Just blocks from the river at 22nd & Arch is a Pharaoh’s treasure of sweet and savory spices spanning Italy, Greece and North Africa. Aya’s Café offers a wide variety of dishes including lamb, beef, chicken, seafood, pasta, and vegetarian, all expertly prepared with authentic tastes of the Mediterranean. There’s something magical about spice blends of cardamom, cumin, coriander, cloves, cinnamon, paprika, turmeric and more that brings any dish to bold new depths of flavor and warmth. Aya’s captures that magic brilliantly, and their sandwiches deliver the smells and tastes of faraway lands.

Kofta Sandwich

Two skewers of spiced ground lamb are grilled to a char and served in a pita that is chewy and light, but full of fresh, lightly toasted flavor. The meat has a rich, succulent flavor that compliments the creamy tahina dressing and lettuce.

Chicken Shawarma Sandwich

Aya’s chicken shwarma sandwich was the most remarkable of the three we tasted. The shreds of tender, juicy chicken were bursting with flavor and a soft, flaky texture. Served on pita with an onion and tomato relish and dripping with a creamy tahina sauce. My only complaint (if you can call it that) is that I wanted more of the can’t-stop-eating-this-chicken. The pita sandwich was certainly delicious, though hardly stuffed to capacity.

Portobello Sandwich

The grilled portobello sandwich was able to stand up to its meaty brethren thanks to the sundried tomato pesto, pungent basil and sweet roasted red peppers. The grilled mushroom was light and moist, with a grilled flavor that gave the sandwich substance and a hearty bite.

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Aya’s Cafe
2129 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Google Map)