Babylon Café - CLOSED

4.0 star rating
69 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Ethnic Food, Middle Eastern  [Edit]

716 Robson St
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1A1
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Granville Entertainment District
(604) 677-3522
Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
No
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
No
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take Away:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Lunch
Alcohol:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
No
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"The best shawarma I've ever had." (in 22 reviews)
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"Both the lamb and the chicken are delicious." (in 15 reviews)
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"possibly one of the best chicken shawerma i have ever eaten." (in 4 reviews)
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69 reviews in English

  • Review from Niko D.

    •  
    • 8 friends
    • 45 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    12/15/2011

    Where do I begin...this is probably the best middle eastern cuisine to date I have tried in the lower mainland. The portion size is a great value. The ingredients are fresh and the meat is quite lean.

    I usually order the Chicken platter with hot sauce. It comes outfitted with Hummus, salad, pita bread, rice and a lemon potato.  Quite a pleasant aroma and flavour all round. I would recommend this to anyone!

  • Review from Cream J.

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    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    2/5/2012

    Favourite chicken wrap ! But the one at Granville St. has closed. Are they gonna open again?

  • Review from Henry B.

    •  
    • 735 friends
    • 99 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    6/30/2011 1 photo 4 Check-ins Here

    You can easily smell falafels half a block away. It's difficult to resist stopping at this place if you are even a bit hungry before or after shopping on Robson St. It's a mom and pop store and it's very space challenged. There is barely enough space to fit more then 3 people at a time and that's still a stretch. It's basically a quick buy & go as the line usually pass quickly.

    I'm not much of a lamb person, so I always get the chicken. It's good but not the best falafel I ever tasted. The chicken tends to be a little dry but it makes up for it with the flavourful mild sauces and crunchy veggies. It's a good alternative to fast food.

  • Review from Aaron S.

    Burnaby, BC

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 7/28/2011

    Sadly this is  the last review I'll be doing for this location. It seems that the building it resides in is being demolished. Therefore they are closing up shop. They still have two other locations sure but they couldn't be farther away from where I shop or pass through. Hopefully they will find another spot nearby.

    I've had the chance to have other Shawarma around the town and it's still the best going. Always moist and delicious chicken and good value.

    I'll miss that smell of roasted meats at the corner of Robson and Granville.........

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      7/18/2010

      Make no mistake this is about as close to a street cart as you're gonna get. It's so small and close… Read more »

  • Review from Kristina C.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    7/16/2011

    My mouth waters every time I pass by this place, so I finally made a point of stopping to actually try their food. My friend and I split the chicken shawarma and it was absolutely delicious!

    They assemble the wrap in about 2 minutes, piling on the fillings and sauces, and bam, it's wrapped and ready to go. I loved the chicken, it was flavourful, moist, and so, so yummy, and the various sauces and veggies crammed into the wrap complement the meat really well.

    Prepare for a big mess, as the sauce leaks out of the foil and drips everywhere. Make sure you have lots of napkins and wet-naps on hand!

    I believe this location is closing soon but they have others to satisfy your shawarma cravings.

  • Review from Kari C.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    3/24/2011

    I used to build window displays for The Gap at Pacific Centre, and the best thing about a murderously early 6AM start time was having an hour-long break about halfway through the shift, to go racing up the street to Babylon Café for some chickeny goodness.

    If a manager came over before 10:30 in the morning to give me a breather, I'd look up at them while piecing together a mannequin on the floor, from my kingdom in the stock room, floor littered with screws, dowels, plastic scrapers, steamer attachments, and posters of Audrey Hepburn, and say with trembling lips and puppy eyes,

    "...But, but...it's not shawarma time yet!"

    They would usually take pity on me and my dust-bunny-covered clothes and send someone else who started at the same hour.

    The mornings that I pounced upon Babylon were quite hilarious in retrospect: I would wait near the door, staring in at the giant rotating kebab of chicken, with this look of desperation and sheer terror in my eyes until they decided that the chicken was fully cooked and it was time to open. Being the first to take a chunk out of the rotisserie is sheer glory and delight, like getting the first scoop out of an ice cream bucket.

    The smell...oh, the smell!!! They marinate the chicken in a glorious mixture of oil and spices, and roast the stack of pieces until it's caramelized and dripping with savory juiciness, and wafting its scent down the road into the unsuspecting nasal passages of tourists and the expectant nostrils of ravenous fans on the sidewalk. I'm a whole-wheat pita, no garlic butter, yes hummus, lettuce, tomato, green pepper, tabbouleh salad, liiiiittle bit of tzatziki girl. The chicken is generous, well-seasoned, moist, and carved to order. Oh, Joy!

