Located in the heart of Camberwell, Falafel & Shawarma London is a short 10-minute walk away from Camberwell College of the Arts. The shop is tucked away on the busy main street, and while it may not look like much from the outside, it is truly a hidden gem.
Upon entering the shop you will be greeted by the friendly staff and the smoky aroma from the grilled meats. It is the kind of place where the focus is entirely on the food, making it a great spot for a quick, satisfying meal that is bang for your buck. The owner always greets us with a smile and is very generous with his portions. He does not skimp out on his hospitality, which makes this a famous go-to spot for the students nearby.
The shop is pretty tight with a shawarma counter at the end and space is especially snug during peak lunch hours with a bit of a line outside, but do not let this deter you from entering. It cannot get more cultured than this, good food is always worth the wait. The line goes by quickly with a steady stream of regulars popping in and out, most people usually just grab a wrap, to go. Their prices are about half compared to most local restaurants serving similar food, but their quality of food is way higher and the shop is very clean.
Their menu consists of an array of Middle Eastern delights with some vegan falafel and gluten-free mixed mezze box options and it is halal as well, catering to a range of dietary needs. With wraps costing around £4.50 to £5.50 and Mezze Platters £6.5-£7.50.
My personal favourite is their falafel, which has the perfect amount of crunch on the outside and soft on the inside. It goes well with pickles, fresh lettuce a side of garlic sauce. Another favourite is the perfectly grilled chicken shawarma, which is seasoned to perfection, crispy but tender on the inside. They also have small sides if a wrap is not filling enough, both the aubergine or spicy fried potatoes are my go-to.
This place is a local gem with its generous portions and delightful flavours so whether you are a student looking for an affordable meal or just someone craving authentic Middle Eastern food, this spot never disappoints.
Words by Dayvin Ng
Address: 27 Camberwell Church St, London SE5 8TR