Before we tell you about Tawooq, let's get this outta the way fast: these guys sure love their garlic. We're talking that raw-spicy garlicky taste found in the finest shawarma and kebab wraps from backstreet vendors in the middle East. It's something that's celebrated – heck, even spotlighted – at Tawooq. If you're down with that (and your date is, too), then we may safely proceed.
Tawooq is a family-run business that sprung up on the Brunswick East end of Lygon Street in mid-2024. The casual, buzzy spot is now a popular go-to destination for affordable, Beirut-inspired street food snacks. Think tasty two-hander eats like chicken tawooq wraps, makanek and soujouk baguettes, plus fully loaded shawarma and falafel plates.
If you order anything, please for the love of all things holy, get the chicken tawooq wrap. The impeccably balanced bread parcel of tart pickles, garlicky white sauce, herbaecous, salt-dusted fries and impossible tender chicken breast is just... everything.
Yes, you can also get crowd-pleasing crispy chicken burgers and golden fries here, but Tawooq feels a lot more special than your average fast food joint. The flavours are punchy and authentic like proper Lebanese (take that aforementioned in-your-face garlic, for example), and the rollcall of fruity mocktails and baklava desserts you can buy on the side round out the experience perfectly.
Grab a friend, grab a stool, grab a wrap and treat yourself to an avocado smoothie. Tawooq is one of the hottest new cheap eats in Melbourne right now, and if you can't be bothered leaving the couch – you can even order in.