12 Chairs Cafe

56 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012, USA

New York

Open

Visit Website +1 212-254-8640

Cuisines

Mediterranean (general)Middle eastern (general)

Influencer Reviews1

Danny Kim

4/27/2024

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About

12 Chairs Cafe is a popular eatery in New York City known for its Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired menu. The restaurant has gained a reputation for its vibrant atmosphere and authentic dishes, particularly its arayas. It is a frequent feature on social media for its unique flavors and presentation.

The Visit

At 12 Chairs Cafe, the reviewers sampled the viral arayas, a dish that has garnered significant online attention. While the crispiness and juicy, herbaceous filling impressed them, the high price for a small portion left them disappointed. The experience was memorable for the texture and flavor of the arayas, but the value proposition was questioned. Overall, the visit highlighted both the hype and the reality behind this much-talked-about dish.

What They Ate

Arayas (four pieces)

Yogurt sauce

Quotes

"The arayas were insane to witness."

"20 minutes, $25, and four little pieces of arayas. They're crispier than I thought."

"I'm actually surprised. I thought it was going to be soft, but I like how crispy it is. And then inside is extremely juicy, flavorful, herbaceous."

"It's viral, but it's not worth it. Kind of disappointed."

Our Reflection

The reviewers approached 12 Chairs Cafe with high expectations fueled by viral hype. The arayas delivered on texture and flavor, surprising them with a crispy exterior and juicy, herbaceous beef inside. Yet, the steep price for a small portion left a lingering sense of disappointment. Their honest reactions cut through the online buzz, revealing a dish that is memorable but perhaps overvalued. This visit underscores the importance of balancing social media trends with real-world experience and value.

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