I love Mediterranean food. ESPECIALLY hummus. When I visited Florida, I had the amazing opportunity to try The Chickpea (along with some winter sunshine!), a healthy and eco-conscious quick-serve restaurant that serves Mediterranean food with Middle Eastern influences and a modern twist.
Upon walking in, I was struck by how clean and comfortable the space was. There is a large map of the world with the word “chickpea” translated into a ton of different languages on one wall, while the space above the prep counter is decorated with murals related to the food and the culture of the Middle East. You can eat in at two large high-top tables, as well as a few smaller four- and two-seaters along one side of the space with banquettes. When coming from winter weather, the best option (in my opinion) is to take advantage of the amazing weather and eat outside, even though the tables are just along the street. They also do takeout and delivery!
In terms of food, you have a handful of great options, each with a ton of variations and interesting combinations that you get to choose! The menu board features a five-step build-your-own process, and one of the “creators” will happily stuff your bowl or wrap full of whatever your stomach desires! You can order one of their signature dishes if you like to keep it easy (preset wraps or bowls), but I do definitely recommend building your own – it’s way more fun!
The build-your-own options include: a bowl (a base of rice, includes up to two proteins, and as many sauces and toppings as you can fit inside), a pita wrap (the same as a bowl, but everything is crammed into a delicious pita wrap that is baked nearby and delivered fresh each day), a salad (similar to the bowl, except substitutes an assortment of greens for rice and comes with a mini pita on the side), and pita tacos (two mini open-faced pitas filled like a taco would be). We ate there twice, and I got a bowl AND a wrap each time – they aren’t small, but I felt that I should take advantage of trying as much as possible to write a great review, plus I was REALLY hungry too!
Here are the options for building your own anything on your rice, greens and wraps:
Protein: AMAZING sesame tofu, falafel (I was lucky enough to order right after they made a fresh batch – they are AMAZING!), plus if you eat meat, they also offer grilled chicken, braised lamb, braised beef, mediterranean-style meatballs.
Sauces and Spreads: babaghanoush, mint tzatziki, roasted red pepper and walnut pesto, two different kinds of hummus (my favourite!), and an UNREAL spicy tomato sauce!
Toppings: beets, cabbage, feta, broccoli, cauliflower, olives, pepperoncini, zaatar pita croutons, chopped persian pickles, sumac onions (to DIE for!), a classic tomato and cucumber salad, and so much more!
You also have the option to add any of their dressings or tahini – I highly recommend the basil vinaigrette!
I will say one thing about The Chickpea – it is a prime example of a restaurant with a commitment to clean, local, and organic food that can satisfy any type of eater! They are also awesome with allergies – just let them know before you order and they will make sure that you are taken care of with great attention!
There are currently two locations – one in West Palm Beach and one in Boynton Beach.
If you happen to be in the Palm Beach area, there are not that many options for eating out and eating well (my kind of well at least). The Chickpea should definitely be on your list of restaurants to eat at — more than once! If you come up with any interesting flavour combinations, let me know so I can try them out next time!!