    The family is pretty friendly (maybe because they know I'm part Tunisian?) and any other place I have tried, where people have told me there would be a better shawarma than this, is not able to compare. I have stuck with this place for years, through price changes and workplace changes, and don't want to go anywhere else ever again for the same type of food, because nine times out of ten, I think "I could have had a Babylon wrap with this money..." and that tuba "WOM-WOMMMM!!" oops-noise will play.

    The space is tiny and cramped, but you get to mingle with strangers while trying to squeeze out the door. Just as a note, they are NOT associated with that other shawarma place on the corner of the same block. They now have a sign that explains it as such, so don't ask. If I opened a killer spot and then someone else tried to steal my customers I'd be pissed.

    FYI: There is no graceful way to eat a shawarma wrap, especially at the end, where the sauces and chicken juice have all leaked and pooled into the bottom of the foil, and you don't know whether to eat that chicken-soggy last shred of pita, but the answer is always yes. This might be a funny place for a date with somebody new, to see how they handle it.

  • Review from Fritz S.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    4/20/2011

    Get ready to wait in line to get a serious Shawarma! either Chicken, pork, or lamb (note: the Lamb often runs out quick) whatever you get is an adventure in itself.

    I never really new about this place until i moved to downtown. i always pass this cafe on my way home from work and almost every time i see long-ass line-ups!! so one day i decided to give it a try and see what all the hoopla's about. The people behind the counter were very nice and helped me through out the ordering process. They started out with the wrap and put all kinds of veggies on it., you can always choose whatever kind of veggies you want, its up to you. I went with the works! it also came with this tangy sauce they put on top of your meat. I ordered the lamb, after they wrapped it all up all tight in aluminum foil.

    Let me tell you, when i opened it up and took my first bite, it was like freakin sex in my mouth!!!! amazing flavor combination's, The crunch of the vegetables, the tenderness of the lamb the tanginess of the sauce! all wrapped up in a foil condom... damn!!! top it off with a soda and some crispy chips?? your done!!! it was delicious! game over!! It does get a little messy at the end so beware!

  • Review from Cody S.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    3/1/2011

    We have been coming here forever. This is something that I never get tired of.

    First of all, the line never means anything. Don't let it fool you...you will be getting the delicious goods wrapped in a pita in no time at all! Worth the wait. Why? In my opinion, this is the best fast food that you will ever eat, hands down. I am always finding myself craving the chicken donair/schawarma....its tantamount to torture to live in Richmond so very 'far away' from it.

    The owner is a blessing from God. His staff are preachers of this goodness and never fail to genuinely smile and hand over the wrap you have so patiently waited for. Bravo for great service. I will be coming here for the rest of my life.

  • Review from Rachael T.

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    2/13/2011 ROTD 3/23/2011

    You know that smell when you are at the corner of Granville and Robson that just spells of delicious MEAT?
    That's Babylon. A little shack with the people lining up out the door.
    It's worth the wait.. only if you're ready to have a BIG meal and starving.
    Both the lamb and the chicken are delicious. The meat is generous and the veggies and sauces are plenty. I cannot guarantee that the next time will be just as consistent but I definitely got my fix.
    While we were waiting, a bling bling car pulled up and these "high rollers" got out, picked up their wraps, and left. Comes to show that people will drive here to get the goods.
    Be aware when you get to the bottom, it will get messy and all the sauce will get all over your hands so have plenty of napkins ready.

  • Review from Alice A.

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    5/27/2011

    I don't get it. I expected something just phenomenally delicious to justify the hype. But really what I got was a OK wrap, the portion was quite generous but the lamb didn't wow me. In fact my iron tummy felt a little queasy afterwards from the chili and hot sauce?

    Probably won't get it again.

  • Review from Evilyn T.

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    4/11/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I have seen people waiting in line at this little cafe, and on the weekend I finally had the chance to see what all the fuss was about. In my opinion, the only thing you should be fussing about is the fact you are paying almost $7 for a sub-par falafel. I gotta say, the falafel places on Davie Street kick ass compared to the ones on Robson. (I can't speak for you carnivores, perhaps the meat dishes are better, but every restaurant should have at least one killer veggie option, and at a shawarma-style place, it should be the falafel.)

