Worst shawarma and worst customer service, the keep the meat in heater after cooking and serve that meat instead of fresh cooked one , when I asked for fresh one after the got the money they said go somewhere else and eat!!! read more

Aladdin Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

The other day my lunch date (co-worker) was craving shawarma's so we figured we would give this place a try. I remember passing it just a few days prior while on a mission for my office. I really like gyros & doner's so this wasn't going out of my so called food comfort zone. Not that I have one but I do have limits. The place is tiny. Very tiny and I warn that eating in isn't that easy because of the lack of space. It is downtown so the rents are probably very high, even for this postage stamp location. What they lack in space is made up for in food. I had the chicken shawarma and was not disappointed, although I had ordered the plate BUT the mix up was my lunch dates and not the cafe's ha ha. I liked that it wasn't heavy in garlic type spices, as I have a sensitivity to them, but it still had a load of flavours that were very nice on my palette. It was a little on the pricy side compared to what I am used to out here in New West but compared to some of the other offerings in Van, it wasn't too bad. At the end of the day, I will be back but I am not sure I would eat in as that is near ipossible to do in any comfort. read more

Having been born and raised in the Middle East, I know what middle eastern hospitality is like, which to clarify is probably some of the best in the world. Everyone is treated like a family member. The food here is mediocre, the prices are waaaaay to high, and you better tip or you will not get a simple smile in return. The location is just so ideal, that it is tough to not go here for a quick lunch fix. If you need to fake a smile then fake it. Service industry is tough, but I am not asking for free food. Having said all that, the portion sizes are ridonculous. As in too big. read more

It's pricier than other shwarma wrap establishments, yet they come smaller in size. I got sucked in with the amount of people always lining up inside the restaurant, but given the workers slow pace in handling the cash and then the making of the food, it's no wonder they always have a line! Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be back to try something else. I'm not a heavy eater but I was still hungry afterwards! read more

Tasty food, yummm! It's a small place and the seats are tiny but the food is super tasty! read more

Having gone to Ottawa which has Shawarma Palace aka the best Shawarma of my LIFE, this place comes to a "not close but definitely the best I've had so far in Vancouver." Haha. Chicken shawarma platter was ten bucks and was pretty worth the price. Fresh side salad, tender shavings of chicken shawarma, seasoned rice, pita, and a choice of garlic, tzaziki or hummus... The restaurant is clean for a grab and go or quick sit - they offer hooka bongs to smoke Shisha, which is pretty cool. The staff are not amazingly friendly - if you have questions about the food they come across annoyed to answer. Almost as if they expect you to know what you want when in reality if it's your first time going how can you even know that when you don't know what's available to you?? Anyway - good shawarma, it's just too bad that I had the best in life already in Ottawa. Whoops! He he #sorrynotsorry read more

Personally I give this place 3.5 stars, but I can understand how some people would give it 1-2 stars. I do agree that the guys that work the counter are not the friendliest and if you come across as slow or uncertain they could be interpreted as being curt and/or rude. Also, don't ask for water in a cup. They don't have such a thing; if you want water bring it yourself or buy it in a bottle (the cooler is right behind you). Seating is quite limited so expect to eat on the go or take-out. So why 3.5 stars? Because I love their chicken shawarma wrap: decent portion of chicken, pickle, onions, tomatoes, hummus, tabouli, and hot sauce. I can finish it in exactly the time it takes for me to walk back to the office. And it makes me happy. EVERY. TIME. read more

This is one of the best donairs in the city. It's my personal favourite and go to for donairs. Ask for arabie bread instead of pita bread. People usually overlook bread but its pretty essential to wraps. read more

Great authentic taste, comfortable view of the street, and friendly workers. The chicken shawarma and beef shawarma are great. And the garlic sauce is so delicious. I have gone multiple times and I have seen the sweets and baklava that they have. It is absolutely heavenly and very true to taste. The prices are good. Overall, it was a great experience and I would go there every time I visit Vancouver (which will be often). Highly recommend the arabi :) Honestly I do not understand why there are many negative reviews; I am an Arab and I can testify that it is authentic. read more

