Home              
 

Alhana Foods (Mediterranean cuisine)  $

 8.5
JaT Rating

25 37th Avenue, San Mateo, 94403  (Directions)


650.349.3300


Website  Menu  vCard

            
      
Vibrant market with sandwiches, kabob plates, salads, rotisserie chicken


Reviewer: Jason
Total Reviews: 1040
Reviewed: 6/16/2006
Rating: 8.5
My photo gallery 		I originally came over to 37th Street for Lil Biscuit House, it was a wish list item and oh my gawd it was packed! It was out of control and decided to walk down the street for something else. I see this giant sign for Falafels and Shawerma and immediately sold on the idea. Alhana Foods is a Mediterranean grocery and full service deli. They have exotic spices, cooking supples, cheeses, meats, and just about anything you need to make a feast.

There's a great selection of Mediterranean foods on the menu and prices are very reasonable. Although tempted with kabobs and rotisserie chicken, I had to try their falafels. I ordered the falafel plate at $6.50 and took a seat outside. You'll notice the pictures are red, you can blame the Stella Artois umbrella.

The falafel plate (picture #9) comes with

arabic salad - cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, parsley, lemon?, and olive oil. A simple side dish but delicious. (picture #6)

hummus - nice presentation with a couple of chickpeas sitting on a mound of smooth hummus. fresh and tasty, a wonderful combo. (picture #7)

pita bread - just ok, I wish they could have grilled or warmed it up. You can buy these in the market. (picture #5)

tahini - good stuff, I must have poured this all over my plate.

falafels - dark brown on the outside, extra crunchy on the inside, served warm, probably cooked earlier and reheated. I normally like them right out of the fryer but this was the exception. These were some of the crunchiess ones I've ever had. I hate to say it, but these completely blow away the ones I get at Mediterranean Kebab in Burlingame.

I'll have to order falafels a couple of more times to compare them to Falafel Drive-In and Sunrise Deli. You can't go wrong ordering this plate. I must have looked like an animal eating this plate. I ate it fast and I think speed-eaters Terry or Eddie would be proud. Alhana Foods is a great place to eat and barely falls short of a 9 because of the pita bread. I have no doubts if I try more items on the menu, the score will go higher. Open 9-9 everyday.
 
  RETURN VISIT for Jason! 6/19/2006 - 8.5 Rating: It's not often I make repeat visits so fast after a review but I couldn't resist. I ordered a falafel deluxe sandwich. While they were prepping my food, I walked around the market and browsed the aisles of ethnic foods you would never find at your typical grocery store. I admire the selection here and the cheese selection is impressive.

I'll make this short and sweet, falafel deluxe is MONSTER. It was larger than burritos you'd find at a taqueria. It was really good but I think it was a mistake on my part to take it home. It didn't last the 10 minute drive as the juices soaked through the pita bread.

With so many items to choose from, it's hard to walk out of Alhana Foods empty handed. I picked up a falafel deluxe sandwich, pita bread, a small container of hummus and arabic salad. Much love for Alhana.
 
Disclaimer
User submitted quickies (help)

Login to write a quickie.