Shawarma Express — Restaurant in Albuquerque

We used to go to Yasmine's on Central regularly about 10 years ago. It was wonderful. When we learned that there was a Yasmine's Express in the mall, we were excited, because we had always enjoyed the original Yasmine's. Today at the mall, the people were nice, and the samples they were passing out (chicken schwarma wrap) were borderline fantastic. We probably should have just ordered that, but at that point, it seemed that anything on the menu would probably be good. It took a while for the food to arrive, but good things come to those who are patient.

Or so I thought. The food was amazingly bad. I mean, this is going to be hard to comprehend just reading. You're going to think I'm just being mean or exaggerating because of some kind of vendetta or something, but it's not like that. The pita bread was sort of okay. The rice at least registered in my brain as food being in my mouth, if not tasty food. But the main course, hummus with beef, absolutely did not seem like food. I mean, again, this is hard to describe because it doesn't happen in countries where there are health inspectors, but neither the hummus nor the beef seemed like food at all. It felt like I had just put a spoonful of oily dirt in my mouth. My wife felt the same way. We only ate perhaps two bites: one to taste it and one more to prove that it really was that bad. Even with just the two bites, we felt mildly ill and felt the need to eat something, anything, that was real food. We rushed to McDonalds and it was as though we were tasting fancy food compared to Yasmine's Express. I'm sorry but that's the way it felt to us.

We did also try the Greek baklava. It tasted like food, but not like a treat as it should. I felt that, if I'm going to eat a dessert which is not necessarily the most diet friendly choice, it should be something I truly enjoy. So, sadly, even the dessert was a bust. On the bright side, the cokes were excellent. We kept those and omitted the drink from our McDonald's order.

I feel bad writing this, especially since it seems like most people have great experiences with this place. But I just felt I owe it to the community, and even to the restaurant if they are conscientious. Maybe whatever happened to us was rare, or the owners can make sure it remains rare. Yasmine's on Central was fabulous. The samples today were amazing. I'm not sure what happened but please fix it,...

I rarely leave negative reviews but this establishment deserves one. Had I read the recent reviews rather than simply looking at the overall rating I would have known not to eat here so that's on me.

Being from out of town I didn't realize this was a fast food counter in a mall food court so it was a little challenging to find. Once I arrived at the counter I found three employees standing in the back of the shop chatting and facing away from the counter. I had to yell three times to get anyone's attention. Once I did they couldn't figure out which order was mine although they only had one online to-go order waiting to be picked up.

I could have gotten over the location and the poor customer service if the food had been any good. I ordered the lamb shawarma plate. The lamb was diced into tiny pieces and was overcooked, chewy and greasy. Neither the lamb nor the rice had any flavor except grease. The salad was drowning in Greek dressing.

I've learned my lesson and will look a little more closely when placing my dinner orders in the future. 100% do...

If you’re looking for something different or healthier, look no further—this is the place to eat! I have tried just about everything on their menu, and I have never been disappointed. I’ve been visiting for years and am thrilled that the owner has opened another café in the food court! I highly recommend exploring your palate and trying everything at some point. Personally, I love the vegetarian platter combo #1, lamb shawarma, and Arab sodas. The owner is extremely friendly and allows clients to call ahead to avoid the wait time. I am a hairstylist inside JCP Salon and I recommend that all my colleagues, clients, and family give Shawarma Express a try. Everyone has been truly impressed by the quality, quantity, and, not to mention, the friendly customer service....