This is by far the best place for shawarma, its not greasy and and the food is fresh. First thing i do when i walk in a restaurant is i check for cleanliness and they got it on the spot, french fries with garlic dip is heavenly!!! read more

Aladdin Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

This is the best shawarma please ever The owner are so friendly I like to eat their They have lamb shawarma omg I can't describe what's the test *_* so0o0o0o Gd But the problem the lamb finish so quick And I like the deets BAKLAVA Every time I eat I feel like new day. Lol Butter then my mom read more

I've had much better shawarma in town. I wanted to give this place a try, but once I got in, remembered that I've already been before. First time was forgettable, second time was just.. even more disappointingly forgettable. Won't be coming back. Rice is normal long grain rice, not spiced, with spicy sauce plopped on top. Bread was chewy (not in a good way), hummus tasted like it was store bought, salad was just lettuce with vinaigrette, and the chicken was bland and not memorable. On top of that, it was $11... read more

I've been getting takeout from Aladdin for a couple years now but after today I will never go back. Halfway through my meal I found a large piece of broken glass. Thankfully I noticed the glass in the container so it did not end up in my mouth. Otherwise the outcome could have been very bad. I am absolutely appalled that this could even happen. Would not recommend eating here at all!!!! Eat here at your own risk!!! read more

I apologize for my english in advance. Im brazilian. First, this place doesnt even desearves a single star. I've never wrote any reviews in my entire life, so imagine how bad my experience was. I'm a falafel lover, and was walking on Robson Street when I found this place. I ordered an "Falafel Veggie Plate", and paid almost $10 for it, which is ridiculous, but ok, I wanted to try. The cashier was pretty rude. But its ok, I was in a good mood. Then I sat to wait for my food and saw the "cooker" grabbing the falafels with his hands, puting in a plastic container and heating it in a MICROWAVE. I was in chock! I really, REALLY regret not complaining immediately about it, because I was too lazy to go throught the process of the reinbursement, and was hungry. The plate had about 5 small falafel, a lot of rice and almost no veggies LOL. I only ate the falafel. It was mushy, no taste, sobby, oily, microwaved. It tasted NOTHING like a falafel. Guys, Im not a foodie, not a critic. That was the worse thing I've ever put in my mouth. Walking back home I started to feel really sick, and as soon as I got to my place I THREW UP EVERYTHING. Please, DO NOT EAT IN THIS PLACE. I hope this review can "save" someone from eating there. read more

Don't expect service. These guys don't give a shit about you, your food, and your time. Would have given them a no star, like they wouldn't give me a plastic bag and cutlery for food to go. read more

It's hard to like a sit down place that doesn't even have a bathroom (which is illegal). It makes you wonder what other rules they ignore. Asked for a glass of water after buying two meals and they told us to buy a bottle. There's a lot of places more deserving of your business nearby. Food was whatever. Pass. read more

My review is based on the double shish kabob plate (I have not tried anything else) 1) Staff is not friendly at all and border line rude. I ordered take out and politely asked for a plastic bag once my plate was ready. I got the stick eye. No napkin or plastic cutlery were given. 2) The taste of the kabab and rice was good (pretty average, no complaints). Humus and salad not good at all. Humus was sour instead of garlicy. 3) I paid $12.99 (before tax and tip) and compared to the price, the portion was ridiculously small. There was a tin layer of rice (exactly 4 plastic spoons) and two small kebabs, 1 table spoon of humus, and 2 spoons of salad, and 1/4 of a pita bread. I am NOT a big eater but I was still hungry after it finished my meal. 4) the picture of the meal in portion looks nothing like what you get. Over all this was my first and last time I go to this place. read more

Poor quality of food. Vegetables old and tasteless. Rice is not middle eastern. Service is horrible. Received a yogurt liquid instead of hummus had to show them their own menu to prove the dish came with hummus. Instead of receiving a side of hummus, he scooped it next to the yogurt....grossssss!!! Not good! read more

