MyTastr

Best za’atar, according to chefs

Three picks, each tied to a named taster and a public source — from Rose Previte and Bon Appétit. Recommendations come from dc.eater.com, bonappetit.com and 177milkstreet.com.

International Pantry · The ranking

  1. 1
    Top pick

    Z&Z Za’atar (Palestinian, Jenin-grown)

    Chosen by
    Also chosen by
    Previte uses it in everything from martinis to shanklish at Maydan; to her it tastes like the bakery za’atar of her childhood. Call Your Mother’s za’atar bagel uses it too. Bon Appétit: “earthier, tangier, and nuttier” than homemade, with “a complexity and body I never knew a herb mix could have.”
    Where to buy · Amazon ↗Instacart ↗Source: dc.eater.com ↗
  2. 2

    Kamā Za’atar (Jordan)

    Chosen by
    • Milk Street editors
    A favorite in Milk Street’s tasting: clearly visible dried herbs, pleasantly fragrant, with a nice balance of flavor and texture. Premium-priced (about $19 for 4.2 oz).
    Where to buy · Amazon ↗Instacart ↗Source: 177milkstreet.com ↗
  3. 3

    Ziyad Za’atar

    Chosen by
    • Milk Street editors
    The widely available, budget favorite in Milk Street’s tasting (about $5 a pound): “a burst of tangy flavor.” Watkins also did well.
    Where to buy · Amazon ↗Instacart ↗Source: 177milkstreet.com ↗

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Questions, answered

What is the best za’atar, according to chefs?
MyTastr’s top pick is Z&Z Za’atar (Palestinian, Jenin-grown), chosen by Rose Previte (Maydan, Compass Rose). Previte uses it in everything from martinis to shanklish at Maydan; to her it tastes like the bakery za’atar of her childhood. Call Your Mother’s za’atar bagel uses it too. Bon Appétit: “earthier, tangier, and nuttier” than homemade, with “a complexity and body I never knew a herb mix could have.” Source: dc.eater.com ↗
What are the other top picks for za’atar?
No. 2 is Kamā Za’atar (Jordan), chosen by Milk Street editors. No. 3 is Ziyad Za’atar, chosen by Milk Street editors. Each card above links to the original source.
How does MyTastr choose these picks?
Every pick is tied to a named chef, cookbook author or food expert and links to the public interview, panel or article it came from. We survey dozens, often hundreds, of top chefs, food writers and critics, and order reflects how often and how strongly a brand is recommended. Only organic recommendations count — paid endorsements don’t — and brands can’t buy a spot. Read how we pick.

The tasters behind this ranking

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