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Ben Laila Donair serves Mediterranean cuisine, Sandwiches and Platters for both meat lovers and vegetarians using house made Falafel and Chicken, Lamb, and Beef Shawarma/Donairs.
Moving from Vancouver--with all its great Lebanese places--to the Port Moody area was a bit frustrating. There are many donair spots in this area, but they can be hit or miss. Ben Laila turned out to be the real deal, and is a great place for many reasons.
Their food, in particular the falafel, is great. Unlike basically every other donair place I've been outside of Montreal, Ben Laila cook their falafel fresh. Freshly fried falafel such a simple concept that I wonder why other places don't do this. Dry, dark falafel can't be found here; Ben Laila serves it up crispy on the outside and super moist on the inside--just like homemade. I'm not vegetarian, but I'll definitely be ordering the falafel donair from time to time.
The "Jerusalem" size is indeed served on a tortilla, but that doesn't hurt the taste at all. I don't think they make pita bread that big, so this was something that I got over pretty quickly. Their donair toppings are among the tastiest I have had, and there is a range of toppings to choose from. The lamb was a little greasy, but tender and flavourful.
Their prices are commendable, as well. Two adults ate (with a shared piece of baklava for dessert) for around $15, before tip. Very friendly service, as well.
Ben Laila is a small and friendly family-run donair place in a small strip mall of 3-4 stores in PoMo at the top of Snake Hill, with a very clean + well-mainted but non-descript casual decor. There are a few tables inside and out, an eating bar, and good TV viewing. That being said, I think this place is a good place for a casual bite to eat, and based on the interactions with the owners and their customers tonight, they are developing a solid following with neighbourhood regulars. Food was good, and my favorite parts were the salads provided with the platters - carrot, cabbage, tabouli - fresh, crunchy and distinctly flavorful - I could have had a large plate of just that, with some hummus and pita. Three of us had different items - the beef Israeli wrap, a beef donair and the lamb platter. The meats are all on a spit, and are the minced pressed version. My favorite donair place is in VAN at Mitra's Canteen on Main Street and they have real chicken thighs on the large skewers - just can't beat that. Back to Ben Laila's - the platter was good and medium quantity - rice, meat, salads, hummus and sauces. Donair was ordered large and on pita, and the Jerusalem wrap was on a bread that looked like a large tortilla, but may have been some sort of an Israeli flatbread - not sure. That was ordered as a large and it was filling. There was some baklava for dessert and an array of pops and juices. So what would I like to see? Service to be a bit faster (qualifier: that will likely come as they get going with business - seen that in other small places), more of those salads on the platters as they were that good and that's about it. The staff were very friendly and helpful with showing you the foods they serve. Good basic eats.
Hi, This is my first time trying out a donair. I was a little sceptical at first, but when I tried the food, I was totally amazed. I had the Chicken Platter. It was so delicious and very satisfying. The quality of the food and the taste was great and very flavourful, and the people there are so nice and friendly. I’ll be back soon.
I am a huge fan of donairs. I have tried almost every donair place in Vancouver and the tri cities. I wasn't quite satisfied with any of them. I always felt there was something missing in the doair, until I tried Ben Laila's Donairs, and I was hooked from the first wrap. The beef, Chicken and Lamb, I tried them all and they all tasted fantastic. They were truly authentic and delicious. The falafal on the other hand was amazing. Ben Laila makes REAL Falafal, unlike others, they used ready mixes, He actually makes his own mix and gives you tasty Falafal. If you like Falafal, don't waste your time looking alsewhere, Ben Laila Donair in the best.
Steve
I am originally from Montreal & grew up on this type of food. One of the things I've found in BC is that there are very few good quality restaurants where most people can afford to go. A lot of the restaurants here their food is garbage. But the very first time I ate at this restaurant I was amazed. It was like being back home in Montreal. The food is amazing, & the service is so friendly & personal. The atmosphere of the place is almost like going over to a friends house for dinner. The owners are always ready to greet you with a smile & I just love going there. If you have never tried Mediterranean style food you have to try this restaurant. There are many Donair restaurants but few have the combination of quality food, amazing service & good prices that Ben Laila Donair
does. Do yourself & your family a favor, try their food, & guarantee you will never want to go anywhere else. They have brought a peace of home to BC. You guys Rock.
arg i just wrote SO much on this little place but lost it :(
support these folks, there is potential to be a gem here!
great food but they could maybe add something sweet to the additions to complete the pallate experience.
clean environment with wireless and a nice hi def TV
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| 2. | Seok Gi Si Dae (1.2 km) | |
| 3. | KFC (1.2 km) | |
| 4. | Subway (1.2 km) | |
| 5. | Manrisung Restaurant (1.2 km) |  |
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