Yalla — Restaurant in Victoria

DO NOT EAT THEIR FOOD...! As a middl eastern person, at first, I was so excited about that place. I went there several times but then I stopped and I thought I should share FEW things so people know

1st. No health and hygiene protocols applied One of the staff who was making the sandwiches was wiping the sweat with his T-Shirt. Looks like he was upset of something , he dropped food on the mat where he was standing, he held the mat in his bare hands not wearing gloves and shook it in his place (next to the food) and then he threw it to the inside away from him (he threw it towards the room that leads to the kitchen inside the restaurant). the mat rested on the floor and the dust flies all over then he swept the floor and continued wrapping sandwiches. Very disgusting! That happened after i finished eating my meal, but since then i don't go there anymore

2nd. This is not the way to make Falafel wrap. Falafel is already made of "hummus" the Arabic name for chickpeas. One of the things i'll mention is that they don't suppose to spread "hummus" instead they should use tahini sauce, but they don't use tahini because it is MORE expensive than chickpeas Not to talk about the ratio of falafel to other things they fill the wrap with and this applies to other wraps shawarma and so on.. The number one falafel place in Lebanon their wrap include: falafel, some chopped parsley, some mint leaves, pickled turnips, tomato, pickled pepper (optional), tahini sauce

3rd. This is not the way to make Tabuoli. They put "dill" and "cucumber" !!! ugh !!! they should change the name from tabouli to something else Tabouli is not like any salad, its our traditional salad that is made with parsley, tomato, onion (preferably green), mint, cracked wheat (fine bulgar), lemon juice, olive oil, salt. And only then it's called tabouli, any other ingredients you add is completely different kind of salad.

4th.. 5th.. and so on, Other people gave 4 or 5 stars because they don't know. Now you know, go there if you...

I recently had the pleasure of getting take-out from Yalla restaurant in downtown Victoria, and I was thoroughly impressed. The staff were exceptionally nice and super friendly, making the experience even more enjoyable. They greeted me with warm smiles and made sure all my questions were answered. Their hospitality truly stood out.

I was pleasantly surprised to find Koobide Kebab available on a Monday in Victoria. It's not every day you find such authentic Middle Eastern cuisine available at the start of the week. The quality of the meat was outstanding—tender, fresh, and bursting with flavor. You can tell that they use high-quality ingredients and take great care in their preparation.

I tried both the pita bread and white rice options. The pita bread was soft and fluffy, perfectly complementing the rich, savory kebab. The white rice was cooked to perfection, with a light and fluffy texture that paired wonderfully with the meat. Both options were well-designed and delicious, showcasing the restaurant's attention to detail and culinary expertise.

The Koobide Kebab itself tasted awesome. It was seasoned perfectly, with just the right balance of spices that didn't overpower the natural flavor of the meat. Each bite was a delight, and it was clear that the chefs at Yalla put a lot of care into their dishes.

Additionally, they prepared my order so quickly. Despite the restaurant being busy, I didn't have to wait long at all, which was a pleasant surprise. Their efficiency is commendable, especially given the high quality of the food they produce.

Overall, I highly recommend Yalla restaurant. Whether you're looking for a quick take-out meal or planning a sit-down dinner, this place is a fantastic choice. The combination of excellent food, friendly staff, and quick service makes it a standout in downtown Victoria. Thank you, Yalla,...

I recently dined at Yalla, a restaurant in Victoria that had received glowing praise from Yam Magazine as the Best Restaurant of 2023. Unfortunately, my experience didn’t quite live up to the high expectations set by such accolades.

Food Quality:

• Lamb Shank: The lamb shank, while visually appealing, didn’t pair well with the rice it was served with. The flavors felt mismatched, and the dish didn’t have the harmony I was hoping for. The rice, while flavorful, didn’t complement the richness of the lamb, making the overall experience somewhat disappointing. • Chicken Kebab: The chicken kebab tasted good but the portion size was underwhelming for the price. I expected more quantity, considering the cost and the restaurant’s reputation. • Beef Kebab: On a positive note, the beef kebab was well-cooked and flavorful. It was the standout item on the plate, offering a good balance of spices and tenderness.

Overall Experience: While Yalla has received high praise, my experience left me feeling that the hype didn’t match the reality. The dishes had their moments, but the mismatched flavors, portion sizes, and overall balance of the meal didn’t live up to expectations. It’s possible that I visited on an off day, but based on this experience, I would hesitate to return, especially considering the glowing reviews from other sources. There’s potential here, but the execution fell...