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Falafel Maison
Category: Restaurants Middle Eastern Middle Eastern [Edit]
516 Robson StreetVancouver, BC V5Y 1V4
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 801-6450
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- 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:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
37 reviews for Falafel Maison
Review Highlights
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"And order the Chicken Shawarma Plate." In 3 reviews -
"The Tabouleh is always green and fresh." In 6 reviews -
"Best falafel or shwarma wraps in town period." In 5 reviews
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37 reviews in English
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Review from Jose F.
Vancouver, BC
4/24/2012
Good portions and good price, very tasty, my neighborhood go to falafel and shawarma place! This place does little, but it does it really well.
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Review from Charly S.
2/24/2012 2 photos
Awesome chicken shwarma! Best I've had in Vancouver so far. The chicken was juicy and deliciously spiced and the hummus and tabouleh were fantastic and fresh. I did not find the pita to be too hard, it was fine for me. Would have been 5 stars but I found the chicken a tad greasy/fatty, and I'm not sure if I was overcharged or just didn't get enough change but one shwarma cost $7.28. Small little place mostly for take out but they do have two small high tables and some window counter stools. They take visa, m/c and debit now too. Good portion sizes. Deliciously recommended!
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Review from Laura D.
5/4/2012
Falafel Maison was excellent! The food was delicious! We had the Chicken Shawarma; the #3. The chicken was melt-in-your-mouth good, the hummus was excellent. I wasn't crazy about the tabouleh. I prefer less parsley and more wheat; but not enough to drop a star. The portions were generous and the guy behind the counter was friendly and helpful. We had a great time talking to him. Can't wait to return to Vancouver and visit again!
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Review from Cyrus G.
9/29/2011 9 Check-ins Here
Falafel maison is one of my go-to places for lunch at work.
They have really, really good humus, tabolueh and chicken -- making their shawarmas one of the best in the city.
Also, the staff is awesome and they make it a pleasure to visit.Listed in: My Favs
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Review from Feifei R.
Vancouver, BC
7/5/2011
Nor as good as I expected after reading all the reviews. I got the Falafel, so so.
I think Babylon's chicken wrap is better, but I guess it's unfair for me to compare a chicken wrap with Falafel wrap. -
Review from Finn L.
Victoria, BC
8/20/2011
So Amazing It's Kinda Hard to Explain.
THIS PLACE IS MAGIC I TELLS YOU.
The people who work there are amazing....AND THE FOOD!?!?!?!
Probably one of the best things I ever tasted....You ask, "Well, WHAT DID YOU EAT?" And I answer with a shrug and a smile "Chicken Shawarma"
I mean, I just moved away from The city of Vancouver, To a more relaxed version ..Victoria. I finally came back to Vancouver..And what is the first thing that comes into mind? FALAFEL MAISON! To make a long story short.... Ditch Jappa Dog (which has made everyone I know sick) And go to the family owned FALAFEL MAISON. OH! And order the Chicken Shawarma Plate..... YOU wont be disappointed. -
Review from Ashley D.
Vancouver, BC
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just happened to walk in and I am so glad I did. I had the chicken shawarma plate and it really was tasty. I can't fault it one bit and have to say it was one of the best schwarmas I have had since I was in the Middle East. Everything was very tasty and the portion was massive, I left very full. I agree with the review by Cyrus, the people inside were very friendly and I will certainly be back.
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Review from Darcie G.
Vancouver, BC
10/28/2011
I found out about the falafel maison on this site and was very excited to try it out. I ordered the chicken shwarma plate which was delicious but I did find the chicken to be a little bit fatty. I was dissapointed that you couldn't get any of the donairs with the plate option but oh well what can you do. the service was excellent quick and polite and you got big portions for the price. I will definitely go back to try out there other options.
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Review from steff c.
Vancouver, BC
12/13/2010
I do love this place, even if it seems pretty misogynistic behind the counter (women serve food, men deal with cash--always).
But the shawarma meat? Fantastic. It's halal, which I prefer, and they're generous with it.
If you want a better deal, more authentic things to choose from for fillings, you're probably better off with Babylon Cafe (a block over, for the wraps only), especially if you're doing a plate, since Babylon's Denman location offers insane value.
There's none of the pickled peppers and other traditional stuff, just veggies and tabouleh and hummus and all the basics. It's all great.
As someone else commented, the pitas could be softer. This IS true.
It's a good price, not as large as it used to be, and more expensive with the HST getting tacked on.
