Shawarma Snack Center — Restaurant in Manila

it was actually a detour, i don't have any plans on going there whatsoever, but since i had the opportunity, why not drop by the place and buy some authentic shawarma, right? i saw a video about it on facebook and they said that the shawarma there's really nice and since i love shawarma, it is a must-go! lol

i was excited until i went to the place, no it's not bad, it's just that i didn't expect it to be a whole a$$ restaurant and i thought it's just an order to-go place lol i got nervous then, but the staffs are so nice and accommodating, even telling me that there's more seat upstairs. i went upstairs and it's just more awkward than when i was downstairs, so i went back and asked if i can be seated outside since im only ordering just one shawarma and be done with it. the kind gentleman told me that it's better inside and actually offered the seat in the corner, perfect for my awkward introverted as$ lol (please don't judge me i went there alone ahaha)

i ordered their shawarma meal that consists of the shawarma itself and some fries with a coke drink. if you want water, it's a different purchase.

the shawarma itself is really waaaay different from what we've used to eat at turk's. although it's not as salty(it's kinda bland for my tongue) but it's not bad either. it has its own distinct taste. the sauces are unlimited as well so you can put as much of it as you want! i loved it! (white sauce and chili sauce) i just don't know what's the red spice in the onions but i think that's what gave it a unique taste compared to the usual shawarma out there. it's not spicy so it's definitely not just chili powder, i like it tho~

they actually got my order wrong (gave me chicken instead of beef) but they hurriedly replaced it with the one i actually want! even though i've already bitten on it. kudos 👌🏻👍

will i come back? absolutely! and with friends as well 💕 i will definitely come back because i think i didnt enjoy my stay there to...

I used to come here between 2007-2009. I remember it to be delicious. Surrounded by some natives and pinoys puffing some shisha.

And so it was nice to be back mid month of January 2023.

We ordered Shawarma, Beef Shawarma Biryani, Yogurt and Hummus.

Ambiance: They remodel the place. It looks clean & a touch of authenticity of Mediterranean touch esp from the outside of the restk. You'll see some Indians, Arabs & other middle eastern eating in the place. Take out counter is outside but they have to queue to pay inside. Quite impractical.

Service: I won't say it's bad but I won't say it's excellent. Since we arrive at a time wherein a lot of customers are inside & outside the resto.

Waiters deliver & take orders only. You won't feel any warmth. Just plain job. I am not sure if they don't have enough manpower during that time or they were trained to not care much.

Some of them at least those whom I had encounter with aren't familiar with the menu & the displayed items.

Food:

Hummus: Highly recommended! Super delicious. I love it! Affordable too as the hummus comes with two pita breads.

You can request for olive oil which was pretty dope.

I like their pita bread.

Beef Shawarma: Beef was tasty. Fresh ingredients. Garlic sauce wasn't garlicky. I missed the oil Garlic sauce they used to have.

Beef Shawarma Biryani Rice: Love the biryani rice. You'll taste the herbs. The spicy sauce & the garlic sauce were lacking of taste. Really. Quite disappointing. They are supposed to up the taste of the food. But no. Not at all. It turns out the old taste are too old to stay. 😣

I tried the ones in BF Homes, oh my terrible taste. And that's what's prompted me to actually go to the main branch to compare the quality. Apparently, their system failed. The beef there tasted that it was just reheated it didnt taste anything like the main branch.

Yogurt: Highly commendable. Soooo love it!

Price point: Affordable. Can't complain about...

If you're on the lookout for a place that serves authentic flavors from the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia, this restaurant is a delightful find. The food truly stands out for its rich taste and traditional preparation, making it a great choice for anyone craving a diverse and flavorful culinary experience. The ambience of the restaurant is inviting and comfortable. With tasteful décor and a warm atmosphere, it's perfect for both casual outings and special occasions. The setting adds a nice touch to the overall dining experience, making you feel relaxed and welcomed. One of the highlights of the menu is their Milk Tea, which is perfectly brewed and comforting. The Lassi is rich, creamy, and refreshing — a perfect complement to spicy dishes. For dessert lovers, the Kunafa is a must-try; it’s beautifully made with just the right balance of sweetness and texture. Their shawarma dishes are also worth mentioning, packed with flavor and served with fresh accompaniments. While the food and ambience are impressive, the service could use some improvement. During busy hours, it can take a while to get the attention of the staff, and orders may be delayed. A more attentive and efficient service would certainly enhance the overall experience. In summary, this restaurant offers a fantastic variety of authentic dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings for Middle Eastern, Indian, or Southeast Asian cuisine. With a little upgrade in service, it has the potential to be an even more exceptional dining destination. Worth a visit for...