This was always and forever my #1 place to go to for Arabic food of Shawarma and Falafel. I've missed this restaurant and Mr. Salem's friendly greetings for a number of years since moving out of state. Although I wish Mr. Salem was still in operation of his restaurant, he deserves his retirement after working so hard and becoming one of the best in town after 30+ years. I know I will never find Arabic food as good as this Sahara Falafel was and this is what saddens me. Sahara Falafel will forever have a spot in my heart. read more

I came here late at night after seeing Jin of bts concert at the Honda Center a few miles away. It's one of the few places opened around 1am. Small, family owned with a few tables inside. I ordered the combo plate which came with chicken shawarma, beef shawarma, and falafel piled on top of rice with sides of hummus and salad with a bag of pita with pickles. The meat was well seasoned and the falafel was not too dry. The salad was crispy and the hummus was good. The wait time was not long and the couple was friendly. Parking lot is small. read more

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This is alittle whole in the wall type of place. It's ain a small plaza but it is super worth it!! The workers are super friendly and very helpful. The food came quick and was soo delicious. I would definitely recommend this place if looking for something savory and on the healthier side. read more

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I was really looking forward to checking out this spot, but unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to expectations. We ordered the chicken shawarma and falafel platters. Both came with a side of hummus, salad, tahini, garlic sauce, hot sauce, and bread. The chicken shawarma came with rice as well. Sadly, the chicken shawarma lacked flavor--it felt pretty bland and didn't have the seasoning kick you expect from good shawarma. The falafel was better in terms of flavor, but it had been fried a bit too long, which made it greasy and hard. For the price, it didn't deliver what I was hoping for. It's located next to the Little Arabia shopping center and there are a couple of tables if you want to eat there. read more

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OG spot. Consistent and never misses. Love the chicken and lamb! Service was attentive and lovely.

I was craving falafel and needed some fiber after a long road trip. Luckily, this spot was open late. I ordered on the phone at 11:30pm and arrived around 11:45pm. I decided to go for the vegetarian plate. Based on photos on Yelp, I thought I would come with two falafel's, but it came with 4! I ordered two falafels on the side just in case, and those came with some salad. The order was ready on time. They gave me 3 pieces of pita in a bag, which I think was due to it being so late at night. The falafel could have been crispier, but it satisfied my craving. I liked the thin pickles. The baba ganoush with my favorite thing in the plate. I'm not a huge fan of the parsley salad, although it was fresh. I wish the hummus was more seasoned. I haven't tried many Mediterranean places in the area, so I'm not sure what I could compare it to, but that was a decent late night meal. read more

Sahara Falafel - Vegetarian Plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Anaheim, California

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I ordered the shish tawook skewer it was still pink on the inside The falafel plate was over fried and super salty And the hummus was good but definitely not tahini the garbanzo beans Couldn't eat the chicken skewer barely able to handle the salt content on the falafel read more

Generous portions & flavorful kababs! We finally tried this spot thanks to a coupon on Doordash & it hit the spot. The chicken & lamb kababs were well-seasoned- you can really taste all the herbs & spices used; it was unique to us and a little different from other spots, but we enjoyed it. Hummus was nice & creamy, and we appreciated the extra pita included! Our only critique was that the falafel was on the drier side, but some extra garlic & tahini sauce did the trick there. We'll be back for the kabab plates~ read more

Sahara Falafel - Falafel Plate & Mix Kabab Plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Anaheim, California

wow Shawarma!!! If any one really understands what does Taste means , then definitely I recommend you to try Sahara Falafel . Must try it. It's really mouth watering food. They choose shawarma ingredients for the best flavor and of course for stomach healthy food. Many people make shawarmas but taste is not in everyone's hand. So go to Sahara Falafel then you will FEEL what I wrote about shawarma here for you . Bcoz I am taste lover and I know what taste means . Not by words but practically by taste of food. Owner is very nice humble person and whatever you want from him , he will make accordingly for your taste. TRY read more

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Best Falafel in Anaheim! Ask for parsley instead of lettuce in the falafel sandwich, if you like it how they make it in Lebanon. Their hot sauce is sooo good too! Small cafe but very clean inside. The service was fast and the people working are so nice. The worker gave me a free water bottle while I waited since it was hot out and I didn't buy a drink. I will drive here from the valley just to eat here again. read more