Still, one of my solid go-to meals on a budget, and I've often taken the shawarma plate all the way back to South Vancouver on transit. (Too small a place to eat in, really.)
I do highly recommend it. I think both Babylon and this place, Falafel Maison, have terrific unique house seasonings, and they both stand up very well in competition. Just depends what additional fixings you prefer, and I like mine minimalistic, so I'm less picky. -
Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
4/7/2010
* Best Japanese Shawarma in Vancouver *
(Record scratch)
No, this isn't the Shawarma version of Japadog. But it is plopped right in the middle of the new strip of Japanese food outlets (Gyudonya, Beard Papa, Kushi Box, and the soon to open Japa Dog restaurant).
So it looks a little out of place on the strip. But in keeping with the neighbourhood the woman behind the counter making the shawarma was Japanese! Go figure!
The shawarma was Lebanese style, and quite respectable. I would venture to say it was better than the very popular Babylon a little down the street. The meat was tender, the tabouleh was extremely fresh, the tahini had a nice sesame flavour. Very nice job!
So for me, I suppose I'll be getting "Japanese shawarma" when in the area from now on.....Listed in: Which wich is which?, Vancouver Middle Eastern Food
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Review from Jeffrey W.
10/17/2011
I had a falafel wrap and lentil soup, for a great quick meal. The guys behind the counter were helpful and friendly. Not the most amazing middle-eastern in the world, but I'll go back.
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Review from Sonya R.
Burnaby, BC
8/18/2009 ROTD 2/15/2010
Wonderful food - I am always too indecisive to settle on felafel, but after a quick survey of this place I was sure it was a good time to try it.
So. So. Good.
Fresh, hot, soft, spices are perfect. Tabouleh, humous, everything tastes great. A felafel pita wrap goes for $5. I was a bit hungry after it, but some say one should never be stuffed to the brim anyway. Family run place, all seem cool and the younger ones will chat to you about this and that.Listed in: Where to Eat?
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Review from Pennylane S.
Vancouver, BC
6/19/2010
Wow, I may be the only one who thinks this place is comme ci comme ca. Maybe they were just having an off day.
I had the veggie plate which was $8.50, pretty reasonable especially for the area. Falafel sandwiches are $4.95, even more reasonable. The falafel's themselves were pretty good. They were out of samosas that day so I got an extra falafel (which made it SEVEN chick pea balls in total). Super filling, esp on a bed of hummous. They unfortunately don't have the garlic-y sauce most places have though, but hot sauce and tahini are options. I specifically got the veggie plate over the falafel plate because it came with tabouleh (my fav) and greek salad where with other plates the tabouleh is $1 to sub to for greek salad.
The tabouleh was tabouless than impressive unfortunately, only because it seemed dry and not totally soaked in the usual awesome tabouleh juices. But the greek salad, no olives, was quite good.
All in all, it was pretty good although I'd probably consider going to some of Falafel Maison's excellent neighbours before returning again. -
Review from jailook l.
Victoria, BC
5/31/2010
Best. Best. Best.
I love this place so much, I can't even stand myself. I've been going here for years and I fall more in love with it all the time. The owners are amazing people. Kind, funny and they take the time to get to you their customers.
The portions are giant and fresh and they do tabbouleh just the way I like it.
Actually, I'm on my lunch break right now - enjoying a giant falafel plate - and I felt compelled to write a review after all these years of stuffing myself there. I'm monstrously pregnant right now and the owner threw in an extra falafel (one for baby) and treated me to a huge slice of hot Sfouf (delicious Lebanese cake). Falling in love again... -
Review from Barry M.
6/28/2010
Filling and tasty shawarma plate.
There seemed to be a heated discussion by some friends of the people working going on inside, which I think scared away some street walker. A warm smile goes a long way to welcome in new customers! -
Review from Arpy D.
Vancouver, BC
4/1/2010
The best walk-up falafel/Shwarma downtown period. I've been going there for 3 years and it was because for the 3 years before that I was a regular at all the other ones downtown. After trying all of them, this one leaves you with the freshest flavour, best service, nicest staff, and great portions. I have no idea why people still go to Bablyon down the street when this place is better and bigger. Don't follow the hype, just follow the street two blocks and get this instead.
Unfortunately, they did raise their prices as the Olympics came, so it's gone from the $5 to $7 range now, but that still puts it at the top of best value even though its now competing with sushi/crepe/veras prices take out now. The owner there is so nice that if he remembers you he will always greet you and once I didn't have cash on me, he let me pay the next time.
