Eat This Now: Everything vegetarian at Jerusalem Cafe

Photo by Sarah Sipple

As a former vegetarian, I couldn’t let our March issue go to print without at least one meatless feature. 

Jerusalem Cafe stands out to me personally for two reasons: First, it’s a spot where I frequently choose meatless options because I know they’ll still be filling and nutritious. Second, the quality is reliable whether I dine in or have it delivered via an app (which is the more frequent method for me here, and I have no idea why).

On my most recent in-person visit, a crew was restocking firewood for their golden dome wood-fired oven near the entrance. The dining room at the Westport location is usually abuzz with patrons scooping up a fresh lunch or dinner. Lemonades and baklava keep things sweet while flaming cheese, kabobs, and gyros ground the meals. 

This fresh and hearty meal started with the Jerusalem appetizer combo ($16). Go big or go home… or more like, go big then take the leftovers home. 

I love bouncing between flavors and textures, so this sampler was a treat—smooth dips, crispy falafel, decadent dolma, soft pita… a texture-seeker’s paradise. A dab of peppery hot sauce was placed where the fresh hummus and baba ghanoush overlapped, offering a kick to complement the cooler tahini sauce.

Photo by Sarah Sipple

My very favorite bites were when I stuffed a chunk of feta into a pita, then dipped it in hummus, careful to include a hint of the olive oil and hot sauce.

Another star of this show was the falafel. It appears a little more green than other falafel in this area, owing to more parsley and verdant veggies like zucchini and green pepper. This also increases the moisture level inside, avoiding the too-dry inner texture of some falafel. It’s a family recipe, specifically, from the grandmother of Karim Haj, a manager of over 20 years. 

I continued the veggie-forward meal with a bowl of tabouli salad ($7). The shredded texture makes for demure bites. But the flavor; That’s anything but—powerful but pleasant lemon and parsley pop, with olive oil and cracked wheat providing balance in each bite. It’s good on a fork, but even better when scooped up with a pita

Jerusalem Cafe is located at 515 Westport Rd., Kansas City, MO 64111, 18921 E Valley View Pkwy., Suite C, Independence, MO 64055, and Word Fresh Market 10303 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66212.