Plus a Spring Street hummus haven
Sunshine Hummus
Chickpeas are exalted at this tiny but mighty vegetarian cafe. Get the breakfast spread: a sampler of sorts that includes shakshuka (eggs poached in lightly simmered fresh tomatoes), sides of creamy tahini, Israeli salad (embellished with crunchy almonds and seeds), pillowy pitas, and the shop’s namesake dish (made-to-order hummus). If you’re hankering for more beyond peppers or marinated mushrooms, the vegan shawarma (soy protein) fits the bill. Grape leaves and the pickle bar are tasty accompaniments, as is the zhug, made from zippy jalapenos. Although there’s limited seating and counter service only, the lovely outdoor patio and enthusiastic staff make this cozy space a delightful addition to the Spring Street corridor. hummus.sunshine.charleston
Jackrabbit Filly
The word is out: since a November soft opening, Short Grain food truck fans have been queuing up for Shuai and Corrie Wang’s much-anticipated, Park Circle brick-and-mortar. Named after the co-owners’ Chinese Zodiac animals, Jackrabbit Filly celebrates Asian American flavors with a playful, seafood-centric menu. Re-envisioned Chinese dishes such as salt and pepper octopus (buoyed by a buttermilk wasabi aioli) and Sichuan dry pot (pan-sizzled veg and rice cakes) play harmoniously with kindred East Asian riffs on karaage (Japanese fried chicken doused in lemony mayo), bindaetteok (savory Korean mung bean pancake topped with kani and jack cheese), and Singaporean chili crab (in a buttery, Sambal prawn sauce). No reservations, but a thoughtful beverage program, upbeat service, and eclectic decor make the wait worth every minute. jackrabbitfilly.com