    This place has no seating, so if you actually want to sit down and eat your falafel, you may as well go to Aladdin's which is like two stores over. At least then you can sit down and not dribble all over yourself. I didn't see a public bathroom either, so go easy on the hot sauce. It's not that the falafel was bad, I just feel like if I'm gonna get one, and pay 2 bucks more than most places, it better be worth it. I threw half of it out because I was disappointed, and honestly, I doubt I would bother with this place again. Just sayin.

  • Review from Youna C.

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    • 9 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    3/10/2011

    Best falafel ever! Perfect for satisfying the after school hunger pains - a quick, grab-n-go tin-foiled wrap of chickpea goodness. I usually find myself booking it home, carrying my falafel like a baton while I run like the wind because of my overwhelming eagerness to chow down on this Middle Eastern favorite.

    Yes, sometimes you have to line up. But it moves fast. And you are usually too hypnotized either by the waft of the meaty scent which you can smell from a block away, or the way they slice that juicy hunk of chicken, beef, or lamb...*drool*

  • Review from Kyrsten J.

    New Westminster, BC

    2.0 star rating
    1/11/2011

    I've eaten here twice over as many months, and I'm not convinced it's great. In general though, I've found their schwarmas - while good, are too small in comparison (and in quality) to what you can get at Abdul's near Metrotown for the same price.  Yes,  I know, I'm comparing a downtown hole in the wall to a suburban hole in the wall (where rents are naturally cheaper), but I just expect a little more, I guess.  

    But really, you can't go too wrong for $6.  It's either that or have the saltiest crepe of your life at Cafe Crepe for about $2 more.  If I'm stuck downtown and need food, I'll probably be here again.  But will I search it out on a day off? probably not.

  • Review from Erin U.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    10/26/2011

    yum yum yum!! went tonight and its deliscious!!! couldnt have been better, sadly i hear they are closing so we shall seeee. god location, price and mouth watering yummy dinner for me tonight tho!

  • Review from Laura M.

    Seattle, WA

    USA
    4.0 star rating
    9/27/2010

    I saw a line forming near Robson St. at 2pm and I had to try this place out!  We had the lamb sandwich, which was quite tasty.  It had just the right amount of spice and seasonings.

    Food quality: 5
    Food quantity: 4
    Service: 4
    Ambiance: n/a
    Authenticity:  I can't comment.
    Overall deal: 3

    Pros: pickled peppers are a nice touch, well wrapped sandwich for convenience and there was no mess.
    Cons: little pricey for what you get

  • Review from Barry M.

    Burnaby, BC

    1.0 star rating
    6/28/2010

    My first one-star...   :(

    Worker cutting up and snacking on some kind of piece of fruit with bare hands, then immediately going to making my food, then going to handle cash....   ewww.

    (I ate the food anyway, because I was that starving.  But I won't be going back.)

    Also, they were talking about a customer in another language right when he was standing in front of them.  Classy.

  • Review from Mike S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    4/3/2011

    One of the Best Shawarmas in the city.

    I have had many chicken shawarma in many cities and this one is quite good.  

    Sometimes there are long line ups, but its worth it.  The shawarma plate is tasty and I would probably eat it more than 2 times a week if I was closer to this location

  • Review from Brendon D.

    Long Beach, CA

    USA
    3.0 star rating
    12/31/2010

    Insane lines on big tourist / shopping days.

    It is very tight quarters in this place, so take off your backpack.  

    The shawermas were tasty and fresh.  The flavor was mild with not much spice.  The staff was a bit slow and distracted overall.  There were only 4 of us in line.  There were 40 in line a few days before.

  • Review from Melissa F.

    Toronto, ON

    2.0 star rating
    4/20/2011

    in a nutshell?
    meh

    I don't know what the big deal is.  It's good, but not THAT good.
    They are a little sloppy and I'm sure I would have benefited if I came on a less busy day.
    Everything was good but they don't take time to ask you if you want white/brown; mayo/none/ and you have to sort of pipe in and tell them what you want/don't want.  I get it.  It's busy.  But c'mon, a little quality control, please.

    And microwaved falafels?

    I have got to say that in Vancouver, I get why this place is popular.  But cities that actually HAVE a significant  middle eastern population?  Babylon would be considered at the low average.  Poor Vancouverites are thinking that this is good shawarma in a sea of similarly average to poor middle eastern food.

  • Review from Harsha R.

