When you are craving flavourful food and juicy, tender kebabs, Middle Eastern food usually hits the mark. One of our regular spots for this is Syriana Cape Town. We first visited their restaurant back in 2019 and have been going back ever since. Over the years, it has remained a popular choice among Capetonians, and it is easy to see why. The menu is packed with classic Middle Eastern dishes, with shawarma, falafel, hummus and grilled meats taking centre stage.
What we usually order at Syriana Cape Town
We tend to go back to the same favourites each time we visit. The beef and chicken shawarma are consistently good. The wraps are well filled, the meat is flavourful, and they come with a side of chips and hummus that easily stands out on its own. The hummus is smooth and rich enough that it can be eaten by itself.
The falafel balls are another regular order. Crisp on the outside and soft inside, they work well as a snack or part of a larger meal. Also, Syriana usually shows football matches. On a recent visit, we tried the Tangy Shish Tawook. It comes as a warm, comforting dish with chicken and potatoes in a rich gravy, served with naan. Breaking into the bread releases the steam and warmth from the dish, which makes it especially good on colder days.
Their mojitos are consistently well made, with a refreshing balance that pairs well with the food.
Just a note, since reviewing them, they’ve changed locations, owners and menus multiple times, and so some offerings may differ. For those who prefer it, Syriana also offers shisha with meals. The seating is split into smoking and non-smoking sections, which makes the experience more comfortable depending on your preference.
Service can be inconsistent at times. We have had smooth visits, but there was one experience that stood out as less organised. That said, it has not taken away from the overall quality of the food or why we continue to return.
Final thoughts
Syriana has remained one of our go-to spots for Middle Eastern food in Cape Town. The shawarmas, falafel and hummus alone are enough reason to visit, and the rest of the menu adds enough variety to keep things interesting. It is a place we keep returning to for simple, flavourful meals done well.
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