I learned my lesson yesterday at Aladdin Cafe. Next time, if I don't know a place, I will at least check their reviews first. This is why I feel compelled to write so others have the benefit of my mistake. Three of us went looking for some Middle Eastern treats on a nice Friday night. This place, though only had one person in, appeared clean so we decided to give it a try. There was a middle-aged man that gave us the impression to be the owner or manager as he was directing the other two employees. Standing behind the cash register with a stern face, the manager handed us a flyer menu and said we are out of Kebobs but have lamb, beef, and chicken. We ordered two plates of mixed chicken and beef and one Falafel plate. We asked him to add two pop to the order. Instead of explaining what kind of pop he has, he barked at us "what kind of pop". We said Coke or Pepsi, thinking what's the difference. He barked again what kind of pop, instead of explaining they have bottles and cans. We came very close to leaving but didn't want his attitude to ruin our night. My nephew asked him if they had a washroom and he simply said NO. There was no suggestion of where he could go. I told my nephew I noticed a Home Sense a block away, and that is where he went. The food turned out to be at par with his attitude. The beef was certainly not grilled or broiled. There was zero grill or broiler mark on it and tasted more steamed than anything else. The kitchen is in full view of the customers. We could see the Shawarma on the vertical rod wrapped in Aluminum foil. There was a Panini machine, and flat grill. We did not see any cooking being done there and the food came from the back area. Aside from a skewer of beef and one of chicken on each plate, there was plenty rice but no more than a spoon of salad, and two triangles of cold Pita bread. There was no sauce or dip. We stretched our mind to see some positives in the food but there were none. My nephew left his plate almost untouched. They could've removed his plastic cutlery and served it someone else. That is how untouched he left it. I ate two pieces of chicken and tried one piece of beef and regretted it. The smart person in our group ordered Falafel. His was safer since Falafel are fried. The three plates and two pop cans were $45. We left the place in disbelief but we had no one to blame but ourselves. The clues were there- a place in the busiest street in Vancouver on a nice weekend night having one customer. It was too late but certainly a lesson learned. Next time, I will check the reviews before taking a chance. read more

Quite disappointing. The owner looked unhappy and the guy making the wrap was super stingy on vegetables. I had to ask for my wrap to be heated and it still came out kind of cold. Ingredients didn't look very fresh and the pita was super dry. I'll be going elsewhere next time. read more

This place is stingy as hell, I made the mistake of going here late one night because limited options were open. Definitely should have gone to Five Guys next door!! First I gave the guy a $10 bill for a $6.50 wrap and right away he says "no change?" Uh sorry no, I am not giving you a 50% tip. Then when watching the other guy add toppings it was a joke. A thin teaspoon spread of hummus, a sprinkle of lettuce, 2 paper thin halved tomato slices..you get the idea. I asked for more of a few things and he added 1 or 2 pieces. Annoyed I spent any money here, I have spent equal or less money on shawarma in the past at multiple other joints and got them double the size of this place. Gave it two stars because it was edible. read more

I asked for low carb shawarma and that was the chicken platter and it was great. For great value and great flavour i would return. It was quick even though about 6 people in line. The menu seems lengthy and there are desserts and Lots of cold drink selections. Bottom line I would return when in the area for quick turn good food. read more

Rotisseries were out of commission so you had to wait while they just fried plain beef on a grill without saying anything. By the time I realized what was happening, I'd already paid. The wrap was much less dense than usual. Also, terrible customer service. read more

Best shawarma in the city in my opinion! I love their shawarma arabi plate as well. Something different. Though, their prices are a bit steep, and I'm sure their location has to do with it. Anyhow, when I'm craving a shawarma this is my place to go. read more

One of the best shawarmas I've ever had- and I've lived in the Middle East. If you want an authentic shawarma, and you want to support a small business, you'll love this place. I would recommend the beef shawarma, it's stuffed with tender, perfectly seasoned meat, crisp veggies and creamy hummus. read more