    Salt Lake City, UT

    USA
    2.0 star rating
    11/16/2010

    Did I go wrong with my order? A plain ol' falafel wrap.

    Unfortunately, I don't know and I don't think I'm going back to find out. The falafels were dry, and tasteless with no flavor. Yes, I've experienced better and I expect better. So I'm afraid you ain't going to get more than 2 stars from me.

    And what's with the debit card machine that will accept only "Canadian debit cards"? Talk about plastic card profiling!

  • Review from Jerry R.

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    • 0 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    2/26/2011

    By far the most delicious wrap I've EVER had.  So small you cant fit more than 3 people in there, and when you pay you're essentially trapped in there, but waw @ the wrap.  When you get it its tightly wrapped in aluminum foil then wrapped again in a paper towel.  You'll need to sit to enjoy this one.  

    Keep it up Babylon Cafe !

  • Review from Darvish B.

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    • 35 friends
    • 95 reviews

    Vancouver, WA

    USA
    2.0 star rating
    4/12/2010

    Vancouver has a crap load of pizza and shawerma (gyro) joints in and around town, so the best way to find best ones was yelping it up. This time around, Yelp totally took me to the wrong place.

    Hands down NOT the best shawerma I've ever had. I've had my share of this pita filled goodness and this place doesn't cut it. The meat was dry and flavorless. The pita wrap was thin so after a ten minute walk to my hotel room, it got all soggy because of the yogurt sauce.  One thing I remembered them adding on the shawerma that made it different was spread on a bit of hummus, I thought it was going to be a good idea, but after trying it, I wasn't really feeling it.  I'm not sure what all the other yelpers ate when they reviewed this place but it pretty much blew balls.

    All that for a shawerma that cost over $7, I'll have to pass.  Don't waste your dough here, there are tons of other places to get your shawerma on.

    Cash and only Canadian debt card.

  • Review from Mike G.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    11/25/2009

    Wow - thanks Yelp, for another awesome find!

    I had heard mentions of this place a few times, but never really knew much about it or even where it was. Now that I've been... wow, I'll be going back!

    Awesome lamb shawarma, soooo tasty and a great mix of fresh vegetables, meat, sauce, etc. Nice and spicy but not over the top, and a great deal!

    The only reason I'm not giving this place 5 stars is that the layout is terrible - I know it's small, but considering the lineups, they don't do a good job of funnelling people through - they need a door on each side and the register on the left or something - a couple of small changes and it would flow so much more easily.

    But, it's only 2 blocks from work and I'm sure I'll be here lots!

  • Review from Christine R.

    New Westminster, BC

    4.0 star rating
    2/27/2009

    It's a tight squeeze to get in and get out, but man is that one tasty chicken shawarma! As Chloe mentioned, at the lunch rush they make 'em to order all lined up on the counter, so try not to jostle around too much lest you confuse the cooks.

    Extra points for having my Peach Snapple ice tea in the cooler - so many places only have that icky Lipton or Nestea crap.

    Yumsville.

  • Review from Sam L.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    3/23/2010

    During the summer months I probably eat about 3 or 4 of these things a week. For the price, I have a hard time finding anything that compares to it - fresh, authentic and flavourful. Try walking by this place (or two blocks away for that matter) on an empty stomach and just try not to go in.

    This might make me sound super neurotic, but I think my favourite thing about this place is that they carve the meat from the big spinning kebabs and put it right onto your wrap. You'll notice most other places will carve the meat then put it into a covered, heated hotel tray for later use, which I find makes the meat a bit mealy.

    I actually asked if I could buy one of the tshirts they wear but I was denied.

  • Review from Vannessa S.

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    • 9 friends
    • 94 reviews

    Burnaby, BC

    5.0 star rating
    6/4/2011

    Walking down this part of Robson, the smell as you walk by is amazing, it always gets me. They have sharwarma just right, not too spicy or packed with vegetables, the portion is generous, hard to finish even at the hungriest of times. You get to watch the the meat roasting on the rack and it tastes soooooo soooooo good. The hotsauce is nice, they have imported drinks that are yummy. The price is good, the food is always satisfying, what more could you want?

  • Review from Chloë E.

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    • 28 friends
    • 474 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    11/28/2008

    Last summer I was looking for something outside of my ordinary haunts for lunch and came across a long line up snaking out of the door for Café Babylon. With a full-hour lunch ahead of me, I decided to join the line up and see what this culinary pot of gold would be.

