Yalla Kebab&Grill - Halal — Restaurant in Hà Nội

Yalla Kebab & Grill is one of the only places in my life that I experienced, that feeds both the heart and the soul and my experiences here are ones that I'll truly cherish my whole life and hang upon albums in my home of greatest moments I had experienced during my life.

I don’t usually write reviews often, but every now and then, something deserves to be shared.

Yalla isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a heartfelt embrace in the form of food. Forget the moment the dishes arrived, I felt this deep sense of care ike someone put real love into every detail 2 hours before the food was on it's way. And the deliberate patience and attention to detail of our brothers Hussein and Ahmad, along with brother Ibrahim in the pouring rain is remarkable beyond my capabilities for articulation.The flavors were rich, and incredibly deeply comforting and at home, it was as if there were tears of joy and of memories and satisfaction along with this deep sense of gratitude that was bubbling up in my eyes and about to roll down my cheeks. It’s the kind of food that brings people together and makes you feel at home, even in the middle of a foreign busy city or metropolitan far from home, one like Ha Noi. What touched me even more was the hospitality, the warmth, and sincerity, and love that comes from within the heart... the kind that can never ever be forced. There was kindness behind every step, and it reminded me that food, when done with the right heart, becomes something far more than a meal. And that was the exact case for me and my guests. An experience that made me feel like there's hope and no matter how difficult life might seem, there are people like our brother Hussein, and places like these and moreover, these particular experiences that make you feel like life is worth living for and striving to make a difference for. If you happen to find yourself in Hanoi, especially wandering through the vibrant chaos of Hàng Buồm Street in the Old Quarter, do yourself a favor and stop by Yalla Kebab & Grill, it's a choice you WILL NOT REGRET. Not just for the food .. which is genuinely some of the best Mediterranean cuisine I’ve ever had, but for the feeling and experience it leaves you with. One worthy of hanging in your wall of great and cherished memories to pass down through generations, or to write down in your journal, for your grandchildren and perhaps if you do live a life worth living... one that'll go down history books. It all starts with simple choices, one like entering through a very particular narrow open door that says Yalla Kenab & Grill in a sign board right above... Even through my appreciation and jokes aside, this is one of those places I’ll carry throughout the pages of my memories ...and one I hope others will make part of their journey too. Thank you, brother Hussein, Ahmad and Ibrahim. May you continue to bring comfort and joy to everyone who walks through your doors. And May Allah grant you extraordinary blessings for extending your arms...

Honest Review:

FOOD

Food Ordered: Beef Shawarma Fattah, Beef Kofta Fattah

• Beef Shawarma Fattah - Egyptian Rice, Beef pieces, french fries, garlic mayo and spicy garlic mayo

Generally good, not oily. However the beef pieces were cold upon serving.

Price: 165k

• Beef Kofta Fattah - Egyptian Rice, Beef Kofta Rolls, French Fries, Tahini Sauce (?) and some kind of spicy salsa

The Kofta pieces were tasty, but quite dry. There’s also too much parsley/cilantro on the plate. Found a piece of hair on the plate later on as I finished the rice.

Price: 170k

PLACE: • Cozy and the stairs is quite narrow, so you have to mind your steps very carefully if you don’t want to fall. • Located near the beer street - convenient for tourists and others chilling in the area. • Given that its summer, the weather’s quite hot and humid. The room on the second floor doesn’t have good air conditioning system so it was a bit hot inside.

SERVICE: • The staff/server is quite loud and energetic, however, the way he answers questions of the guests is borderline annoying. When I asked about the beef shawarma fattah, he said that it does not come with rice because shawarma is supposed to be wrapped - in a very condescending tone like I dont know the difference between shawarma fattah and shawarma wrap. When the guests on the other table were choosing what they want to order, he kept on discouraging them by saying, “the wait time for that dish is too long” - he said that twice for two different dishes they chose, in again, not a very nice tone. He could have politely informed them about the wait time, and asked if they are okay with that - not like stating the wait time and sounding like he wants them to choose other dishes instead. I hope that the staff will be re-trained for a more customer service oriented/customer friendly attitude.

• The wait time is ridiculous. We arrived at 7:08pm, ordered, and the food arrived at 7:53pm. I know that the restaurant is quite busy (the owner apologized later on as they ran out of food and have to start over from scratch due to a large order that came in before we did). So if you are coming in with an empty stomach, be ready with small snacks while waiting. The customer before us also asked how long more they will wait as they seem to have been waiting for quite a while too before we arrived.

Verdict: Okay food, mediocre service. Its fine to have tried once, but will...

Tucked away in the Old Quarter's maze of vibrant streets, Yalla Restaurant beckons with its alluring aromas, mouthwatering menu, and the warmth of its amazing staff. As a self-proclaimed food enthusiast, I am always on the hunt for culinary gems, and I must say, Yalla surpassed my expectations in every way. The bustling atmosphere and the anticipation of a memorable meal made the wait all the more worthwhile.

The moment I stepped into Yalla, I was greeted with a friendly smile and a cozy ambiance that exuded a sense of familiarity, making me feel right at home. The walls adorned with intricate details and colorful patterns told stories of the rich cultural history of the Old Quarter, while the aroma of exotic spices promised a meal to remember.

Yalla's menu boasted a wide array of dishes, but what caught my eye was their specialty: shawarma. I was enticed by the Chicken Maria, a mouthwatering shawarma variant that promised to take my taste buds on a journey. When it arrived at my table, the presentation was impeccable, with the succulent chicken expertly wrapped in a warm and fluffy pita, and the vibrant colors of the accompanying fresh vegetables and herbs inviting me to take my first bite.

The Chicken Maria, complemented by a selection of amazing house-made sauces, was nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. Each bite was an explosion of flavors, with the tender chicken marinated to perfection and the medley of spices creating a perfect harmony. The sauces added depth to the dish, elevating the experience to a whole new level.

What truly sets Yalla apart, however, is the friendly and attentive staff who ensured that my dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. Their passion for delivering an unforgettable meal was evident in every interaction, and I left the restaurant feeling both satiated and delighted.

In conclusion, Yalla Restaurant is a must-visit destination in the Old Quarter. The delectable Chicken Maria, coupled with the cozy ambiance and exceptional staff, made for a truly memorable experience. Trust me, Yalla is worth the wait, and you'll leave with your heart and stomach...