So for full disclosure, it desrves 4 stars now due to the price, it was 5 stars when it was under $6... but the service and very short waits keep it up there still -
Review from Sabrina S.
Montréal, QC
7/1/2009
I heart this restaurant:) the owners are Lebanese and you get to taste authentic Lebanese food. The chicken shawarma is great, the falafel plate is very tasty and mos importantly... The hummous ROCkS! The owner always asks you if you enjoyed your meal and they always ask me if I am from the middle east ( I'm Hispanic.. My ancestors are hot blooded , hence the extreme mix!)
there is limited seating but the service is fast and the prices are decent. -
Review from Dani C.
7/20/2011
Ordered a falafel sandwich and I found the falafel to be quite dry. The wrap and vegetables helped counter the falafel. However, it is quite cheap ($5 + tax) considering it was pretty big and it does fill you up. So, hence 3 stars rather than 2.
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Review from Richard S.
Vancouver, BC
7/25/2011
Decent. A falafel wrap comes to $5.54 after tax. Not the best falafel I've ever had, but good enough that I'd go back.
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Review from Sam L.
12/16/2010
I came here a little while ago for a chicken shawarma because the lineup at Babylon Cafe was too long. I wish I'd just waited. They took the chicken from a heating tray where it had obviously been sitting for a while, instead of carving it right off the rotating kebab like they do at BC. The chicken had no flavour, and the rest of it wasn't much better. I was really hungry and was so looking forward to a yummy chicken shawarma, and I was so disappointed I only ate about half then walked back over to Babylon Cafe and just waited in line to get another one, which I should have just done in the first place. Still, it was around 2 and past the lunch rush, so maybe I just got a bad one. I'll give it another try and hopefully it will improve my opinion of the place.
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Review from Mike S.
Vancouver, BC
7/21/2010
Great place.
Best schawarma I have had in Vancouver yet. The only thing they ask is if you want hot sauce, which I of course recommend. Very friendly people who work there, a lot friendlier than Babylon down the street. The schawarma tastes fresher and better made and for whatever reason, the pita seems drier than Babylon as well. I am so happy I found this place, I will definitely return.
But I am always on the hunt for new places, hopefully someday I will find a place where I can get a Lafa schawarma with french fries like I had in the middle east, that was delicious. But in the mean time, if you want some great falafel, schawarma, tabbouleh, or great platters, come check out this fine establishment. -
Review from Littlefish B.
Vancouver, BC
9/27/2009 4 photos
4 stars - great for a hearty, fast $7 meal! No delivery & super tiny with 5 stools.
A rare cheap joint that we both crave now & then, & make a special trip to satisfy when we do. Excellent value, tasty and satisfying.
Our fave: chicken shawarma, either wrap or plate (the plate 2 of us can split for lunch). Second would be the falafel wrap and the spanakopita is good, too. I just don't usually show up at their door for something I first knew as Greek!
Cash only & family run. If either the father or son are serving a woman she'll soon learn they have a charm schtick that is quite endearing. Of course the first time you meet the 'other one' you'll know where the son learned the lines!!
Recommended for a hearty lunch before or after wandering Robson Street, or going to a Lions game, or.... -
Review from BB H.
Burnaby, BC
3/28/2010
Best falafel or shwarma wraps in town period. Cash only so be prepared.
The biz cards are classic too with the Lebanese flag, a cypress tree (the famous symbol of Lebanon) and a very small color pic of the owner Hussein M. Alawie. -
Review from Ross E.
5/9/2011
Good, fast, cheap mediterranean food. No complaints.
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Review from Raza M.
8/5/2010
I have been here quite a lot and one of the complains I've is their pita, it just doesn't feel that fresh. Though a lot of people prefer it that way, for me the meat here always seems to be overcooked. But the staff is nice and friendly, so I always go back. My last visited was no different, the staff was nice and offered me extra pita, though it felt the same, but surprisingly the meat seemed to be better cooked. I hope it is not those one off thing. Another thing I have noticed is their portion has gotten smaller over time, as I can clearly remember having to stretch my stomach to finishing it. Overall, I would say it's a good place for a quick meal, but can be much better if the pita was a little softer.
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Review from Leroy L.
3/26/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Hands down my favorite Shawarma place in town! I missed it while it was closed for renovations, but it's open again! I prefer the Shawarma plate(Chicken on a bed of Rice, Tabbouleh, Homous, and a cut up Pita) over the Shawarma wrap, but the wrap is great if you are in a rush. The Chicken is always flavourful and tender! The Tabouleh is always green and fresh! My favourite is the Homous, which is always smooth and creamy! Service is quick and friendly. The portions are big, so the value is great! The Chicken is so good that I haven't tried the Falafels yet, but I will be back to try them for sure!