    I ordered the chicken shawarma to go and watched as the cook assembled the meat and toppings in the pita. I didn't feel like there was much opportunity for choice of toppings here. The style, rather, was more a pick the meat and that's that. Fine with me as I have few foodie dislikes, but pickier eaters be warned.

    During the lunch rush, the cooks tend to make the pitas in groups. Missing out on being in a group by one spot is similar to having the line cut off in front of you at Disneyland. While in Disneyland being the first to get on a ride means the best spot up-front, I couldn't think of any similar benefits to waiting that extra time here.

    When you do get your pita, head over the secret garden at Robson Square. Also, take lots of napkins. That $6 chicken shawarma is a messy beast.

  • Review from Sheila W.

    •  
    • 36 friends
    • 346 reviews

    BC

    4.0 star rating
    12/11/2008

    I went to uni in Ottawa and it seemed that there were Shawarma places everywhere. They are not quite so ubiquitous in Vancouver, making Babylon Café a gem. Shawarma, if you don't know it, is the Lebanese fast-food wrap/sandwich. A similar wrap is the Greek gyros.

    It's a pita filled with shaved meat, tomatoes, onion, lettuce and some delicious, run-down-your-arm, garlicky sauces. It's not the type of thing that you eat before meeting a date, but it's great after a night at the bar!

    This location is just off Granville Street, making it prime for intoxicated consumption. I enjoyed my Shawarma here so much, I'd eat it again sober.

  • Review from Ezra S.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    USA
    1.0 star rating
    6/10/2010

    Avoid this place.

    Healthy sized line as word on the street is that Babylon Cafe is the place for street meat. They sell out early, are rude and the Falafel  isn't fresh.
    I ordered 2 and watched them microwave them destroying all the wonderful crunchiness that is familiar with falafel.

    Worst part about this place is I got ripped off. While paying i asked if they take visa (something you need to do in Canada because they have their own debit system that doesn't process credit cards) they said no and immediately pegged me for a tourist. The guy behind the counter at the register sizes me up with an odd look charges me 50 cents extra for each of my falafel.

    There was a monster line behind me, and I had been traveling for 10 hours that day so just wanted food. I look at him as if to say "really" with my body language. He stares back at me and shrugs with a "what are you going to do about it" expression. I am so tired and not wanting to make a scene so I pay him and leave really let down and upset.  

    Recap: small shop, long line, less than fresh falafel, rude and dishonest!!!   WATCH OUT FOR THESE GUYS

  • Review from Tolga E.

    •  
    • 42 friends
    • 395 reviews

    Hayes Valley, San Francisco, CA

    USA
    4.0 star rating
    3/3/2010

    One of the smelliest, seemingly most suspicious shawerma shops I've eaten at in years. There's no way of knowing what health codes are being violated in here, as the place is the size of a large closet and they peddle the world's greatest drunk food to downtown Vancouver's international community. I'm not sure if I'd trust these people as they seemed highly disinterested in anything except pumping out as many shawermas as possible.

    All that said, this is the best Arabic-style chicken shawerma I've ever had. It's not "donair" (why can't culturally-sensitive Canadians look up the correct spelling of "doner" by the way?), but it's damn good shawerma. They're cheating a little, as the chicken is marinated in some sort of paprika-based sauce/juice prior to being loaded onto the spit. But the results can't be ignored. They are wrap-masters and provide you a Subway-like array of ingredients to customize your wrap. They hummus and hot sauce they use are both great, unobtrusive, and complementary to the chicken.

    I also want to give them credit for remaining open day after day, night after night, of the Vancouver Olympics Canadian Hockey-pocalypse. This shop was at ground zero for all the pandemonium (Granville and Robson streets) for two whole weeks and they people working here didn't seem to break a sweat. They were prepared, well-staffed, had plenty of inventory, and must have made an absolute killing. Respect.

  • Review from Jared W.

    •  
    • 6 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Victoria, BC

    5.0 star rating
    3/15/2010

    My favourite street food in Vancouver. The meat is great. The toppings are interesting and delicious (ask for extra tabbouleh!). It's a great price. The line-ups move pretty fast.

    I guess the tiny store is part of the experience, but it sure is annoying that there's such a bottleneck around the cash register. It would work better if the counter opened right on to the street.

  • Review from Keanu s.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    10/25/2010

    I like their chicken donair because it's not greasy,
    store is not clean well, and pretty small but it's ok :)

  • Review from Reena M.

