Ilili Box is the newest takeout spot to open outside of Madison Square Park. This is no ordinary kiosk. It’s a repurposed shipping container with wood panels and a wraparound table. The menu features a variety of Lebanese items priced from $4 to $14, including traditional falafel and Korean and Mexican styles, as well as pressed chicken sandwiches, duck shawarma, lamb “pastrami,” manouche (pita baked with zaatar spices), and ilili’s popular dish, seared brussels sprouts with mint yogurt and fig sauce. The stand also serves two varieties of lemonade as well as beer and wine on tap.
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| Photo courtesy of ilili |
We stopped by today (opening day) to try a couple items and were impressed.
- Falafel Beiruti – pickled turnips, tomatoes, tahini, parsley, and mint. The falafel is crisp and flavorful.
- Spiced Hommos with pomegranate molasses, roasted red pepper, aleppo served with toasted thin pita. Not too spicy.
- Coconut rice pudding with mango and lavender. Rich and not too sweet.
Overall, great food. A little pricey but worth every bite. We’ll be back to try the other items on the menu.
ilili box
Fifth Avenue and 24th Street
New York, NY
Tel: (646) 771-4090
www.ililibox.com
