GYRO KINGS
Hoppen Hierarchy: ★★★★
District: Midtown
Gyros & Rice Platters w/ Egyptian Influence
Perfect For: Casual Dining; Lunch; Takeout
Standout Dishes: Combo Platter; Chicken Gyro; King’s Loaded Fries
Omaha has some fantastic spots to get gyros, but most stick to the traditional Greek method: a combination of lamb/beef shaved off a rotating spit into slices and layered into a pita with tzatziki, onions, and tomatoes. Though each restaurant has its nuances, the formula is relatively the same.
Then there’s Gyro Kings, which parachutes into left field with a completely different format. This restaurant introduces Omaha to the gyros and rice platters you’ll find on street corners in New York City, combined with an Egyptian twist.
You’ll find no tzatziki here.
Beefs gyros are available, but the chicken is actually the star protein.
Gyro Kings will serve you its delectable meats in a pita, but their preferred method is in a bowl of jasmine rice absolutely slathered in sauces.
No, Gyro Kings isn’t like any other gyro joint in Omaha. And given how delicious the food coming out of this tiny hole in the wall is, that’s perfectly fine with me.
Residing in a small strip mall near the intersection of Cuming St and Saddle Creek Rd, this humble abode is the restaurant version of the NY food trucks and street carts it strives to emulate Its simple decor and ambience only add to the experience, and the explosive flavors coming from the food jolt your tastebuds to life.
You’ll likely order from one of the owners, Faysal or Mohamed, who will then turn around and cook your meal on the grill right in front of you. These two are friendly and are more than happy to explain what makes their shop different from most gyro joints.
First, and maybe most importantly, their first suggestion to you won’t be a gyro.
Odd as that might seem, a few bites of the Combo Platter are all it takes to understand their recommendation. Every element plays a key role:
- Chicken: This poultry is ridiculously tender and juicy, and the marinade adds a pleasant tanginess.
- Beef: It’s cooked on a spit like at most gyro spots, but Gyro Kings chops it into small chunks after slicing it and finishes it on the grill, giving more surface area and charring to accent its robust beefy flavor.
- Jasmine rice: Nutty and floral, this rice is a bit more al dente than most restaurants serve, and the extra bite is pleasant.
Then there are two sauces that are aggressively slathered over the plate. The white and spicy sauces bring garlic and spicy flavors, respectively, and an overall creaminess that ties the dish together. Upon first inspection, the platter looks way oversauced, but once you start mixing it all together and realize just how much food is included in this meal, the ratios are well within balance.
I’d be willing to bet this plate weighs over a pound, easily enough for two meals. But it’s so delicious, I dare you to stop yourself for leftovers.
If a gyro is what you desire, this restaurant also serves an excellent version of its namesake. The Chicken Gyro stuffs 3-4 strips of that juicy, succulent chicken into a soft, griddled pita along with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. The veggies don’t add much, but the sauces again combine to pack an absolute flavor punch.
The chopping of the meat makes the Beef Gyro different from its typical gyro brethren. The small chunks not only allow for additonal maillard reaction, but they make the gyro easier to eat.
The Loaded Fries are essentially the same as the Combo Platter, but with fries replacing the rice. The fries themselves aren’t anything special, and they get pretty soggy underneath the mound of meat and sauce, but this is still an extremely tasty plate of food.
Gyro Kings again goes completely off the beaten path with its Falafel. First, there’s the shape: Gyro Kings ditches the traditional ball shape for that of a donut, allowing for more crispy surface area.
But the most important difference is that Egyptian falafel are made of a mash of fava beans, not chickpeas. This gives the center of these crispy discs a buttery, nutty flavor and a fluffy, airy consistency.
As noted above, the portion sizes are no joke, so you likely won’t have room for dessert. But if you do, the Rice Pudding is absolutely worth filling every last ounce of your stomach space with. Soft and creamy, this dessert has the velvety sweetness of milk and sugar cooked together. The dash of cinnamon brings a friendly warming spice to the treat.
Gyro Kings is not your traditional gyro joint in any way, but that’s what makes this place unique and special. Whether you’re searching for a unique, tasty take on a gyro or a massive flavor bomb of a rice plate, Gyro Kings is your answer.