Crunchy pita chips with Middle Eastern spices
Fishtown's Suraya Market sells Lebanese-inspired pastries, seasonings, and snacks like pita chips.
At Suraya, the Lebanese market, cafe, and bar that opened in Fishtown last month, the display cases show off baked goods like coffee cakes and jalousies, strudel-like pastries made with dates and pistachios. The shelves are stocked with oils and spices, both locally sourced and internationally imported, and customers can also buy housemade salads and hummus.
But among the most appealing and affordable grab-and-go bites are the pita chips, simple in theory but seasoned with salty, zesty za'atar, a Middle Eastern spice made with garlic, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt.
The whole-grain pita bread is tossed with roasted garlic oil and baked in-house. The crust of spices gives the chips an addictively pleasing, salty crunch.
Suraya, which is now open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, also serves flatbreads, sandwiches, salads, and hummus, along with beer, cocktails, and wine. The restaurant will add dinner service next year.
Pita chips with za'atar, $3.50, Suraya Market, 1530 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia; surayaphilly.com.