I have been a loyal customer of Falafel Maison's Robson Street restaurant for a number of years. I've eaten shawarma all over town, and theirs is by far the tastiest and most consistent. I live on the East Side of Vancouver but when I'm downtown I always make a special trip to this great family-run eatery.

I just had a meal at their new their new location on Kingsway just west of Clark Drive, which is close to my home (yay) and it deserves serious praise. I had my favourite, the chicken shawarma plate, which comes with rice, topped with a generous portion of sliced chicken shawarma, with a side of tabouleh, hummous and a basket of pita. For those of you who have been disappointed by dry, flavourless shawarma around town, you're in for a (good) shock to your taste buds. The owners at Falafel Maison use only halal meats, and their marinade for the chicken is a heaven-sent blend of spices and (I think) yogurt. Succulent, well-seasoned, tangy pieces of chicken with just the right amount of roasted flavour. It's mouth watering good. Cross town for it kinda' good.

For under $20 two can eat *very* well. They're not licensed, but that's small matter. The place on Kingsway is much warmer and larger than their Robson location, and the service is always fast, courteous and they're always interested if you've had a good meal. My only quibble is that the pita they use is sometimes bit dry. Again, small quibble.

Oh yeah, ask if they have namoura. It's a house specialty sweet but it's not available every day. It's hard to describe - kind of a baked semolina square scented with rose water and soaked with honey syrup, topped with an almond. It's highly addictive.

They also have, of course, falafel and other Lebanese dishes, but go for the shawarma. You won't be disappointed.