A1 Coffee & Donair — Restaurant in Surrey

I was a loyal, daily customer at A1 Coffee & Donair for years. I supported this business consistently because the food was great and the service used to be honest. Sadly, that all changed about a year ago, and I’ve completely stopped going — and I feel a responsibility to warn others.

Here’s what happened: A new cashier started working there, and suddenly, the payment experience completely changed. Instead of being handed the machine to select my own tip (as had always been the case with the owner), this employee would pre-enter a tip amount — often anywhere from 25% to 75% — without saying a word or giving me the option to choose. It was subtle, but intentional.

This happened repeatedly. It’s not a mistake — it’s a scam, plain and simple.

I’ve since looked into it and taken further steps, including speaking with the proper authorities, because this kind of behavior is unethical and likely illegal. No one should be tricked into tipping excessively without consent.

To be clear: this review isn’t about a misunderstanding. It’s about a deliberate, ongoing practice that takes advantage of customers. If you do choose to go here, I highly recommend double-checking your receipt and ensuring you input any tip yourself. Better yet — support a business that respects your trust.

I truly hope the owners take this seriously and clean up their front-end operations. Until then, I cannot recommend this...

It’s now been over 1.5 years of being a regular customer and I couldn’t be more grateful for being taken in for a quick bite. Honestly this place is the go to for donairs, platters and the fries- absolutely delicious! The quantity you get for the price you pay is exceptional! And unlike other places you don’t even need to ask for extra toppings or sauce, they automatically add beyond enough! In fact, when you ask for reduced portions, they make your visit worth it and still add a good amount (it’s as if you didn’t ask for less).

I must say, Hendreen (aka Henry) and Draie (may have spelt his name incorrectly) provide exceptional customer service, and there’s never a visit that goes without them acknowledging me; they know how to respect and communicate with their customers for sure! Also, it has always been visible that both are hardworking - no matter how busy they are, the line is always quickly moving and it’s go, go, go!

Sam, the owner is also wonderful, I’ve interacted with him a few times - once regarding the heating system for those who dine in, and by the next visit it was fixed (fyi: I’m there Atleast 1-2 times a week, so I’d say he was quick on that). Sam was extremely attentive and understanding.

I definitely recommend A1 Coffee & Donair for their special fries, as well as their, fresh chicken and beef donairs and kabobs. I can’t highlight how scrumptious it...

Another local gem in Surrey offering great tasty Donair!

The food here was excellent and quite filling! I ordered the following:

Special Fries and Chicken (basically a donair poutine) Chicken Donair

My favorite was definitely the special fries and chicken. The fries were cooked when I ordered and was piping hot which I liked. The garlic sauce was amazing mixed with some hot sauce for a bit of kick! I love that they really soak the fries with garlic sauce unlike other places that also serve Donair poutine.

The chicken Donair was also very tasty with fresh veggies. The only thing I can think of that could be improved on would be the pita wrap. I found the wrap itself a bit dry, perhaps I just received an older wrap or one that had been sitting out slightly longer...but other than that everything was good!

Both dishes had a good amount of chicken!

The interior of the restaurant has that classic relaxed 40s cafe vibe. There was a decent amount of seating as well.

Overall, the food here was great with decent portion size. I'll definitely be back here to try out their...