prep so the kitchen can package components separately. Typical wait: 20-30 minutes for a 5-bowl order.

6:30 PM

Pick up your order

Drive to 5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church. Parking is available in the strip mall lot. Grab your bags and check that sauces are packaged separately before leaving.

6:45 PM

Set up your containers at home

Lay out 5 glass containers with lids. Open each bowl and transfer the protein and rice into the main compartment. Keep sauces in their original small containers or portion into sauce cups.

7:00 PM

Portion fresh toppings separately

Place lettuce, tomatoes, and fresh herbs in a separate container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Store pickled turnips and olives with the main bowl -- they hold up fine. Label containers with the day if that helps you stay organized.

7:10 PM

Stack in the fridge and you are done

Total active time: about 25 minutes from walking in the door. You now have 5 lunches ready for the week. No grocery shopping, no cooking, no cleanup beyond wiping down the counter.

Reheating Science

How to Reheat Shawarma (Without Ruining It)

The right method makes the difference between sad leftovers and a meal that rivals fresh.

Recommended

Oven or Toaster Oven

  1. 1Preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. 2Transfer protein + rice to oven-safe dish. No sauces.
  3. 3Cover loosely with foil to trap steam.
  4. 4Heat 8-10 minutes until meat edges begin to crisp.
  5. 5Remove foil for last 2 minutes to re-caramelize.
  6. 6Add cold sauces and fresh toppings after.

Result: Crispy meat edges, fluffy rice, restaurant-quality texture in 12 minutes.

Quick Option

Microwave Method

  1. 1Transfer contents to microwave-safe container. Remove sauces.
  2. 2Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water over the rice.
  3. 3Cover with a damp paper towel for steam.
  4. 4Heat on medium power (50-70%) for 90 seconds.
  5. 5Check temperature. Add 30 seconds if needed.
  6. 6Let rest 60 seconds, then add cold sauces and toppings.

Result: Hot and edible in under 3 minutes. Meat will not re-crisp, but medium power preserves moisture.

Three Rules for Reheating Mediterranean Meal Prep

1

Sauces Stay Cold

Tahini, garlic sauce, and hummus should never be heated with the bowl. Heat breaks the emulsion in garlic sauce and makes tahini grainy. Add all sauces cold, after reheating.

2

Greens Go On Last

Lettuce, tomatoes, and herbs should be stored separately and added after reheating. Cold, crisp greens on a warm bowl creates the temperature contrast that makes the meal feel fresh.

3

Falafel Gets the Toaster

Microwaved falafel turns rubbery. A toaster oven at 375 degrees for 5-7 minutes gets the outside back to near-crispy. A dry skillet on medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side also works.

Macro Builds

Macro-Friendly Meal Prep Builds

Four templates for four different goals. Pick one or rotate across the week.

Best for Gains$17.40

High Protein Build

For muscle building and recovery

The Order:

Chicken shawarma bowl, rice base, all toppings, tahini, extra hummus on the side

~42g

Protein

~55g

Carbs

~18g

Fat

~550

Cal

Chicken shawarma is the leanest protein on the menu at roughly 35g per serving. Paired with basmati rice for complex carbs and a hummus side for added protein and healthy fats from chickpeas and tahini. Ask for garlic sauce on the side to control total fat content. This build works for post-workout meals or anyone tracking macros with a protein-first approach.

100% Vegan$15.40

Plant-Based Build

Vegan-friendly with complete amino acids

The Order:

Falafel bowl, rice base, all toppings, extra tahini, hummus side

~25g

Protein

~68g

Carbs

~24g

Fat

~580

Cal

Falafel (chickpeas) plus hummus (chickpeas and tahini) creates a chickpea-sesame combination that provides all essential amino acids without any animal products. Both falafel and hummus store exceptionally well for 3-4 days, making this the best vegan meal prep option on the menu. The rice adds another layer of plant protein and slow-release energy.

Under 15g Carbs$17.40

Low Carb Build

For keto or carb-conscious eaters

The Order:

Chicken shawarma bowl, greens base (no rice), extra veggies, tahini, labneh side

~38g

Protein

~12g

Carbs

~22g

Fat

~390

Cal

Swap the rice base for mixed greens and you cut roughly 200 calories and 45 grams of carbs in one move. The chicken provides lean protein, the greens give volume and fiber, and the labneh side adds probiotics and calcium without significant carbs. Tahini keeps the fat content where you need it for satiety on a low-carb day. This build works for keto, Atkins, or any carb-conscious eating pattern.

Everyday Mealfrom $12.45

Balanced Build

Even macros for everyday eating

The Order:

Beef shawarma bowl, rice base, all toppings, garlic sauce, side of pita

~32g

Protein

~52g

Carbs

~20g

Fat

~520

Cal

The balanced option for people who want a well-rounded meal without counting every macro to the gram. Beef shawarma provides more iron and B12 than chicken. Rice and pita cover your carbohydrate needs. The 14 included toppings add fiber, vitamins, and micronutrients. A complete meal that does not leave you feeling deprived or overstuffed. This is the build most Taza regulars default to for everyday eating.