    Greater Vancouver A, BC

    4.0 star rating
    4/23/2009

    Yummy Chicken Shawarma's! Very tasty.  Can't say much more that hasn't been said already.

    The only thing is that I would add less, or no pickles next time. And maybe it would be better if it were grilled like Donair King?? But meh, I really liked it the way it was.

  • Review from Vincci L.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    11/21/2009

    Always a line up. Worth standing in the pouring rain and cold for? Definitely. I always get the chicken one, with extra white sauce and tomatoes, and it's never failed me. For the days when I put shopping before food, I stop here for a quick grab and go meal.(I can keep shopping while eating!)

    The ingredients is the perfect mixture of lettuce, tomato, chicken...all stuffed into the pita. Economical too, which means I can spend more on that pair of black stilettos that I've been eyeing.

  • Review from Alex D.

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    • 42 friends
    • 199 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    3/22/2010

    As someone else mentioned there is a 'soup Nazi' type feel when ordering from here. You don't want to mess up the process so you step in give your order to the first person and shuffle to the right and pay the next guy. Say it to yourself again "step in order, step right pay'. I saw someone change the toppings and get glares from everyone around them.

    Beware of the dripping shawerma!!! There is nothing uncooler than your favourite tshirt falling foul to Shawerma leakage. Sure, to eat it you have to adopt a Quasimodo style posture as you lurch down the street trying to keep yourself clean, but who cares. If anyone looks at you funny make sure you snarl at them before you lurch off o gain full effect.

    Overall a pretty damn good Shawerma but nothing too out of the ordinary. I will be back but more likely in the wee hours when I need to descend from my bell tower for a snack.

  • Review from Karl F.

    •  
    • 10 friends
    • 47 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    1/9/2009

    While I was checking out Vancouver I made a point of eating at allot of great restaurants. Believe me there are plenty of great places to eat in this awesome city, but it's funny I kept coming back to this little stand again and again.
      I almost felt guilty. Here I was in such a great city with so much good food and yet all I could think about was the chicken shawarma Babylon Cafe puts out !!
      Now I'm back in Los Angeles wondering where I can find a good shawarma with that garlic sauce !!! Help me please !!

  • Review from Monroe A.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Bainbridge Island, WA

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    3/29/2009

    We ate the chicken shawerma wrap three days in a row. It is insanely delicious, verging on the narcotic. The chicken is succulent and juicy, the ingredients bursting with freshness. It is a bewitching combination and I could easily be flipped in an interrogation with the promise of one. I'm not sure if they're Muslims, but this shawerma makes me think converting might not be such a bad idea. The minds that went into this sandwich are working at a much higher level than I am accustomed to. It may be be the best sandwich in the history of the world, which incidentally is a completely sober assessment. I was not stoned for any of the three shawerma sessions. It would be redundant.

    While they may appear slow, the brave men and women who contribute to creating the shawerma wrap are heroes and, as such, can take as long as they want. It would be worth waiting forever, but it only took us about ten minutes. If that.

    It was a week ago that I was in Vancouver and I dream of the shawerma still ...

  • Review from Edward B.

    •  
    • 21 friends
    • 44 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    7/13/2010

    I ate here last December and I remember liking it... I only remembered to write a review now heheh.

    Anyway this place always has a big line up, and I have to agree with the people below me, the service here isn't the best. They're probably even hastier and possibly ruder? than some old Asian lady waitress. Just sayin'

    Anyhow price is relatively cheap, and the food tastes good. The meat is very savory so that's good. The skin of the wrap doesn't break easily when soaked with sauce.

    It's a must-try unless you don't wanna line up. I heard the falafel joint beside this place is better though.

  • Review from Jer B.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 56 reviews

    Windsor, ON

    4.0 star rating
    5/17/2009

    Their chicken Shawrma is the best I've ever had anywhere. I don't know if they make their own tzatziki and hot sauce but it's so delicious. When I worked downtown I ate this 2-3 times a week and was hooked on it.

    There was a funny incident I had there where the girl behind me didn't order fast enough and guy behind the counter said "NEXT PLEASE" and she lost her place in line. It reminded me of the soup Nazi from Seinfeld. In her defence she wasn't even in the doors yet, but outside on the street.

    I don't like how there is a fee to use their debit machine. It's 50 cents extra which to me is too high.

  • Review from Sophie S.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    7/13/2010

    Love going to this place for lunch!

    I try and eat here 2 times a week :)

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