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Greetings all, Yesterday, I had the best Shawarma sandwich I have ever had that I can remember. The most flavorful, the most moist, the meat cooked to perfection, bread & veggies fresh. It was exquisite. It's a small intimate place and the owner makes you feel welcome. You may have to wait a little so take a friend so you can chat a bit while you wait, but that's OK. He's open late too. Enjoy, you will not be disappointed I promise. read more

My favorite shawarma spot of all time. I've been coming here with my family since I was a toddler. The chicken shawarma sandwich is my go-to order. The owner is an absolute legend and he's so kind to customers. Definitely give this spot a try!! read more

Sahara Falafel - Middle Eastern Near Me - Anaheim, California

This is a tiny little place in a tiny little strip mall. I was excited to try because it's a mom & pop type place and has lamb. I got a chicken and a lamb pita sandwich and a side of hummus. My cousin and I thought everything was just ok. The hummus didn't have much flavor, nor did the lamb and the chicken was a bit dry and seemed to have double the pita bread. Not sure I'd go back when there are so many other places in that area. Service was ok, the man behind the counter was polite. read more

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This place has gone downhill I used to frequent this place years ago. I came back to the old hood trying out shawarma places that I used to go to that were amazing but this place actually turned into the hood. We pull up and see see some homeless guys in the front of the store but turned out to be hired help sanding and repainting the chairs?! Listen if you're gonna do that go around back or something and handle it out of the public eye. We go in and laying on the table is a glove and some dirty clothes from I don't know where. We look at the kitchen. No spigit revolving meats showing nothing I thought this was a shawarma place? Anyways me and my friend were sketched out already but hey I've been here before plenty of times and it was really good I'm trying to convince my friend let's try it. I asked the owner what's going on and he tells me he's renovating and the other meat spigot is in the back I'm like okay so it's still on and we order the chicken sandwich for $10.99 plus I tip 15% and when I tell you how disappointed I was. They started cooking the meat in pan They only gave us like 3-4 chicken bites like no meat at all every bite was a tomato and pickle like where is the meat my guy I didn't think we were actually in the Sahara desert. The garlic sauce was just pure garlic tbh at kill a vampire our mouth was burning like maybe we are vampires I mean I even told the guy we were doing reviews of different spots and he should have said my friend we are doing renovations and please come back another time. I'm very disappointed in the spot and will not be coming back because I felt like I was jipped hard and embarrassed. This spot is no longer on my list of delicious shawarma R.I.P. read more

Very small place but the owner is really nice he let us have a couple free items for the kids. The shawarma plate was really great with a side of garlic sauce and a hot chili it was delicious and they also have some sweets and salam cola. I really had a nice time with the family and the hummus was good I recommend it if you like good falafel they are $1.25 each bite pretty good size and delicious read more

Hi everyone! This review has been a long time coming! I have been coming here for years! The owner is a lovely, mellow, hardworking person. He's familiar with my boyfriend and myself because we get the delicious lamb kabab plate. It has white rice, hummus, and a flavorful salad that my boyfriend and I love. I'm so excited because yesterday the owner said soon, he's going to start making Arabic and American pizzas and fresh pita bread in his new oven. I can't wait! It's gonna be good! read more

Just not the same anymore. Not sure if owners or cooks changed hands again but their chicken shawarma sandwich isn't the same and the service really sucks. For several years, we've always order the chicken shawarma sandwiches. The chicken was super dry and tough. They cut back a lot on everything and we often have to beg for garlic sauce now. They even sometimes give you attitude about it. One should always be included with each sandwich. Several years ago when we would ask for an extra garlic sauce, they were always kind and willing to give us an extra one without charge. Anything more than 1 or 2, we would have to pay for the tub of garlic sauce which we didn't mind and understood. We don't see the same people behind the counter anymore unfortunately. The past few years, whoever is currently running the place... have been getting more stingy yet the price continues to go up. I get inflation, but come on. Open up your sandwich and ask yourself if the quality and amount of chicken you're getting is worth what they're charging. They charge you extra for EVERYTHING now. We usually buy 5-6 sandwiches at a time but eventually went down to buying one or two at a time because the sandwiches just aren't what they used to be. The super stingy staff behind the counter rubbed us wrong as well, especially since we've been long time loyal customers. The very last time I bought a chicken shawarma sandwich there and asked for a couple extra pickle slivers, the guy said he couldn't do that and suggested to buy a whole tub of pickles. Seriously? FOR ONE SANDWICH? What am I going to do with the rest? The previous owners never gave us a problem and always gave me a few extra slices. They're so thin and I'm sure a couple extra slivers won't break the bank or push them into bankruptcy, especially if it's to keep a returning customer. We've stopped coming here altogether. It's not worth it especially when there are plenty of other places to get your chicken shawarma fix. I've been making them myself at home when I have time, which tastes even better. We really do miss the old staff. My suspicion is they changed hands more than twice, maybe three times. Although, one of the staff denied it. Maybe they kept it all in the extended family? Either way, I prefer the old staff from almost a decade ago. They were the best. Then after them, I remembered the man with the two girls (sisters?) who would work the counter. They were super nice as well. Farewell forever. read more