All macro estimates are based on standard Taza serving sizes. For detailed nutrition information, see our guides on shawarma calories and falafel calories.

Family Meal Prep

Meal Prep for Families

Strategies for feeding a household of 3-5 people with Mediterranean bowls and sides.

Family meal prep with Taza works differently than individual prep. Instead of ordering complete bowls for each person, the smarter approach is to order components in bulk and let everyone build their own plates. Order three to four portions of chicken shawarma, a large side of rice, a container of hummus, and extra pita bread. At home, set everything out and let family members assemble their own bowls. Kids who are picky about vegetables can load up on rice and chicken. Adults tracking macros can go heavy on greens and protein.

The per-person cost drops when you order this way. A family of four can eat well for $35-45 per meal, which comes out to under $10 per person. That is less than a fast-food combo meal and significantly healthier. Call Taza at (703) 340-1014 and tell them you are ordering for family meal prep -- the staff can package proteins, rice, and sides in separate larger containers instead of individual bowls.

Family of 3-4

Order 3 chicken shawarma bowls + 1 falafel bowl + a hummus side + extra pita. Total: ~$42-48. Portion the protein into separate containers, keep the rice together in one larger container, and serve buffet-style each evening. This covers 3-4 dinners depending on appetites and lets everyone customize their own plate.

Kids' Favorites

Children gravitate toward chicken shawarma on rice with garlic sauce -- it is mild, familiar, and not spicy. Falafel cut in half is also kid-friendly and fun to dip. Pita bread with hummus keeps kids happy between meals as a snack. Order chicken tenders ($7.95 from the kids menu) for especially selective eaters and integrate them into the Mediterranean spread.

Variety Packs

Prevent meal fatigue by ordering a mixed batch: 2 chicken bowls, 1 beef bowl, 1 falafel bowl, plus sides of hummus, baba ghanouj, and labneh. Each night features a different protein and different dips. The sides alone create three distinct flavor profiles that rotate through the week without ever repeating the same combination twice.

The Family Meal Prep Shortcut

For weekly family meal prep, a standing Sunday order works well. Order the same core items each week (chicken shawarma, rice, hummus, pita) and rotate one item (swap beef for falafel, add baba ghanouj instead of labneh). This creates a routine that is easy to maintain without feeling repetitive. Most Taza regulars who meal prep for families settle into this pattern within two to three weeks. It reduces packaging waste too -- instead of five separate bowl containers, you get three or four bulk containers.

The children's angle is worth noting separately. Kids who normally resist vegetables will eat pickled turnips and cucumbers when they are part of a "build your own bowl" setup. The act of assembling their own plate changes the dynamic from "eat your vegetables" to "choose your toppings." Chicken tenders ($7.95 from the kids menu) integrate smoothly into a Mediterranean spread for especially picky eaters.

Storage Reference

How Long Each Component Lasts

A practical shelf-life reference for every part of your Mediterranean meal prep.

ComponentFridge LifeStorage Notes
Chicken Shawarma3-4 daysSeal tightly. Stays moist thanks to marination. Reheats well in oven.
Beef Shawarma3-4 daysHigher fat content keeps it moist longer than chicken. Great reheater.
Falafel2-3 daysStore separate from wet items. Paper towel in container absorbs moisture.
Basmati Rice4 daysRefrigerate within 1 hour of cooking. Sprinkle water before reheating.
Hummus4-5 daysSeal tightly. Thin layer of olive oil on top preserves freshness.
Tahini Sauce5+ daysOil-based, very shelf-stable. Stir before using if it separates.
Garlic Sauce3-4 daysKeep sealed. Emulsion can break if left open. Always add cold.
Baba Ghanouj4-5 daysSimilar to hummus. The smoky flavor actually deepens over time.
Fresh Vegetables2-3 daysStore separately in airtight container with paper towel. Add day-of.
Pickled Turnips7+ daysAlready preserved. The longest-lasting topping in your prep.
Fresh vegetables and toppings bar at Taza Shawarma and Falafel ready for bowl customization

14 Toppings. Your Way.

Every bowl includes your choice from our full toppings bar -- tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled turnips, olives, and more.

Why Taza

Why Taza Works for Weekly Meal Prep

The practical advantages of a Mediterranean restaurant over other meal prep sources.

Not every restaurant works for meal prep. Pizza gets rubbery. Fried food gets soggy. Sushi is a same-day proposition. What makes Taza Shawarma and Falafel work for weekly prep is the combination of cooking method, ingredient type, and menu structure. The shawarma is slow-roasted, not fried or grilled quickly. That slow roasting locks in moisture that lasts through four days of storage. The rice is steamed basmati, which holds its grain structure better than jasmine or short-grain rice. The sauces are oil-and-legume based, not cream-and-dairy based, so they remain stable under refrigeration.

Then there is the practical side. Taza is open from 11 AM to midnight, seven days a week, at 5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041. That late closing time means you can do a Sunday evening meal prep pickup without rushing. The menu is consistent -- the same shawarma bowls taste the same every week because the preparation method is standardized. The price point stays under $13 per bowl, making it competitive with home cooking when you factor in the time savings. And because everything is halal certified, families with dietary requirements can trust the sourcing without having to verify each ingredient.

