Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Fyza's Al Wadi Mediterranean Sandwiches: Best Halal Gyros in Houston?

Restaurant: Fyza's Alwadi Mediterranean Sandwiches
Address: 4551 Farm to Market Road 1960, Houston, Texas
Restaurant or a-la-carte: a-la-carte
Date of visit: 6/28/16




Background:
Salam/hey guys! I am back after a while. Today, I will be talking about another halal spot that is available on FM 1960. This place is called Fyza's Alwadi Mediterranean Sandwiches. There is a place of the same name on JFK Boulevard near Bush airport. I am not sure whether both this and the airport located are affiliated with the same owner. Anyways, I had been wanting to try out a new place ever since I returned from Austin. It was tough because my mom was restricting me from going out, even to the mosques for prayer. I also have class until 10 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays, and my mom expected me to break my fast at home all Ramadan long. My friend wanted to do iftar with someone, and I said ok because we hadn't met for a long time. We originally decided for Elshamy off Highway 249, but last minute, we decided to do here. After getting permission from my mom, I headed over to the restaurant.
Long time ago, there used to be a halal place called Alwadi that was on FM 529 and Queenston. I had been there a few times and found their shawarma to be pretty good. Sadly they closed down before I could try something else. I've heard of a lot of good things about the Alwadi on FM 1960 and also the location near Bush airport. A lot of people raved about the gyros and the fries. So let's see how it goes.


Let The Experience Begin!
The restaurant is located in the same strip mall as the Hobby Lobby near the intersection of FM 1960 and Veterans Memorial Dr. Inside, it was nearly empty as it was nearing closing time. Thankfully, my friend spoke with the owner and allowed us to be in late so that we could break our fast. After reading the menu, we were ready to order.



Let's Eat!
I inquired about what was the popular item sold, and it was the gyros with fries combo. We both got that. I got Pepsi while my friend got another drink. The wait was long at 27 minutes and 12 seconds. We got water, and the owner provided us with dates so that we could break the fast. Very nice of him



Menu: Contrary to the name of the place, this place also has platters. The menu has items that are standard in Mediterranean places. You have popular items like hummus, baba ghanoush, shawarma sandwich and plate, kebabs, falafel, and the mixed grill. The prices are pretty similar to Sayad, with the only exception being that the sandwiches are cheaper here than Sayad. They have some pretty neat deals and they also have a lunch special.



The menu: Photo credit: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/alwadi-mediterranean-sandwiches-houston?select=GA4_ixfqCVFze0POb-Ns0Q




Gyro sandwich with fries and garlic sauce


The Verdict:
Absolutely delicious! The gyro sandwich was amazing! It was really flavorful and was also filling. There was no leakage of the gyro sandwich, and the tzatziki sauce had a lot of flavor. The garlic sauce here is the best garlic sauce I've had north of I-10. This is the closest to the level of Busy Boy that I have had so far. My friend absolutely loved the food as well. Overall, two thumbs up for the food.
A special thanks to the owner for letting us stay for a while so that we could break our fast. This is a good thing to hear, as I have heard many people being turned away by owners or employees as much as 30 minutes before closure.



Conclusion:
Along with Zamani, Al Wadi is a wonderful place to get some Mediterranean food. I would definitely be a regular if it was near my house, and would actually consider making multiple visits here while driving to or from the dealership. This goes up with Euro Bakery on Louetta, and Zamani as one of my top places to eat between 249 and I-45. If you want some nice halal gyros or Mediterranean food, then I would recommend you to give this place a try.



Grading:
Service: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Total: 18/20 = 90% (A)
Pricing: $$ out of $$$$



Restaurant Information:

Fyza's Alwadi Mediterranean Sandwiches
4551 Farm to Market Road 1960, Houston, Texas
Phone: (832) 249-1500
Timings: Mon-Thu: 11 AM - 8:30 PM; Fri-Sat: 11 AM - 9 PM; Sun: Closed
Caters: unknown

Feel free to post a comment, send me an email, or message me on Facebook!

Cheers!
Zain Mohammed




1 comment:

  1. Took long enough! Alwadi is my top sandwich shop in the nw and probably top 2-3 for the city. Yes their garlic sauce is crack, way better than Zamani's. But you know Zeyad Bakery makes even better garlic sauce, but not as good overall sandwiches.

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