Update: I went back last week and tried the rice bowls. Huge disappointment. Very dry and nothing in the bowl except fir rice and (little) meat. I suggest they take a lesson from Halal guys in this area and up the quality and quantity. For now, I will stick with a falafel or chicken shawarma wrap. I went here for lunch today and tried the Chicken Shawarma ($4.99) and seasoned fries ($1.99). The wrap overall was great - it was a good size filled with chicken, pickles, garlic sauce and the whole wrap was then pressed/grilled. It tasted fresh and was perfect for my appetite as I find the local lunch buffet's or other ethnic cuisine offerings in the area to be a bit much in terms of quantity of food and price. I especially love the price point here for a wrap at $4.99! I would have enjoyed it even more if there was hot sauce, but they charge an extra 0.75 per container for that. I find it odd that they would charge extra for hot sauce?
The fries were a disappointment. The seasoning was good but it was a pretty small serving and the fries were not hot. In fact, they were barely warm. The flavor was comparable to what you would get at Five Guys for cajun fries but they are not nearly as liberal as Five Guys with the quantity.
I also tried their falafel ($4.99) wrap over the weekend and that too was on point. It had tahini sauce, tomatoes, pickles and maybe hummus? The falafel was made fresh and was crisp and hot. The picture on their website for the falafel looks nothing like the wrap itself.
All in all, this authentic and fast casual Mediterranean concept is a welcomed spot to the neighborhood and I'm looking forward to trying more items on their menu. I hope they keep the prices reasonable as this is was sets them apart from the likes of...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreShawarma Press in Irving offers a culinary journey that, while filled with potential, unfortunately falls short in several key areas, resulting in a three-star review. The ambiance combines casual dining with a touch of Middle Eastern flair, inviting customers into what promises to be a flavorful exploration. The staff are welcoming and ready to assist, setting a positive tone from the beginning.
The menu, which presents an array of traditional Middle Eastern dishes with a contemporary twist, initially excites. However, the execution of these dishes is inconsistent. The chicken shawarma, a cornerstone of Middle Eastern cuisine, though well-seasoned, was slightly overcooked, leading to a texture drier than desirable. This detracted from the overall enjoyment of what should be a succulent and flavorful dish.
On a brighter note, the falafel stood out, delivering the crisp exterior and moist, flavorful interior that aficionados appreciate. The selection of side dishes, including hummus and tabbouleh, were fresh and well-prepared, contributing positively to the dining experience.
Portions are generous, offering value for money, and the restaurant upholds a clean and hygienic environment. Despite these positives, the inconsistencies in the quality of the main offerings prevent Shawarma Press from achieving its full potential. With improvements in cooking techniques and perhaps a more rigorous quality control of ingredients, there's room for this establishment to refine its offerings and become a go-to spot for Middle Eastern...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreI got the chicken shawerma. It tasted just like back home! The unique style of flat bread they use is very hard to find in most places. They don't use a lot of sauce and veggies, but that's actually how the shawerma was originally made, so props to them for keeping it authentic! In America, we've become accustomed to drenching our sandwiches with toppings and sauces that we lose the taste of the base. I was really able to taste and enjoy the meat and bread here. They do also have a few American and Texan items on the menu, if that's your cup of tea. I also ordered the shanina drink and spinach pastry. I highly recommend the spinach or other pastries, they're great as an alternative to the traditional fries that we can get in any ordinary restaurant. Plus it's healthier. The shanina drink is definitely not for everyone, as it has a very distinct taste. With that being said, it was fantastic! They use the perfect amount of salt, lemon, and mint to make a delicious yogurt drink that is the perfect sidekick to any Mediterranean dish! All in all, I'll be back for more and I suggest anyone else to give it a shot if you're in the area. You...
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