Zaid Ayoub

After the housemade Tamarind was removed from Sajj Mediterranean’s beverage menu last year to make room to test other drink flavors, customers of the fast-casual chain made it clear that its presence was sorely missed. “We listened closely to our guests and brought back our classic Tamarind drink,” says Zaid Ayoub, Founder and CEO. “Guests rave about this unique drink because of its sweet and sour flavor profile—and because they aren’t able to find it at local grocery stores or shops.”

The cold beverage, a common refresher in the Middle East, is made from fresh, ripe, tamarind blocks that are simmered in water and sweetened with simple syrup. It delivers sweet, tangy-tart notes. “This simple drink complements our Mediterranean menu offerings nicely,” says Ayoub, pointing to the health benefits associated with tamarind, along with its global recognition factor. The customer demand that revived the drink’s place on the menu affirms tamarind’s potential for future menu innovation.