The signature dish at Unconventional Diner is a sweet potato shakshuka, a creative twist on the traditional Middle Eastern dish. It features a curry-style base with roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and a medley of spices, topped with a sunny-side-up fried egg. Garnished with fresh herbs, affilla cress, and watermelon radish, the dish is hearty, vibrant, and full of bold flavors.
Washington DC
Unconventional Diner
Sweet Potato Shakshuka
Sweet potatoes / Chickpeas / Onions / Garlic / Fresh ginger / Paprika / Cumin / Curry powder / Pomodoro sauce / Coconut milk / Eggs
Signature Dish
From Prep to Plate
Seth heads to the Unconventional Diner in Washington, D.C.'s Mount Vernon Square to sample an innovative Middle Eastern brunch dish. Chef Leena puts an unconventional spin on shakshuka with a sweet potato–forward curry that blends Middle Eastern tradition with global flavors. Coconut milk, warm spices, chickpeas, and roasted sweet potatoes create a rich vegan base, finished with a perfectly fried egg, fresh herbs, and naan topped with za’atar. It’s bold, comforting, and brunch-ready.
...this “diner” may look like the classic American translation but is in fact a far cry from your tuna-melt standby (and book ahead, because it's always busy). Instead, this kitchen ramps up known classics by riffing on tradition.
Michelin Guide