The nutrition angle matters too. A chicken shawarma bowl on greens is under 400 calories with 35g of protein. That is hard to beat for a weight-loss meal prep. Switch to a rice base and you have a balanced meal at around 600 calories. Add hummus and you are at a high-protein meal with 42g per serving. The flexibility is built into the menu. You do not need a separate restaurant for cutting days versus maintenance days.

Shawarma spit slow-roasting at Taza Shawarma and Falafel in Falls Church VA

Slow-Roasted. Never Rushed.

Our shawarma spends hours on the spit so the flavor goes deep -- which is exactly why it tastes this good three days later.

FAQ

Mediterranean Meal Prep FAQ

Mediterranean bowls from Taza store well for 3-4 days when refrigerated properly. Shawarma meat holds its flavor and texture because the marination process acts as a natural preservative. Rice keeps for up to 4 days. Hummus and baba ghanouj last 4-5 days sealed. The key is storing components separately -- keep sauces in small containers, greens in a separate bag, and proteins with rice in the main container. Falafel stays best for 2-3 days and should be stored apart from anything wet.

Yes. There is no limit on how many bowls you can order at once. Many customers order 3-5 bowls on Sunday or Monday evening and portion them into containers for the week. You can order online through Taza's Clover ordering page or call (703) 340-1014 to place a larger order. If you are ordering 5 or more bowls, calling ahead gives the kitchen about 20-30 minutes to prepare everything fresh. You can mix and match proteins -- two chicken, two beef, one falafel -- for variety across the week. The staff can also package sauces separately if you mention it is for meal prep.

The best reheating method for shawarma is the oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes. This re-crisps the edges of the meat while warming the rice underneath evenly. Remove the foil for the last 2 minutes to get that caramelized texture back. A microwave works in a pinch -- 90 seconds on medium power (not high), covered with a damp paper towel to create steam. The most important rule: always reheat sauces separately. Tahini and garlic sauce should be added cold after reheating the protein and rice. If you microwave the sauce with the meat, the sauce breaks down and loses its creamy consistency.

A full 5-day meal prep plan using Taza bowls runs approximately $55-$65 depending on your protein choices and add-ons. That breaks down to $11-$13 per meal. A chicken shawarma bowl is from $12.45, a falafel bowl is from $10.45, and add-ons like hummus ($4.95) or baba ghanouj ($4.95) run under $5 each. Compared to cooking at home, you save 4-6 hours per week in grocery shopping, cooking, and cleanup.

Shawarma is one of the healthiest proteins available for meal prep. The chicken at Taza is whole cuts of breast and thigh marinated in spices and slow-roasted on a vertical spit -- no breading, no deep frying, no fillers or soy extenders. A chicken shawarma bowl on rice delivers about 35g of protein, complex carbohydrates from basmati rice, and a full serving of fresh vegetables from the 14 included toppings. The preparation method uses dry heat rather than oil immersion, which keeps calories moderate. The halal certification at Taza also ensures the meat meets strict quality and sourcing standards.

Falafel can absolutely be meal prepped, but the texture changes over time. Freshly fried falafel is crunchy on the outside and herb-green on the inside. After a day in the fridge, the outside softens. This is fine in a bowl where the falafel sits in sauce and toppings anyway -- the flavor is unchanged. If crispiness matters to you, reheat falafel in a toaster oven at 375 degrees for 5-7 minutes to get close to fresh-fried texture. A dry skillet on medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side also works. Store falafel separately from wet ingredients like sauces and tomatoes. A paper towel in the container absorbs excess moisture and extends the crispiness by at least a day.

Glass containers with snap-lock lids work best for Mediterranean meal prep. They do not absorb smells from garlic sauce and tahini the way plastic containers will, they can go directly from fridge to microwave or oven for reheating, and they keep food fresh longer than plastic alternatives. Get containers with 2-3 compartments so you can separate the protein and rice from sauces and cold toppings like lettuce and tomatoes. The ideal setup: main compartment for rice and protein, one small section for sauce, one small section for fresh vegetables. Portion your Taza bowls into these containers as soon as you get home while the food is still warm for the best seal.

Taza does not have a formal family platter on the regular menu, but you can order in bulk by calling ahead at (703) 340-1014. Many families order 4-6 bowls at once and split the components across multiple meals. You can also ask for sides like rice ($2.95), hummus ($4.95), and extra pita in larger quantities. The restaurant is open daily from 11 AM to midnight, giving you flexibility on when to pick up your weekly prep.

Visit Us

Pick Up Your Weekly Meal Prep

Open 7 days a week, 11 AM to midnight. Walk in, order online, or call ahead for large orders.

Address

5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041

Hours

11:00 AM - 12:00 AM -- Open 7 Days a Week

Start Your Meal Prep

Five Meals. Zero Cooking. One Order.

Order your weekly Mediterranean meal prep from Taza online or call us at (703) 340-1014. Open every day from 11 AM to midnight at 5820 Seminary Rd, Falls Church, VA.