This place used to be one of the cornerstones of Arabic food of Anaheim. I think after the owner changed or something but the quality has dropped significantly. The portions have gotten smaller, the flavor even less so, the only thing that has gone up has the price. I am disappointed to write a review such as this hopefully one day it can gain its former glory once more read more

I have been going to this place for years... And I'm a little mad at myself for not writing a review earlier... But here it is... Four years in the making... I absolutely love this place... I'm pretty sure they put addictive something in their garlic sauce because I could eat it everything day... I have tried everything off the menu (Even though, the beef s read more

Came here with my friends for a quick dinner and Sahara satisfied my cravings. The shawarma and falafel are great and the baklava is to die for as well. The owners were very friendly and welcoming. Prices are great and they accept all types of payments as well. There's a few tables indoors available for seating and takeout is available. read more

We have been going to this place since last 15 years. We love their falafel, chicken shawarma and their hummus and garlic sauce is to do for. They started a new cheese bread/pizza which reminds me my days in Dubai. It's delicious. It's our go to place for Mediterranean food. read more

I was driving through anaheim very late at night and Yelp suggested this place for a late night dinner. I like shawarma, so I'm thinking why not? There was no one else inside, so it was a bit awkward to walk in and ask for a menu (since none are posted). I had seen some of the prices posted on Yelp and expected to pay around $15 for a plate. My plate came out to $25!!!!!! $25 for a combo plate of beef, chicken and falafels with hummus, salad, rice and pita. It was a lot of food. Honestly, I didn't know it came with falafels. And the pita came in a bag.... there were several and I just took them home. I also couldn't finish my plate and ended up throwing about half of it away. I wish they had a smaller "bowl" option with like half the food. Maybe no pita. Maybe not even include hummus. I don't think I'd be back unless they come out with some cheaper options read more

Sahara Falafel - $25 combo plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Anaheim, California

If you're looking for the absolute best shawarma in SoCal get over here right now! Their garlic sauce is the garlickiest goodness it is so addicting. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The hummus and garlic sauce take every item to the next level of tastiness. The owners are the kindest people. The food is always served with love. They're open until 2 AM so if you're having a midnight hankering for something warm, delicious, and filling to the soul and belly this is the spot to satisfy your cravings. It's especially convenient if you've worked up an appetite closing out a Disney park. read more

Sahara Falafel - Middle Eastern Near Me - Anaheim, California

Very pleasant atmosphere and even better yet, the food was excellent. We plan on visiting there again in the near future. They plan on expanding to selling bread as well. Count me in. My weakness read more

I just came back from Israel and I was already craving Middle Eastern food. Awake from the jet lag, it's midnight and I'm hoping something is open. Sahara Falafel is open until 2am. Owner was super sweet and wanted me to try their falafel. He made it fresh and included little bit of sauces and greens to try with it. I LOVED the falafel, so good. read more

Update- NOV 2023 Still the best falafel ever. I've tried some of the new places around and not even close. These are literally award winning UNBELIEVABLE AND DELICIOUS. Can't wait to go again!!!! read more

i did an order thru door dash i pulled up and the staff was sitting with customers for about 15 mins i watched another customer walk in and order their food i walked in and my order had not even been started so i had to wait even longer then i received 2 sandwiches when i ordered a plate and one sandwich when i asked he said they didn't have something for the plate but i could take a free soda no sauces (which i thought would come automatically as it was a chicken shawarma so a lil on the drier side) in the bag , napkins nothing good food just be sure to ask for everything read more

