Thanksgiving Catering · Northern Virginia

A Mediterranean Thanksgiving Your Guests Will Never Forget

Shawarma platters, hummus spreads, basmati rice, manaeesh, and rice pudding — 100% halal, inclusive, and built for groups of 10 to 200+. Serving Falls Church and all of Northern Virginia.

Falafel, chicken shawarma and beef shawarma bowls
  • 7Days Open Each Week
  • 100%Percent Halal
  • 40+Menu Items Available
  • 200+Guests Per Catering Order

A Different Thanksgiving

Why Mediterranean Food Works at Thanksgiving

The Levantine feast tradition is older than Thanksgiving itself — and it is built for exactly this kind of gathering.

Thanksgiving is about abundance, communal eating, and a table that has room for everyone. Levantine Mediterranean cuisine has operated on exactly those principles for centuries. The meze tradition — hummus, baba ghanouj, pita, olives, pickles, salads — is designed for a table full of people who all reach in at once. The shawarma platter, stacked high and served with warm pita, is the centerpiece that anchors a feast.

For families in Northern Virginia where multiple cultures and dietary needs sit at the same table, Mediterranean catering solves the problem that traditional menus create. Every dish is halal. Falafel is vegan. Hummus and most salads are gluten-free. No one needs a separate meal and no one leaves the table underserved.

Adding a Taza shawarma platter and Mediterranean spread to your Thanksgiving table does not replace the turkey — it elevates the whole meal. Guests who have never tried Levantine food at a holiday table discover something new, and guests who grew up with it feel seen and welcomed.

100% Halal

The whole menu is halal, every protein included.

Vegan & Vegetarian

Falafel, hummus, baba ghanouj, and spinach pies are meat-free.

Built for Groups

Catering for 10 to 200+ guests, with delivery available.

Inclusive by Design

One spread that works for every dietary need at the same table.

Bold, Memorable Flavors

Shawarma carved off the vertical spit and falafel fried to order.

Open 7 Days

11 AM to midnight on Seminary Road in Bailey's Crossroads, with free parking at the door.

Chicken and beef shawarma bowls

The Shawarma Platter That Anchors the Feast

Carved off the vertical spit and arranged for sharing, with hummus and pita alongside.

Thanksgiving Catering Packages

What We Prepare for Your Thanksgiving Table

Three sample spreads to match your gathering — call to build the exact order.

Shawarma Feast — Serves 10

Small Gathering
  • Chicken shawarma, carved off the vertical spit
  • Beef shawarma option available
  • Basmati rice
  • Hummus with olive oil
  • Pita bread, baked in our oven
  • Pickled turnips & garlic mayo
  • Tahini on the side

A sample spread. Call to build your exact order — 2 weeks advance recommended for Thanksgiving

Mediterranean Spread — Serves 20

Extended Family
  • Chicken + beef shawarma
  • Falafel, fried to order
  • Basmati rice
  • Hummus
  • Baba ghanouj
  • Manaeesh, baked in our oven
  • Pita bread
  • Toppings and sauces

A sample spread for extended family Thanksgiving gatherings

Grand Levantine Feast — Serves 50

Large Groups
  • Mixed chicken & beef shawarma
  • Falafel, fried to order
  • Basmati rice
  • Hummus
  • Baba ghanouj & labneh
  • Assorted hand pies (spinach, cheese, sfiha)
  • Manaeesh platters
  • Pita bread
  • Rice pudding & harissa (semolina cake)

A sample spread for community Thanksgivings, potlucks, and large gatherings

Custom quantities and menu combinations available. Call us to discuss your exact Thanksgiving needs.

Call to Place a Thanksgiving Order

The Thanksgiving Menu

Every Dish on the Thanksgiving Spread

Each item comes from Taza's menu and works for large-format serving.

Chicken Shawarma Platter

Halal

Marinated chicken stacked on a vertical spit and carved off the spit. Comes with your choice of garlic mayo, pickled turnips, and pita on the side. The anchor of a Thanksgiving catering order.

Beef Shawarma Platter

Halal

Halal beef shawarma carved off the vertical spit. Darker, richer, and deeply savory compared to chicken. Pairs beautifully with tahini and pairs even better with the rest of the Thanksgiving spread. Ideal for guests who want a heavier protein.

Falafel Tray

Vegetarian

Made from ground chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, and cumin, and fried to order to a deep golden crust with a green interior. The natural choice for vegetarian and vegan guests. Arrives with tahini and served alongside pita for easy assembly.

Hummus Spread

Vegan · GF

Chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, finished with olive oil. The first thing guests reach for when they arrive, and a natural partner for warm pita. A Thanksgiving meze essential.

Basmati Rice

GF

Long-grain basmati rice, the same rice under Taza's shawarma bowls. The Levantine alternative to mashed potatoes — fragrant, fluffy, and good at absorbing every sauce and drizzle on the plate. Serves as the starch base of the entire Thanksgiving spread.

