Falafel Maison
516 Robson Street
Vancouver, BC
During the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, there were some restaurants I hoped they were open on time during the Games. One of those restaurants that barely opened in time was Santouka. One I wished it had open but failed was Gyuu Don Ya. And how I found it was still closed? Because I walked all the way there! Since I was hungry and needed to eat quick, I browsed nearby options. Kushi Box? Nope, done. Viet Sub? Matoi Sushi? H-Mart? Done and done. Among the remaining ones was Falafel Maison. OK, lunch it is!
In what seemed to be a bit of foresight by the owners of the restaurant (compared to Kushi Box), they did have some seats inside plus a table outside. What they did not have was a bit of imagination: their menu was basically the same you can find in almost any such shawarma/falafel shops in Vancouver. But, then again, it might not be their fault, chances are that might be the easiest set up for most of these places… Why fix something that is not broken?
With that in mind, ordered the “usual” wrap (though, of course, there was the platter as well). The main difference being that container to the left, which ended up being lentil soup. I am not sure how they make their soup but I know how I like my soup. In my case, I prefer it slightly thick; alas, here, it was quite watery. While that is something I can live with the fact it felt really salty wasn’t. Somehow, I wished I didn’t order it…
For the “main” part, their shawarma wrap. For the most part, it is similar to most shawarma I have had (probably with the exception of Babylon Cafe, which is wrapped more tightly). Unfortunately, that is where the comparison ends: While it had its usual sauces, herbs and greens, the amount of chicken was disappointing. In fact, there were bites that had almost no pieces of chicken! Furthermore, a problem similar to that of the soup occurred as well: I thought it was a bit too salty.
I apologize if this is a really short blog post but the truth is, had I tried to make it longer, it would start running into one too many negatives. It is just that with all the shawarma shops in the Downtown area, I was hoping it would at least at part with others (which, for the most part, as mentioned above, almost all these shops are similar). But, alas, it ended up being subpar.
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abduls in crystal mall is still my favourite, they add a spicy paste and the sesame paste in the wrap before adding any items, the only downside is that i find them a bit pricey.
what were the prices like? I’m also excited for the opening of gyuu don ya. Do post up a review once you go! i’d like to know your opinion.
as for my question. I don’t often go out of my way to try different falafel places, but I do go to this particular one near my home – falafully good on oak and 16th. the chicken falafel is only $5 and it’s something i usually grab and go when i need a quick fix for lunch
Koji, I have been to Abdul’s and, yes, it was expensive, specially considering it is *not* in Downtown. At the same time, they also offer (used to?) lamb which is not always available in other shawarma shops. The one thing that really bothered me about Abdul’s was that thristy feeling afterwards (had both wrap and plate). Wonder what would be the cause… >_<
Mike, welcome! The wrap + soup was $7.50. The wrap by itself would have set you back $6.50. I went to Gyuu Don Ya last week; however, will have to do go back as there were some wacky situations during my meal. Pricewise, though, Gyuu Don Ya can be on the cheap side: A small beef rice bowl with a small veggie side and miso soup (eat in only, it seems) can set you back $6.95 for the small and $7.95 for the large. Other rice bowls will set you back a bit more.
Fafafel Maison used to have the best shawarma in Downtown but they’ve gone downhill since they reopened after renovations. They used to give so much chicken in the wrap but they’re portion sizes are a lot smaller now – it’s too bad really. There’s a family run shawarma/falafel stall in Harbour Centre which is not bad as well.
Jeff, I have been referred to already to that shawarma shop in Harbour Centre. However, Harbour Center is a bit too far for me to go there and back in a timely manner. Will have to find an alternative to be there for lunch then!
My all-time favourite is Al Basha, which is nowhere near downtown…
Oh dear me Kim. I read the title of this as Falafel Mission for a second, and thought you were going to conquer Vancouver’s falafel world. Phew. Good thing it’s not, that might be a bit much for one man.
Sherman, I prefer gyros but, then again, since people mix shawarma with these… Arrrrr….
Raidar, oh, come on!
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