We know how difficult it can be to choose just one item from the Cafesano menu to satisfy your Mediterranean craving. That’s why we created a Dip Sampler! 

Choose two Mediterranean dips served with a side of pita and grape leaves to start your meal off right. Your taste buds will take a tour of the Mediterranean before your meal even comes out.

It’s the perfect way to start your meal and share with friends and family. Want to know more about Cafesano’s Dip Sampler? Keep reading to find out what dips you can choose from and how you can build your own!

What’s in Cafesano’s Dip Sampler?

When you order our Dip Sampler Mediterranean appetizer, you can choose two out of four dips: Hummus, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Tzatziki, or Baba Ghanoush.

Our Dip Samplers also come with a side of pita chips (your choice between whole grain or regular) and a grape leaf to round out the dish. 

Out of these four delicious options, how do you choose which two to get? To help you make your decision, we’re diving into what each of our Mediterranean dips tastes like below.

Traditional Hummus: A Classic Staple

No Mediterranean spread is complete without classic hummus. It’s a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.

Cafesano’s hummus is made fresh with a traditional blend of creamy chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. The result? A smooth, velvety dip with a nutty richness and a stubble tang that lingers on the palate.

It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for scooping with crisp pita chips or pairing with savory grape leaves. Whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong fan, our classic hummus delivers authentic Mediterranean flavor in every bite.

Red Pepper Hummus: A Bold Twist

For those who like their hummus with a little extra flair, Cafesano’s Red Pepper Hummus brings bold flavor and vibrant color to the table.

This variation starts with the same creamy chickpea-tahini base but is elevated with fire-roasted red peppers. The result is a smoky, slightly sweet dip with a richer depth and a subtle kick.

It’s a flavorful upgrade that adds excitement without overpowering your taste buds. Paired with pita chips, this dip offers a colorful, crave-worthy twist on the Mediterranean classic.

Tzatziki: Cool and Refreshing

Cafesano’s Tzatziki is the perfect balance of creamy and crisp. It’s a refreshing, creamy dip made with thick Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, and a touch of lemon. It’s light, tangy, and herbaceous, offering a cool contrast to the richness of the other dips available.

The cucumber adds a fresh crunch, while the garlic and dill bring depth without overwhelming the palate. Ideal for dipping pita chips or drizzling over grape leaves, Tzatziki is a go-to for those who enjoy clean, vibrant flavors.

It’s the ultimate palate cleanser and a Mediterranean must-have in every mezze spread.

Baba Ghanoush (Roasted Eggplant Dip): Smoky and Savory

Our Roasted Eggplant Dip—also known as Baba Ghanoush—is a rich, smoky standout that adds depth to the Dip Sampler. Made from fire-roasted eggplant blended with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, this dip delivers a silky texture and a robust, earthy flavor.

Unlike hummus, Baba Ghanoush has a slightly charred taste from the roasted eggplant, giving it a complex, savory profile that lingers. It’s a favorite among those who crave something less conventional but deeply satisfying. 

Baba Ghanoush brings the soul of the Mediterranean to every bite!

How to Enjoy Our Dip Sampler: Dine-In or Takeout

Whether you come in for our happy hour after a long day at work or need a healthy family dinner for takeout, our Dip Sampler is a menu favorite. 

No more arguing over which dip to order with the kids. Everyone is happy with trying two different dips!

Final Bite: A Mediterranean Moment in Every Dip

Our Dip Sampler ensures everyone satisfies their Mediterranean craving at the start of their meal at Cafesano. 

And the best part? Every combination works! Whether you get the Classic Hummus and Baba Ghanoush or the Tzatziki and Red Pepper Hummus, all of our dips complement each other. So you can’t go wrong with one of the best appetizers in Dulles or Reston!

Stop by Cafesano and discover your new favorite dip today. Need to grab lunch or dinner on the go? Check out our takeout menu and place your order right online for pickup from our Northern Virginia locations in Dulles and Reston. 

The post Can’t Decide? Cafesano’s Dip Sampler Is the Perfect Choice appeared first on Cafesano.

What is Falafel?

Falafel is made of ground chickpeas (the same thing that hummus is made of) or fava beans that are typically mixed with onion, garlic, parsley, and spices, shaped into balls or patties, and lightly fried. Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern street food and can be served alone, with sides and sauces, or sandwiched in a pita pocket.

At Cafesano we know our guests are looking for unique and different menu items that taste good and feel good.  We offer falafel in two options at our restaurant in Reston, VA:

1. Falafel Appetizer:  Chickpea patties seasoned with onions, garlic, parsley, and spices, lightly fried and served with our tahini sauce. 
2. Falafel Wrap:  All of the above plus romaine, tomatoes, scallions, radish and tahini sauce, wrapped in a grilled pita. 

Is falafel vegetarian?

Yes, falafel is both vegetarian and vegan, meaning that it typically doesn’t contain any dairy, meat or other animal products. The white tahini sauce might fool you into thinking that it has dairy, but it’s actually just sesame seeds mashed into a puree and then mixed with garlic, lemon juice and parsley.

The only things you have to watch out for (which is true for any vegan or vegetarian food sold in a non-vegan food joint) is how it’s cooked. If you are a vegan or a vegetarian, ask for the falafel to be cooked separately to eliminate any juices from meat that is being cooked or has just been cooked in the same oil or pan.  At Cafesano, we do not prepare any meats in our fryers.

Is falafel healthy?

Like any other food, falafel is good in moderation. A falafel pita wrap can contribute anywhere from 400 to 600 calories to your daily calorie intake, depending on the size of the wrap and how it’s cooked.

Chickpeas, the main ingredient in falafel, are a good source of fiber, protein, calcium, and iron. If you want to cut down the calories further, go easy on the tahini sauce, skip the pita, and enjoy your falafel with a side of fresh vegetables.

What’s the best time to eat falafel?

Falafel is a healthy snack and can also be a great lunch option even if you are not a vegetarian. Falafel pita wraps usually come in generous sizes and one wrap is enough to satisfy your hunger for a while while supplying your body with necessary nutrients.

If you are a vegetarian, you can use falafel patties as a meat substitute in a burger or serve falafel on top of your favorite salad with a lemon tahini dressing.   Any time is a great time to eat falafel!

And let’s not forget about offering falafel to your friends, family, and business associates.  A falafel appetizer is a perfect way to add a vegetarian option to your catering or party menu, whether it’s a business luncheon, a casual family gathering, or a football game.  A falafel appetizer is an easy “finger food” and can be enjoyed while standing up or mixing at a networking function.

When it comes to choosing catering for your event in Northern Virginia, you can always rely on Cafesano to help you come up with a unique and affordable menu.  Don’t forget – we deliver to Reston, Herndon, McLean, Great Falls and Tysons Corner.

The next time you find yourself looking for a restaurant in Reston, be sure to visit Cafesano give falafel a try – we’ll make sure your first falafel leaves a good impression and a warm memory.

The post Menu Item Spotlight: Falafel and Why You Have to Try It! appeared first on Cafesano.