Dear Diary,
This week’s little adventure took me (and my grandfather) to Al Haadi Chicken Shawarma, Chinese & Grill in Tandalja — a place that’s been buzzing with talk lately. I’d been hearing so much about it, so we decided to give it a try.
We started simple, with three orders:
- their signature normal shawarma,
- a hot bowl of Chicken Manchow Soup, and
- a plate of Chicken Drumsticks.
The first thing that arrived was the shawarma, and let me just say this — it was incredible. Honestly, one of the best shawarmas I’ve had in Vadodara. Perfectly balanced, packed with flavor, and definitely worthy of the hype.
Next came the drumsticks. Now, these surprised me. They were beautifully crunchy on the outside yet still moist and tender inside (that’s rare to find!). Paired with their white sauce, it felt like the kind of snack you could keep going back for. And the price? Totally fair for the quality.
Then came my personal favorite — the chicken Manchow soup. Steaming hot, filled generously with cubes of chicken and veggies, it hit differently. The kind of soup that warms you up on a rainy day or feels like a comfort hug when you’ve skipped meals and are finally sitting down to eat. It gave exactly that vibe.
The overall dining experience was smooth. The seating area was clean, with a staff member always attentive and nearby if we needed anything. By the time we finished, it had started raining outside. That’s when we packed some extras — chicken popcorns and chicken tikka — to take home. The popcorns were a hit with everyone at home!
I also appreciated the little things: they had a shed to cover for rains, which made the open-air seating more convenient. Still, I’d say this: if you’re someone who likes a private dining experience, this place might feel too open, since it’s right by the roadside. Also, tissues on every table would be a small but welcome improvement.
All in all, it was a lovely evening — good food, good company, and the sound of rain to wrap it all up. Al Haadi Chicken Shawarma has definitely earned a spot in my diary this week.
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own and based on my personal experience.
— Editor’s Pick 🖊️