Rice Pudding & Harissa

Vegetarian

Creamy rice pudding with rose water and cinnamon, plus harissa, the syrup-soaked semolina cake also called basbousa. A lighter Levantine finish after a big meal. Elegant enough for a formal table, approachable enough for kids. Order alongside the rest of your catering.

Baba Ghanouj

Vegan · GF

Flame-roasted eggplant blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon. Smoky, complex, and perfect as a meze alongside hummus. Gluten-free and vegan.

Spinach & Cheese Pies

Vegetarian

Hand pies baked in our oven, filled with spinach, onion, and pine nuts or with cheese. Easy finger food that travels well for catering.

Lahm Bil Ajin (Meat Pies)

Halal

Thin flatbread topped with spiced halal ground beef and parsley, baked in our oven. Often called Lebanese pizza. Easy to share at a big table.

Falafel bowl with salad and pickled vegetables

Falafel at Thanksgiving: The Dish That Feeds Everyone

Meat-free and halal, falafel is the dish nearly everyone at the table can eat. That matters at Thanksgiving.

Two Traditions, One Table

Mediterranean Thanksgiving Sides vs. Traditional Sides

How Levantine dishes map to classic Thanksgiving roles — often improving on them.

Thanksgiving RoleMediterranean (Taza)Traditional
Starch BaseBasmati riceMashed potatoes or stuffing
Appetizer SpreadHummus + baba ghanouj + warm pitaCheese board or veggie platter
Main ProteinChicken & beef shawarma platters (halal)Roast turkey
Vegetarian OptionFalafel, fried to order — meat-free and satisfyingRoasted vegetables or a separate dish
Green ComponentSpinach manaeesh and spinach piesGreen bean casserole
BreadPita baked in our oven — warm, for scoopingDinner rolls
DessertRice pudding and harissa (semolina cake)Pumpkin pie
Halal-FriendlyYes — 100% halal throughoutDepends on sourcing

Blending Two Traditions

Serving Mediterranean Alongside a Traditional Thanksgiving

Most families keep both — here is how to make the combination work.

The Two-Table Setup

One easy approach is to use Taza catering as a full second table at Thanksgiving. The traditional turkey dinner goes on one side; the Mediterranean spread goes on the other. Guests build plates from both. This works especially well when the gathering includes people from different dietary backgrounds — everyone finds something they love.

Set out the hummus and pita first as guests arrive. While the turkey rests, the shawarma platter is ready to serve immediately. No carving anxiety. No thirty-minute wait. Guests eat warm food from the moment they sit down.

For dessert, offer rice pudding or harissa alongside or instead of pie. Guests who expected pumpkin pie get something new to try, and the table gets a lighter finish.

Mediterranean as the Full Thanksgiving Meal

Some families — particularly those with halal dietary requirements — prefer a full Mediterranean Thanksgiving with no turkey at all. The shawarma platters serve as the main protein. Basmati rice is the starch. Hummus, baba ghanouj, and hand pies fill the table. Rice pudding closes the meal.

This approach removes the coordination overhead of a traditional Thanksgiving entirely. No six-hour roasting process. No last-minute gravy panic. Pick up your order from Taza, set it out, and the meal is ready in minutes. The effort is minimal.

Call us two weeks before Thanksgiving. Tell us your guest count. We handle the rest.

Manaeesh baking on the oven deck

Fresh From the Oven and the Spit.

Manaeesh and pies come out of our oven, shawarma comes off the spit. Taza means fresh in Arabic.

How to Order

The Thanksgiving Catering Timeline

Four steps from first call to feast-ready table.

Step 1

Order 2 Weeks Ahead

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest catering windows of the year. Call us or stop in at least two weeks before Thanksgiving to lock in your order. We confirm quantities, dietary needs, and your pickup window.

Step 2

Customize Your Menu

Tell us your guest count and any dietary requirements — halal, vegetarian, gluten-free, or nut-free. We build your order from our full menu. Every item is 100% halal. Tell us which dishes need to stay meat-free and we will label them.

Step 3

Confirm One Week Out

Check in with us the week before Thanksgiving to confirm your order, adjust the headcount, and set your pickup or delivery time. If your guest list grew, call (703) 340-1014 and ask about adding to the order.

Step 4

Pickup or Delivery

Collect your order at 5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, where parking is free at the door, or have it delivered -- catering delivery is available across Northern Virginia. Set it out and your table is ready for a feast.

Serving Suggestions

How Much to Order for Your Thanksgiving Gathering

Rough quantities for planning — we will fine-tune with you when you call.

10 Guests

Shawarma
Chicken or beef shawarma
Rice
Basmati rice
Sides & Dips
Hummus, pita, toppings
Dessert
Rice pudding

Intimate family Thanksgiving

20 Guests

Shawarma
Chicken and beef shawarma
Rice
Basmati rice
Sides & Dips
Hummus, baba ghanouj, pita, hand pies
Dessert
Rice pudding + harissa

Extended family or small group Thanksgiving

50 Guests

Shawarma
Mixed chicken & beef shawarma
Rice
Basmati rice
Sides & Dips
Hummus, baba ghanouj, labneh, manaeesh
Dessert
Rice pudding + harissa

Community event or large gathering

These are planning guides only. Call us with your exact guest count and we will build precise quantities for your Thanksgiving order.

