Al Basha @ Cornwall Ave

Last weekend, it was threatening to snow, so we decided to have a quick meal somewhere close by. Al Basha had just opened a new location on Cornwall Ave (at Cypress), so we wanted to give it a try after getting a coupon in the mail. They also have another location on Broadway.

I forgot to take a picture of the exterior, but it was bright and easy to spot despite being a small diner. We were greeted by the owner (?), who took our orders and got right to making our wraps.

The coupon we had let use choose two wraps for $10. I got a chicken shawarma wrap and J.S. chose a beef donair.

Here's a picture of the menu. The simple menu makes it easy to decide on what to have, whether you are a meat lover or a vegetarian! I'd love to try the falafel next time!

We had the choice of various vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes and onions. He also spread a generous layer of hummus before piling on the vegetables on the open pita. He was attentive and put more onions on J.S.'s wrap when he learned that he liked onions (and less on mine when I told him not as much onions on mine).

You can also choose to have hot sauce on your wrap. We decided to skip the hot sauce this time... Looking good already!

The owner kindly posed for a picture with the shawarma machine while his staff served up the wraps. He had shaved the chicken off the machine and put it on the grill for a couple minutes before putting it on the pita. He also grilled the beef strips before putting them on the wrap.

I love the bright red and white checkered paper used to wrap the pitas! Makes me feel like I'm about to have a picnic, mini individual basket and all!

Here's an overview of the little diner. It's nice and cosy with a handful of tables, but it's also bright with white fluorescent lighting (my favourite kind of light, if anyone cares to know). I like bright places where I can actually see what I am eating!

Let's get chomping on the food! One bite in and I see the chicken! The vegetables were fresh and crisp, a nice contrast to the warm and toasty chicken.

Here's an inside look at our wraps! (Obviously mine looks better! Hehehe! But J.S. liked his beef donair just fine.)

Let's take a closer look. Juicy charred chicken with some tasty black bits, can't really tell what they were but it was yummy!), and tomatoes and lettuce! What you can't see is the generous amount of creamy hummus spread over the bottom layer of the pita. That hummus was literally the best I've ever had! I need to ask the owner how he makes the hummus so good!

The chicken was nicely grilled and moist, with a slight sweetness to it. Definitely the kind of chicken I like! I think it would still taste good if it was served at room temperature.

If I need to grab a quick and easy meal, I'll definitely come back to Al Basha for their wraps! I'd also like to try one of their platters, which come with an assortment of dishes served with rice. Their prices are reasonable and competitive, and the friendly staff will make your visit even more enjoyable! Give it a try someday!

Al Basha is located at 1937 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver, B.C., V6J1C8.

There's also a location at 3143 Broadway W, Vancouver, B.C., V6K 2H2.

♥ Nikki