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| - Preface: This is not a review based on an "authentic" shawarma as I don't have any first-hand knowledge of what that looks, tastes like.
Mazaya presents shawarma in a different way and that is why you might be drawn here. As mentioned by other reviewers, shawarma is rolled up on saj, a flatbread. Although it didn't have any specific taste, it was not as dry as pita.
Ordering: I approached the cash, with a friend, as we had some questions. It took the guy a moment to come out from the back. There was no bell to summon him.
We asked whether or not the "Mazaya Special" (~$15), which is a chicken shawarma platter, was good enough for 2ppl to share and he said yes. Then he proceeded to punch in "Mixed Platter" ($21) which was a few dollars more expensive. I was confused as this "Mixed Platter" did not appear anywhere on the menu. However, I let it slide since the guy said it contained 2 sandwiches and price was still ok for 2ppl.
As per my photo, the Mazaya Special consisted of rolled up chicken shawarma, with fries (similar to Costco), and a side dish of pickles. Chicken itself was a tad too salty, which is very common for shawarma, and seasoning was slightly different than at other places that I have been too with hints of nutmeg/cinnamon &/or clove. White sauce did not taste like garlic and did not have any specific taste. Pickles were a nice addition to cut the salt of the meat.
Mazaya is an order at the counter, wait, and dine-in OR takeout. Most of the patrons seemed to speak the same language as the man who ran the counter.
Service: Man at the counter was apathetic when we had questions. However, he seemed to lighten his tone after we finished eating and asked how everything was.
There seems to be A LOT of Middle Eastern places in this U-shaped plaza, so there is a lot of immediate competition. The things that make Mazaya standout though seem to be decor and how food is presented.
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