Why Taza

Why Northern Virginia Families Choose Taza for Thanksgiving Catering

Catering for 10 to 200+ guests across the region, with delivery available.

  1. 100% Halal Throughout

    Taza's whole menu is halal, every protein included. Families who need halal catering can order anything on the menu without hesitation or special requests.

  2. Off the Spit, Out of the Oven

    Shawarma is carved off the vertical spit. Falafel is fried to order. Manaeesh, pita and pies are baked in our oven. Taza means fresh in Arabic.

  3. Naturally Inclusive Menu

    Meat-free options are built into the menu — not added as an afterthought. Falafel, hummus, baba ghanouj, and spinach pies all qualify. Every guest has a satisfying plate.

  4. Scales to Any Group Size

    We cater Thanksgiving gatherings from 10 to 200+ guests, with delivery available. Our catering platters are designed for large-format serving from the start.

  5. Central Falls Church Location

    Our location at 5820 Seminary Rd Ste O in Falls Church puts us within 20 minutes of most of Northern Virginia. Quick pickup and free parking at the door.

  6. A Meal Guests Remember

    A Mediterranean Thanksgiving table stands out. The flavors are distinct and bold, and the spread is different enough from the usual menu to make the meal feel new.

FAQ

Thanksgiving Catering Questions

Everything you need to know before placing your order.

Yes. We provide Thanksgiving catering for 10 to 200+ guests, with pickup from our Falls Church location at 5820 Seminary Rd Ste O or catering delivery, serving families and groups across Northern Virginia — including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, McLean, Tysons, Springfield, Herndon, and Reston. We recommend ordering at least two weeks before Thanksgiving to guarantee your spot.
Mediterranean cuisine from the Levant region is built for communal feasting — exactly what Thanksgiving calls for. Shawarma platters are designed to feed groups, the flavors are bold and memorable, and the spread naturally accommodates vegetarians, halal eaters, and gluten-free guests without requiring separate menus. It is a genuine alternative to a standard turkey dinner, or a second table beside one.
Yes, 100%. Taza's whole menu is halal — chicken, beef, and all meat pies included. Families with halal dietary requirements can order anything on the menu. We also carry vegetarian options, like falafel, hummus, and spinach pies, for non-meat eaters at the same gathering.
Absolutely — this is how most families order. They keep the traditional turkey and stuffing, then add Mediterranean sides: hummus and pita as appetizers, a shawarma platter as an additional protein, basmati rice instead of or alongside mashed potatoes, baba ghanouj and hand pies, and rice pudding for dessert. The two cuisines complement each other naturally.
We strongly recommend two weeks minimum. Holiday weeks fill up, and large orders — especially shawarma platters and falafel trays — require advance scheduling to ensure freshness and timing. We can sometimes accommodate orders placed one week out, but two weeks guarantees your preferred pickup window and menu choices.
Yes. Catering delivery is available across Northern Virginia, and pickup from our Falls Church location is always an option, with free parking at the door. Ask about delivery windows for Thanksgiving week when you place the order, since holiday slots fill up. Our location is central to Northern Virginia, making the drive quick from most of the region.
Our dessert menu has rice pudding, creamy and perfumed with rose water and cinnamon, and harissa, a syrup-soaked semolina cake also known as basbousa. Both are light enough to follow a big meal. For large Thanksgiving orders, we recommend placing dessert orders alongside the rest of your catering to guarantee quantity.
Yes. Tell us at the time of ordering about any restrictions — gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, or vegan needs. We can build a custom order that works for every guest at the table. Falafel and hummus are traditionally plant-based. Bowls and platters can be assembled without sauce or with specific sauces on the side. Ask us about specific allergens when you order.

Find Us

Order Thanksgiving Catering from Taza — Falls Church, VA

Central to Northern Virginia. 20 minutes or less from most of the region.

Taza Shawarma & Falafel, Bailey's Crossroads

5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041 (directions, opens in a new tab)(703) 340-1014

On Seminary Road with free parking at the door. Order ahead for pickup, or come in and build your plate at the counter.

Opening hours

Monday11 AM to midnight
Tuesday11 AM to midnight
Wednesday11 AM to midnight
Thursday11 AM to midnight
Friday11 AM to midnight
Saturday11 AM to midnight
Sunday11 AM to midnight

Free parking at the door. Halal chicken and beef.

5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

Pickup Location

5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041

Serving Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, McLean, Tysons, Herndon, Reston, and all of Northern Virginia

Thanksgiving Day Hours

Open regular hours on Thanksgiving: 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Call ahead to confirm your pickup window

Book Your Thanksgiving Catering

Make This Thanksgiving Unforgettable

Call Taza today to place your Thanksgiving catering order. Two weeks advance notice is recommended. 100% halal, inclusive, and built for your table.