LA Times | Armenian-Mexican tacos — from the chef of one of L.A.’s best restaurants — find a home in Silver Lake this week
ABOUT US
MidEast Tacos is a fast casual culinary gem nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, where East meets West uniting the rich flavors of the Middle East with the beloved taco. “Home of the Original Falafel Tacos”, MidEast Tacos is founded by Armen Martirosyan (Mini Kabob) and Aram Kavoukjian.
What started as a popup at USC and later made waves at Smorgasburg, MidEast Tacos has a new home in the heart of Silver Lake. The fusion concept introduces steak and chicken kebab tacos and burritos alongside signature falafel tacos, merging traditional Armenian barbecue with Mexican flair through fresh tortillas and salsas.
The Team
Co-Owner/Partners + Chef | Armen Martirosyan & Katya Martirosyan
Armen Martirosyan, a first-generation Armenian American with a lifelong passion for food, has been instrumental in the success and growth of Mini Kabob. Working alongside his parents in the kitchen, Armen's dedication is palpable. His wife, Katya, left her professional career to join the culinary industry, and together, they've been expanding their restaurants. Katya plays a pivotal role in developing catering operations and marketing efforts, the husband and wife contributing significantly to the transformation of Mini Kabob into a thriving family venture.
Co-Owner + Operations | Aram Kavoukjian
Aram Kavoukjian, a first-generation Armenian American raised in Los Angeles, embraced both a passion for food and a strong entrepreneurial drive from a young age. His journey as a food enthusiast led him to stumble upon Mini Kabob near his family's business, where he found himself entranced by the Martirosyan family’s delightful food, inviting hospitality, and cozy atmosphere. This encounter fostered a close friendship with Armen, culminating in their collaboration on MidEast Tacos. Now, Aram and Armen are excited to call Silver Lake home to MidEast Tacos.
Co-Owner/Partners | Tina Yeretsian & Vahe Mikhail
Husband and wife duo, Tina Yeretsian and Vahe Mikhail, have overseen the operation of multiple successful food trucks and corporate catering contracts with some of the industry’s most popular brands and production companies. Tina and Vahe are excited to work alongside a passionate team in the city and are looking forward to bringing the authentic taste of Middle Eastern food fused with LA’s favorites we know and love.
MENU
Tacos
(Make it gluten-free corn tortilla for extra $0.35).
Falafel | Ask for vegan or dairy freeCORN Tortilla, falafel, avocado salsa, red onion, cilantro, thai basil, toum árbrol, sumac. |
ChickenFlour Tortilla, chicken, salsa roja, red onion, cilantro, thai basil, toum árbrol, sumac. |
ShrimpFlour Tortilla, shrimp, Salsa Roja, cabbage, red onion, cilantro, thai basil, toum árbrol, sumac. |
SteakFlour Tortilla, steak, avocado salsa, red onion, cilantro, thai basil, Toum árbrol, sumac |
Quesadillas
12-inch tortilla - Flour
Cheeseflour Tortilla, mozzarella, red onions, cilantro, thai basil, toum árbrol. |
ChickenFlour Tortilla, Mozzarella, chicken, salsa roja, red onion, cilantro, thai basil, toum árbrol, sumac. |
Shrimpflour Tortilla, mozzarella, shrimp, salsa roja, cabbage, red onions, cilantro, Thai basil, toum árbrol. |
SteakFLOur Tortilla, mozzarella, steak, avocado salsa, red onion, cilantro, thai basil, toum árbrol. |
Burritos
Chickenflour Tortilla, chicken, rice, salsa roja, cilantro, thai basil, red onion, toum árbrol. |
Shrimpflour Tortilla, shrimp, salsa roja, cabbage, Thai basil, red onion, cilantro, toum árbrol. |
Steakflour Tortilla, steak, rice, avocado salsa, cilantro, thai basil, red onion, toum árbrol. |
Sides
Chips and Salsa | Ask for dairy freeFresh corn tortilla Chips, 4 oz fire-roasted pico. |
Guacamole4 oz homemade guacamole |
Papas | Ask for vegan or dairy freeCottage fries, Aleppo pepper, side toum. |
Chips and GuacamoleFresh corn tortilla Chips, 4 oz guacamole |
Salsas
Salsa RojasMade from scratch guajillo, àrbol, Serrano |
Avocado SalsaMade from scratch tomatillo, avocado, serrano |
Toum Arbol Saucemade from scratch chipotle adobo, àrbol, garlic. |
Fire-roasted picoMade from scratch serrano, jalepeño. |
Drinks
Water |
Armenian Sparkling Water |
Armenian Pear Soda |
Mexican Coke |
Mexican Fanta |
Mexican Sprite |
Gluten-Free (GF) Vegan (V) Vegetarian (VG) Dairy Free (DF) Spicy
Disclaimer: Our food may contain allergens like dairy, eggs, wheat, and shellfish. While we minimize unintended mixing, safety for specific allergies cannot be guaranteed. Major allergens are declared in product descriptions (GF, V, VG, DF). Your safety matters; thank You for understanding.