Ayam Zaman — Restaurant in Coquitlam

My husband and I were so excited to try this place, for its beautiful decor and hype before opening. Seeing that we have a background in working with middle eastern cuisine, our expectations were pretty standard. However, to our unfortunate surprise, it was one of our worst experiences in dining. We enjoy dining out and visit many restaurants in Vancouver and Ayam Zaman has exceeded our disappointment when it comes to service. Coming from a very strong customer service background and being proud of more Arabic restaurants opening in the Greater Vancouver, being told to wait for the “manager” to allow us to sit as we enter was absurd. This demonstrated off the bat that the staff did not care about customer service. Although their entrance was very welcoming, the staff was not. Nobody smiled at us. Once we sat down after the manager “allowed us”. We waited about 20 minutes until he noticed nobody has taken our order. Keep in mind only two people are taking orders in a restaurant FILLED with tables… Once we ordered we were pleasantly confused that over 30 minutes have past without ANY appetizers served yet. We ordered hummus, baba ghanouj and batata harra. All plates that can be made within minutes. We patiently asked one of the servers that immediately shut us down and stated “the kitchen knows exactly when to put down your appetizers” and when we asked “when is that?” She said “10 minutes before you food is ready” we were a bit confused cause if we’ve been waiting over 30 minutes for appez…god knows when we’ll get the mains. She walked away without apologizing. After 45 minutes the appetizers were served with bread (not including the batata harra). After another 15 ish food was on the table, we were content and ate as we were extremely hungry! All the plates were filled with fries as they do not allow the substitution of fries to rice…although they are both cheap carbs. So we had 4 mains drowning in fries. ALSO we ordered rice on the side but it never showed. Tahini was bland, nothing in it. Straight from the container. The toum (garlic sauce) felt like whipped butter and cream cheese (no garlic flavour). Lastly when the owner asked how things were we jokingly mentioned how they starved us but the food was pretty good. He did not acknowledge our concern, stated that they are very busy and they have a huge party of 25 people to serve. Side note: while waiting for the food 80% of the tables were either waiting to take their order or for the food to come. We saw people walking away from their tables. When we wanted to pay and get to go boxes we also waited an immense amount of time before someone came with the machine. All I want to say is for such a beautiful ambience and it clearly shows the owner worked hard for this place. They did not put ANY effort in customer service. Don’t open your restaurant if you don’t have enough TRAINED staff. If you can’t serve your tables because you have a “huge” party then close the restaurant and only serve that party… In addition, the prices listed do not match the quality of the food OR service. Which is very disappointing when compared to other middle eastern restaurant with better quality food and lower prices. We saw our friends there that literally told us they waited over an hour! That’s not normal. Keep in mind we went 2-3 weeks after their opening. Finally, after all of this we were asked to put a good review although our concerns did not feel heard. I put 2 stars because the restaurant is really worth seeing visually. Unfortunately we really hoped to like it and we wish you good luck...

Nostalgically delicious! A Must-try for all! Recommended: Za'atar Manakeesh, Ayam Zaman Mix Shawarma, Makdous

Brand new Syrian restaurant that just opened up in this area. As such, please be respectful and patient as they do their best to serve everyone interested in this new, delicious, and beautiful location that I hope will remain for a long time as we need more places like this. To give context, when we arrived we were told we would have an hour wait and the people after us a three hour wait before being seated. We got in in half-an-hour and we are patient people, if you are not then maybe reconsider until more staff is hired and things have settled down.

First of all, it was very nice to see the effort in the decor that was put in for this restaurant as it really helped set the mood for the night. Very lovely and will only get better with time I presume.

Now to the main event, the food!

We had quite a big order as we love to try many things and the following is what is featured in my pictures:

Arabic Coffee: Comes in lovely cups. Pretty strong flavour but delicious nonetheless. I believe it must be a blend of a few different varieties.

Hummus and Makdous: What makes these great and this restaurant commendable is that you can immediately tell that they are using high-quality olive oil in their dishes as the true fruity-flavour comes out in each bite. Great appetizer options to get you started and it comes with freshly baked pita/naan. Would highly recommend the Makdous to all eggplant-lovers and fans of pickled dishes.

Foul (fool): This is a fava bean dish drenched in olive oil which tasted lovely, you can add it to your shawarma or eat it on its own.

Chicken Shawarma Sandwhich: Very delicious and a great all-around option.

Ayam Zaman Mix Shawarma: Tons of chicken and beef which comes along with a garlic sauce, dip, and pickled vegetables. Fully worth the price of $20. Would recommend.

Za'atar Manakeesh: My favourite dish. Everyone needs to order this! Incredibly delicious and satisfying, expertly made and seasoned. Can also be used to eat with dipped dishes or just enjoyed on its own.

Cookie Ice Cream Sundae: Made with simple store-bought chocolate and vanilla ice cream, oreos, strawberries and some chocolate wafer straws but very delicious and satisfying nonetheless! A sweet treat for all to enjoy, great...

Ayam Zaman Restaurant has left an indelible mark on my taste buds, offering an enchanting fusion of delectable Arabic cuisine, impeccable service, and an inviting ambiance. From start to finish, the dining experience at Ayam Zaman was nothing short of exceptional.

The heart of any great restaurant is its food, and Ayam Zaman's Arabic cuisine is nothing less than extraordinary. The menu is a treasure trove of authentic flavors, showcasing the richness and diversity of Middle Eastern culinary traditions. Each dish was a symphony of spices and textures, from the velvety hummus to the perfectly grilled kebabs. The attention to detail in preserving the essence of Arabic cuisine was evident in every bite, making for a truly memorable dining experience.

What sets Ayam Zaman apart, however, is not just its remarkable food but also the service that accompanies it. The staff's warmth and attentiveness added a personal touch to our evening, making us feel genuinely welcomed. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to cater to individual preferences enhanced our dining experience, creating an atmosphere that felt both luxurious and hospitable.

The restaurant's interior is a visual delight, seamlessly blending traditional and modern elements. The tasteful decor, warm color palette, and subtle Arabic accents create an ambiance that is both sophisticated and inviting. It's a space where one can enjoy a cozy dinner with loved ones or celebrate special occasions in style. Furthermore, the commitment to cleanliness was evident throughout, ensuring a hygienic and comfortable environment for diners.

In conclusion, Ayam Zaman Restaurant is a shining gem in the realm of Arabic culinary experiences. The combination of superb food, exemplary service, and a captivating ambiance makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and delightful dining experience. Whether you're a connoisseur of Arabic cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore new flavors, Ayam Zaman is a culinary haven that effortlessly exceeds expectations. A visit to this restaurant is not just a meal; it's a delightful journey into the heart of...