Roger L.
Yelp
Wandering around Boston Commons looking for something other than a brewpub or a burger place?
The key to Shawarma Falafel is the word "HomeMade".
The owner Serge, prides himself on make everything by hand including the Hummus, Babba Ganoosh, Pickles, Grape Leaves, Baklava, and other baked goods. He even makes his own Lebanese Cheeses, which he says are only made in 3 countries including Cyprus, Syria, and of course Lebanon. I suppose making the cheeses in Boston now make 4 countries.
Shawarma Falafel is a couple of blocks off of the Boston Common but worth the extra walk. The place is spacious and clean and with just a few photos on the walls for decorations.
My dining companion ordered the Lemon Lentil Soup and the special Lebanese cheese wrap. The soup was light and slightly tangy from the lemon juices, while the Lentils were soft but not overcooked. My companion appreciated the fact that the soup was not overly salted as can often be the case, leaving you thirsty after a meal. The Lebanese Chees wrap consisted of a block of homemade cheese sliced into long rectangular pieces about the sizes/shape of French fries. It is a firm cheese somewhat like a cross between feta and mozzarella. The cheese was than fried up on the griddle and served in a wrap with a sauce and some veggies. The cheese maintains its structure and doesn't melt, but rather coats when heated similar to tofu. Very tasty, very cheesy.
Tip - Check the blackboard for seasonal specials and when there are fresh batches of baked goods or homemade cheeses.
I ordered the Lamb Kabobs that were perfectly seasoned, tender and juicy. Nice young lamb with just a suggestion of pink on the inside. The plate comes with a savory Rice, Tomato and two side dishes of your choice. I went for the Spicy Hummus, and Babba Ganoosh. The Hummus was smooth and creamy with a reddish orange color from the peppers. I would rank it as mild on the heat scale, which works well with Hummus. The Babba Ganoosh was full of eggplant flavor and slightly chunky. Both had nicely restrained seasoning.
Pro Tip - When travelling out of the area, have Serge pack up some Spicy Hummus and Baba Ganosh in a container to take with you on the plane or in the car. You will be the envy of your fellow passengers. I liked the food so much I did this on my last trip to Boston and dipping and munching on Shawarma Falafel on long plane ride home.
So if in the Boston Commons area, or following the Freedom Trail, make a quick meal stop at Shawarma Falafel and say "Hi" to Serge, then try some of his homemade Lebanese treats.