Babylon Cafe (@ Robson Public Market)
105 – 1610 Robson Street
(Also in 716 Robson Street)
Vancouver, BC
New Year, new restaurants, new eats. Or that’s supposed to be the idea. Among the new restaurants in the area near my workplace is Babylon Cafe.
OK, while this location is new, the restaurant itself is not. Just like Falafel King, this restaurant seems to expand almost out of control… Sort of. Last year (more or less by this time), they had not one but two such restaurants in the 700 block of Robson Street. One of the two closed sometime last year; I guess there was enough critical mass in the area, specially considering the amount of restaurants there.
I don’t consider myself an expert of this cuisine, other than I like most of what I have eaten so far. My best experience was Semiramis (in Chicago, IL) but my expectations are not that high. After all Falafel King, the place I have been the most, has a lot of flaws.
As for the food in this place, it is similar yet different at the same time to that of Falafel King. Garden-like salad (top of the picture – totally bland) rather than tabouleh, tsatziki rather than hummus (container on the right – not “garlic-y” enough), a roasted potato (left), parboiled rice and chicken cooked in a vertical spit (almost tasteless). While the changes are interesting, execution was, well, far from acceptable (yes, not even “average”). Now, probably I am being too hard, after all, they just opened this location. Time might tell; however, not for me…
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks like this location’s got an extended menu…and seats!
I’ve gotten the chicken wraps with falafel a number of times at the other location on Robson (size of a shoebox). Probably because there’s a bazaar of flavors in each bite. Makes for the messiest lunches ever though.
Hi Dan,
Yes, compared to the (other) Robson location, this one is larger (space-wise). Messy? Who cares if the food tastes good!
I went to Europe a few years back and had a Shawerma wrap, very good and a little different than what I had here although this was one was the ultimate. I am a food conisseur and it was to die for. (without the pickles).
good review. sounds like the food is crap. i’ll stick with Falafel King which, if not the greatest, is at least consistent and tasty(falafel & shwarma)
Doug, yes, despite it is not necessarily the best, Falafel King has been consistent over the years. The only “advantage” right with Babylon is closer to my workplace so, in a hurry, that will have to do… >_<
dismiss my previous comment. just had a falafel sandwich from here and it was deeee-lish! i like the fact that they were making the little balls of heaven fresh when i was there – not to order but not pre-made as i suspect some places do. i like how they let you choose your toppings/condiments as well. wish they had lentil soup.
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