T&T Gyros: A dynamite flavor tour of the Mediterranean

BY ISABELLA MARCON

South Florida is home to one of the most diverse and culturally influenced food selections in the world. Although, having such a varied food selection to pick from often causes taste numbness, specifically to the flavors of authentic, fresh food versus assembly line franchise food. A disconnect sets in when it comes down to differentiating culturally authentic restaurants and restaurants that try to mimic the authenticity of certain dishes. 

However, I recently decided to stamp my culinary passport for the Mediterranean flavors of Greece at Tzatziki and Tahini Gyros (T&T Gyros). T&T Gyros is hidden away in a remote plaza along Nova and University Drive, and has only been open since July 2019. 

T&T Gyros serves a legitimate blend of Greek and Armenian food, featuring original, homemade recipes carefully chosen based on traditional dishes and popular customer picks. 

Upon entering the establishment, I was greeted by a simple interior design and wallpaper featuring famous sites such as the Statue of Liberty and the Pyramids of Giza. The wallpapers hold no monumental value unless you were to know that the captivating owner of T&T Gyros, Magdy Hassanein, has lived in both Egypt and New York. The rest of the atmosphere in the dining area was virtually simplistic, featuring plain tables and televisions promoting menu items. 

The restaurant’s style is “build-your-own,” having most of the dishes cooked in the back kitchen and later allowing you to choose what toppings to add onto your plate. The menu options seemed to be endless. 

I asked Hassanein before ordering about the most popular main dishes, and chose a variety of dishes including chicken, lamb and vegetarian options. Even though my order was lengthy, the service was nothing but exceptional. The staff was incredibly friendly and persistent, even with an indecisive teenager ordering half the menu. 

The menu options seemed to be endless. 

My first selection of the feast was the chicken shawarma. For as long as a day, the shawarma meat is marinated in a variety of seasonings and spices. When served after cooking, the meat is stuffed into pita bread and is sided with tahini sauce. 

The quality of the meat was top-notch, and having the option of choosing my own toppings only made me like it more. With only one bite, it almost seemed as if the chicken had been carefully prepared just for my enjoyment. The tahini sauce bursted with a fresh, crisp flavor, which unexpectedly complimented the spice-infused chicken. 

Considering that the word “gyro” is in the restaurant’s name, trying the gyro was a necessity for this review. It’s safe to say that the gyro from T&T Gyros was one of the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve had my fair share of gyros. The lamb meat was enveloped in a pocket of pita bread and the strong flavors of the meat were paired with a fresh side of tzatziki sauce, creating a mouth full of deliciousness. 

Nearly full, I decided to try the hummus and falafel side dishes before my stomach gave out. The Mediterranean flavors of T&T Gyros’ hummus took over my taste buds and guided me on a tour of savory flavor paradise. The hummus itself was creamy and was topped with olive oil and spices, which was paired with their fluffy pita bread and had my mind shouting, “Opa!”

For someone who hasn’t had the best culinary experience with falafels in the past, I didn’t come into the situation with much hope when trying T&T Gyros’ falafels. To my surprise, the falafels exceeded my expectations and ended up being one of my favorite parts of the meal. The falafels had a robust, crunchy exterior and hidden inside was a strong, sharp taste. 

If you’re looking to find an authentic Mediterranean restaurant that has excellent service and staff and serves quality food, Tzatziki and Tahini Gyros is perfect for you. Nothing but light shines from this restaurant, and if I were to describe T&T Gyros with just one word, I’d say that the food is, in fact, dynamite. 

Photo by Isabella Marcon