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Review from X O.
8/29/2010
Fantastic falafel. Friendly service. Wish they had such a place in So. cal!!!
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Review from Bernie G.
North Vancouver, BC
9/19/2009
Awesome shawarma and huge portions. The shawarma late is really almost too much food and at $7.95 it is bargain. Two moderately hungry people can share this. The late comes with shawarma meat (chicken), bowl of hummus, the parsley salad, rice, and pita bread.
The vegetarian plate is also recommend at the same price. You swap the meat for 1 samosa, 2 filafels, a green salad & the parsley salad, hummus & pita. Awesome flavours in all options. You can also get a sandwich version of either (rolled up in a pita) to go.
The only sad thing to report is that this store is the last on the block to remain open. It is right next to what was Cafe Si vous Plait. Older retail block with street level pay parking lot in back in this neighbourhood - yup, another giant hideous condo tower will see itself here in the future. :-(
Go while you can and hopefully they will relocate nearby when the time comes. This is one of my lunchtime stales . -
Review from Tiffany R.
8/8/2008
I stumbled upon this place while touring around the downtown area. There seemed to be a million touristy places on Robson at which to catch a bite to eat. I was so glad that I walked down a bit further because I came across this place. I knew it had to be decent because there was a line out the door with locals. I had the vegetarian plate, which contained the usual suspects, but it was really well done and was very reasonably priced. I'd go back if I lived in Vancouver.
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Review from Karen R.
7/11/2010 1 photo
Chicken shwarma heaven for only $5.95! With cheery and prompt service , this gem of a place built a yummy treat. Although the onion seemed a bit strong hours later, I can hardly fault them for that! Super fresh.
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Review from Pax L.
Vancouver, BC
8/22/2010
The best Shawarma lunch spot downtown. Take-out service is blazing fast and the staff are friendly.
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Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
9/26/2008
This tiny shop is home to some great Middle Eastern bites, including the irresistable shwarma and falafel as well as other tasty treats. Is it just me or does that shwarma meat on a stick (be it lamb, chicken or beef) smell fantastic? They can whip you up a reasonably priced plate or sandwich in no time, but you may have to find another place to eat it as there are only a handful of tables to be had here.
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Review from Victoria R.
BC
12/17/2008
It's not a maison, but more like a shack of falafels. The aroma in the air is always great and I am so tempted to go in and grab a falafel with that yummy deep friend lentil pattie and tahini, lettuce and onions. The chicken shwarma with tabouleh and a warm pita and the beef and lamb versions are also mouth watering and the price is right. For only $5.95, you get a big handful and it is so filling. If the line-up is crazy, you might have to wait outside, so bundle up. Not a lot of standing room.
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Review from Andrew C.
Vancouver, BC
11/11/2010
The chicken shwarma plate is great all around. Nice rice, good hummus, good tabbouleh, great great chicken. And it's a big enough portion that it makes a terrific value for money since it can easily make two lunches.
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Review from Jeff M.
Vancouver, BC
11/15/2010
they only had chicken when i went there. plates were filling, but seemed less than the other surrounding places. price was comparable. good place to get a platter if you're in the area i guess. would rather pay more and go to babylon for the wrap though.
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Review from Malcolm M.
Vancouver, BC
2/18/2011
When I review restaurants, I always try and keep in mind the price point. I don't expect great food at a low priced restaurant. What I am saying is that the food at Falafel Maison is really, really bad to rate only one star from me.
I've been here twice, both times with the same friend. The first time I had the chicken shawarma plate (a really poor value), my friend had the wrap. My plate was really poor - watery homous without any pita bread, the green mashed up stuff (not sure what it is called) was also watery. My friend enjoyed her wrap though, so I figured I just ordered the wrong item. At this point I would have given the place two stars.
The second time we both ordered the shawarma wraps that my friend liked so much. This time we both thought the food was terrible - the meat was taken from a warmer that wasn't doing it's job, and whatever spices were used had no taste. The meat was also very greasy. My friend only ate a bit of hers.
We also didn't appreciate that the person preparing the food also handled our money, without washing their hands. This place is gross and we won't be returning. -
Review from Sam H.
5/21/2010
I was just shorted in my change at this place and I'm pretty sure it was on purpose. So either don't eat here - or watch out.