Very VERY disappointed ! $20.00 for two lamb shawarma wraps. The meat was a bit dry, super small portion! My biggest issue is the stinginess they apply with the vegetable toppings. At such a HIGH PRICE, we had to ask 4 - 5 times to please add some more. I felt insulted. NEVER will stop talking about this to anyone who eats Shawarma. Of all the places we enjoyed shawarma this is the only one that we will NEVER visit again! I had to pretty much BEG for more than two pieces of any veggie topping. read more

I'm from the Middle East and I didn't like the food in this restaurant. The service was bad and the food was average. There aren't many good Mediterranean food in the US northwest, but still this restaurant in Vancouver didn't meet my expectations. read more

I ordered a chicken schwarma and fallafel wrap mix. The falafel balls were soggy, boring ingredients and chicken not fresh from the roast. Do yourself a favour and go to Babylon Cafe on Nelson nearby instead. read more

Seriously my new addiction. Service is direct with a hint of friendly. The food is so yummy. The chicken shawarma plate is so delicious and the portions are massive. Going hungry is not something that occurs when visiting here. The ambiance is very Robson street- it's not really a place I would sit and have a meal. Fab take out option tho. I've been multiple times in a short span of time. Can't get enough! I may turn into a shawarma before my next review ... Oh well I'll risk it! read more

DO NOT GO. They are consistently the worst at any form of customer service and this isn't even like the regular stuff it's common decency. The owner and people are rude, the food is average at BEST. The prices is high for the below average quality, the flavour is bland. I decided to give it one more shot and it only confirmed my dislike for this place. Honestly the final straw, and this didn't even happen to me, the guy behind me ordered a shawarma, owner made him a rice plate instead, and when the customer told him he ordered a wrap, the guy shooed him away and refused to make the wrap! The customer left awkwardly. WHAT THE HELL!! read more

Ive had better wraps, customer service lacking and I was directed to HMart to use the washroom.

Chicken wrap was so good! Cesar salad was not bad. The wrap is enough for lunch. I couldn't finish the salad. They were served hot and quick :) read more

Aladdin Cafe - Perfect for lunch! - Mediterranean Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Great Shawarma and Shish Kabob. Been there 2 times on my vacation and definitely will go there is I get back to Vancouver

I LOVE this place! I go once a week and I always find the staff to be pleasant, polite and welcoming every time I come in. My staff workers know what day it is because I leave and come back with a chicken shwarma wrap. I love this place so much! read more

The best Shawarma I could get & the only place I would go to for it. Been a customer for years and would highly recommend it. I drive 40km to have such a rich & clean meal. read more

Never ever again. Staff was extremely arrogant and the foot was undercooked and just had a bad taste. I didn't finish it, threw it all in the trash. I thought it would be a good place to eat a good halal dish. But it wasn't. Don't go there people. read more

The customer service is terrible. I had the chicken plate, when i asked the server if i can get the chicken extra crispy, he said "ya ya, its all crispy". Then he proceed to pull the chicken out of a hot plate container not the meat spindle. The chicken was soggy, lacked flavor and all and all the food is sub par. Terrible experience. read more

If I could give this place no stars I most certainly would. Aladdin cafe is situated in heart of downtown Vancouver and as were searching for a quick bite to eat we happen to stumble upon this joint. The place looked clean and attractive from the exterior and being from out of town we decided to give this place a try. As we approached the front counter to place our order, we were given menus by a person who seemed to be the manager but who looked and acted more like a drill Sargent. For all you "Seinfeld" fans, it was like the soup nazi character; Unfortunately though, the food in this case was horrendous! The beef skewers were not grilled but steamed. The chicken tikka had an elastic texture to it and served with cold rice and half a pita. What takes the cake however was the manager getting one of his employees to clean the glass partition, that is no more than 2 feet from our table. Nothing like a little Windex with your chicken and beef. Needless to say, the experience was one to forget and chuckle about. read more

The service here is terrible. The guys working at the back don't appear to enjoy their job / want you to leave. I would rather get a happy meal at mcd's. read more

Good food and fair price for the amount. Loved the shish kabab and shish taouk plate (their hummus was also delicious!)