I ordered through the DoorDash app around 5:45 PM on Thursday afternoon. The order was ready early, and pickup was quick and easy. I chose the “Build Your Own Plate" and customized it with chicken shawarma, purple cabbage, sumac onions, pickles, and the chopped salad (tomato/cucumber mix), along with the rice-and-couscous combo and a scoop of hummus.
Because it was a BOGO special, my husband was able to try one as well. I selected the 3 sauces: nafziki, spicy s’khug, and garlic, and added another harissa on the side since he prefers more heat.
The portion size was a bit smaller than what I’m used to, but it worked fine for a single serving or a light meal with leftovers.
There wasn’t anything wrong with the food, per se, but it also wasn’t great. Nothing stood out in terms of taste or freshness. I prefer bolder, richer flavors with more depth, and unfortunately nothing in my dish offered that. The colors were somewhat vibrant, and the vegetables were mostly fresh, but lacked any noticeable flavor, spice profile, or the crispness I enjoy. Even without the preferred brighter notes of lemon or mint, the expected cumin, coriander, garlic, or other herbs and seasonings were clearly missing.
The chicken wasn’t particularly juicy and didn’t carry a clear flavor profile. I knew it was shawarma, but even those spices were muted. It didn’t have the depth of grilled or charred chicken, or the tenderness or richness of marinated or stewed chicken. Overall, it tasted rather bland and not flavor-forward.
The sauces were honestly the star of the show. They added much-needed flavor and moisture, and the garlic sauce in particular elevated the dish so that it was somewhat satisfying. But because the sauces are add-ons, the plate itself lacked depth without them.
The ordering process was smooth and efficient, but based on this experience, I’m not sure I would return. I may try it again if there’s another special, just to see if the quality and flavor is better and more consistent.