Have been coming here all the time when I visit LA. Nice owner who knows his customers. The food is really good. Give you sense of homemade food. Nice and simple. Fair prices. read more

One of the best Shawarma places in my life! Definitely among the top three. I lived in Qatar for a decade so I know what authentic Middle Eastern delicious Shawarma is all about. These guys are genuine and authentic. Always get their homemade garlic sauce. It is tantalizing and addictive. Their baklava is one of the top three best baklava I have had in this country! And they make their own baklava. The service is good. There is not much seating here so it's always ideal to have the food to go. You can call and order from them. The interior art is so simple and yet very impressive because it reminds you of being in an Arabian desert like the Sahara. The only reason why they are not getting five stars from me right now is because they really increased their prices drastically within a year! It's quite tragic. read more

Friendly front staff! Falafel was surprisingly good. But the steak was burnt and dry it was like straight up inedible jerky. Chicken was also slightly dry and tasteless but not as bad as the beef. The rice, sauces, and hummus were alright but the salad had a strange restroom cleaner(?) taste to it.. But Idk about hygiene. Inside the restaurant, they had about 5 tables which some were left uncleaned and had worn seats. It's a small place but not cramped. The laminated menu sheet by the front had a smashed fruit fly on it, and while unboxing my to-go food, I also spotted a fire ant in between a pile of napkins. Couldn't finish my food. $23 for 1 combo plate that was dry, tasteless, and questionable. Over-priced. read more

Happened to be in the area when I noticed this small restaurant unassumingly tucked away in a little shopping center. I'm glad I made the stop. I ordered 5 falafel (99c each) the kafta kabob plate, and one baklava and I was a little taken back by the price (~ $32). That was until I received the plate. Very large portions and kabob was very tasty. Included rice, hummus, salad, and a bag of 3 pita bread. Walked in expecting lunch, walked out with lunch, dinner, and late night snack! Place is open until 2am which is pretty neat. read more

Sahara Falafel - Kafta kabob, falafel, and baklava - Middle Eastern Near Me - Anaheim, California

Excited to be back! Delicious food! Got the kabob combo with hummus on the side so good! Recommend calling ahead as they make the food fresh to order :)! read more

Tried lots of places. This is definitely the best shawerma you can eat.!! The place is very cozy. And very great service, as well thank u read more

AMAZING portions (value for your money) on top of being really delicious! I recommend calling directly for takeout rather than ordering from the slimmed-down menu on Yelp since a lot of items aren't available in that ordering system, for some reason. Their chicken shawarma is delightful, and heavy enough to where I had to hold the to-go box with two hands! My fiancé also really liked the chicken kabob plate. I'm obsessed with garlic sauce and while they gave us about seven containers, they're itty bitty ones so next time I need to request extra. That's about the only portion size complaint I have since everything else is super generous--they give you an entire bag of pita for two entrees, which was a nice touch! All of our food was also only $35. We'll be back for sure! read more

Sahara Falafel - Chicken Shawerma Plate! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Anaheim, California

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I come here often for the beef shawarma sandwich! They're open late night and their food is always yummy! Definitely worth stopping by for a beef shawarma sandwich! read more

Came here a month ago and forgot to do a review on them. The restaurant is very small. The guy behind the counter was not very friendly. The food took awhile to get. The falafel was burnt. The chicken shawarma wrap had a weird taste and I couldn't finish it. The garlic sauce was not good. I was very disappointed in the quality of food when I saw that they had good reviews and 4 stars. Unfortunately, we will not be coming back. read more

I was born and raised in Anaheim and am not of middle eastern decent but Sahara Falafel has the best beef shawarma. It does take time to get your food but it is totally worth the wait! Also, the hot sauce is very good. Ambiance is like a mom and pop restaurant. read more

Sahara Falafel - Hot sauce - Middle Eastern Near Me - Anaheim, California

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This place is really good, has massive portions, and is open til' 2 am. Give it shot, it's super tasty! I had the falafel plate (8 falafels) and a lamb sandwich. read more

Very good food def gotta try I like the place it's very traditional and the flavors are like none other read more

Sahara Falafel - Middle Eastern Near Me - Anaheim, California

My friend told me to check this place out, I came from Fontana, seriously the best Falafel and Shawarma I have had! Will be making the drive again soon! read more

Sahara Falafel - Middle Eastern Near Me - Anaheim, California