According to the venerable Wikipedia, “Shakshouka (Arabic: شكشوكة; Hebrew: שקשוקה) is a dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions, often spiced with cumin.” It’s really popular in Mediterranean countries like Israel, Tunisia, Egypt, Morrocco, etc. It’s also delicious, flavorful, and drop-dead gorgeous (check out that yolk porn). Lucky for us, Philly has a great shakshouka scene. Here’s a comprehensive list to make sure you never miss out:
Café Renata
Photo courtesy of caferenata.com
Just a few blocks off campus, this go-to brunch spot has a solid shakshouka. The eggs are slightly less runny than usual and the tomato sauce is a little more salsa-y, but the overall effect is still dank.
Dizengoff
Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Magazine
In this take on the classic, the soft-boiled egg rested gently on a thin layer of tomato sauce over a cloud of hummus. I’m usually pretty good about waiting to eat until I get at least one quick pic in, but I just couldn’t with this one. Dizengoff changes its menu daily, so be sure to check before you go. Although tbh you can’t go wrong with anything there.
Kanella
Photo by Dina Zaret
Widely known as one of Philly’s top Greek BYOs, Kanella also serves a top-notch brunch. The simple interior with blue and white plaid tablecloths is probably the closest I’ve ever gotten to actually being in Greece. Their cumin spiced tomato stew is subtle yet satisfying, and the grilled bread is a nice change up from the usual pita.
Aksum
While all those other Shakshouka’s have what it takes to make a morning great, this one goes above and beyond. The just-runny-enough yolks in the sharply spiced tomatoe-y sauce on the thin-but-mouthwatering pita… just do yourself a favor and head over there ASAP. Also a side of avocado? I’m not going to say no…