Akram’s Shoppe

I’ve never written a Unilocal review before, but I’m so bummed out by this experience that I actually went ahead and made an account.
So, after reading a bunch of reviews about this place I was really excited to go and try the falafel wrap, but once I got there I was really disappointed.
The store front was really dirty and looked really vacant and uninviting and I’d have totally overlooked that if the customer service was good, or at least average.
The woman at the counter (who I’m assuming is one of the co-​owners from the pictures) was kind of discourteous from the start. For one, she started the transaction while on her cell phone, and then after taking my order (while on her cell phone) she made my wrap (while on her cell phone.) When she went to charge me, the cost was higher than what I’d expected for a falafel wrap. When I double checked with her, she insisted that I’d ordered a shawarma wrap. While it’s possible I misspoke, it’s also pretty likely that she wasn’t listening properly (as she was pretty invested in her phone call…)
The thing is, I offered to pay for the shawarma she had made and just get the falafel instead and pay the difference for the meat I didn’t want. It’d have been really easy to just take the meat out of the wrap she’d made and put in falafel instead. She refused to do this and insisted I pay for TWO wraps because as she put it «I’m doing this for you, here.»
Look, I work in food service as well, and I understand that mistakes happen and the customer isn’t really always right, but even if it had been me who’d made the mistake, she really didn’t need to be rude and speak to me as though I’m an idiot.
I wish I’d just asked for my money back and left and gone to literally any of the other places in the city that serve falafel instead of paying 4.50 for a shawarma I didn’t ask for and didn’t want.

I was very excited to try this place after reading the reviews, too bad that it looks like the place is closed down now.

How can you not be a fan of Akram’s? They have one of the most inviting store fronts anywhere with a gorgeous couch, coffee table and hutch inviting you to come inside and set a spell. Stairs lead up to a long L-​shaped counter where you can order all kinds of middle-​eastern snack food. They also specialize in all kinds of imported food stuffs from that part of the world and they line the shelves on your way in.
Since they’ve been in business for many years, as long as I can remember, you know they have the right formula for hitting the spot with a nice shawarma or falafal. One of the features of their menu is that you can get smaller portions if you aren’t as hungry and just need to top up. Falafals can be had for a pittance and my shawarma was only $ 3.99 since it was a small one — perfect for that day!

The whole team of Akram’s shoppe is very friendly and cheerful, we have spend afternoon talking with them and customers, eating a very tasty food (and cheap futhermore). fresh hand-​made falafel for 2 $ or delicious hot rice with generous meat/​fish/​vegetables (up to you !) and salad. You can bring home some Libanesse speciality too ! Do not hesitate to stop here for a good meal and talking, by the way you can heard sometimes good street musicians, that typically Kensighton Market !

If you read those annoying listicles about «best cheap eats under $ 5 in Toronto» and they don’t list Akram’s, don’t trust them.
You will get a killer falafel for $ 2.75 (yeah, the price just went up from $ 1.99), but it isn’t simply good based on economics. It is actually the best falafel in the city. It may not be loaded with toppings, but it is simple and it works. You order the spicy falafel, give them your money, and they will feed you accordingly. They also have a number of small pastries to snack on in addition.
Did I mention they also sell canned beans and other grocery items? No? Oh. Well, they do, and for less than everywhere else.
There isn’t much more to tell you. Oh, when you get the falafel in the bag, you’ll want to grab the twisted paper on the top, and flip it around. That way you don’t get falafel all over you, which will make you «feel awful». Get it?

A hot and hearty meal for $ 5, what more could you want?
Upon witnessing an (extremely) indecisive young girl struggling to decide between the chicken or vegan, the sweet lady behind the counter who I believe was Ms. Falafel, was kind enough to give me a taste of both options. She then handed me a plate with an extremely generous helping of rice, salad, stew and a spoonful of hot sauce that was almost a paste — super delicious and not your typical Frank’s or Sriracha.
Next time I visit I will be sure to try the falafel and their sweets!

$ 4.20 for two delicious falafel sandwichs. FOUR DOLLARS AND TWENTY CENTS FOR TWO DELICIOUS FALAFEL SANDWICHES. Seriously.
What impressed me most (and what sets it apart from nearly every other falafel sanny in T. O) is their pita — they toast it and fill it with an appropriate amount of sauce which does not leave it soggy or chewy. It’s a great meal and I;m looking forward to seeing how good an indicator it is of the care they put into their other dishes.

Tasty shawarma sandwich. Couldn’t help myself from ordering fresh all wheat pitas as a to go.
They however charge a buck extra if you pay with the magnetic strip but with a 2.99 shawarma sandwich I am always happy to oblige

So this place has been here for nearly 20 years, and it looks like their prices have barely changed since they opened. Hot plates for $ 5 and falafel and shawarma sandwiches for $ 2 and $ 3 respectively? Amazing. I had the falafel sandwich, and while it doesn’t come with much in the way of toppings, it’s a tasty, messy sandwich (FOR TWO DOLLARS HELLO).

I got a falafel wrap that was fresh, flavourful and filling for $ 1.99 here.
The above could be my entire review, like that is enough to give anywhere 5 stars. I ate dinner for a twoonie. Think about that. I am kicking myself for not knowing about this place when I lived in the hood in uni. I mean. What.
Akram himself is behind the counter, and people go nuts for their sweets. But let’s stick to what’s important: You can buy a good dinner for $ 1.99. The world is still a great place.

Went here a few days ago as part of the Unilocal Elite Tasty Tour.
The owner (I feel like an ass for not remember her name), is the warmest, sweetest woman ever. Totally recreated the sensation of being over at your friend’s house and her mom is the mom that takes care of everyone. Super welcoming.
Got a bit of background on the restaurant/​venue and the types of foods available and she let us pick what we wanted to try. I grabbed a chocolate halawa which was so good but so rich! (In a good way)
They also have $ 1.99 full size shawarma/​falafel sandwiches — I didn’t try any as I was planning on going out to dinner after the tour but everyone who got one was raving!
Ambiance was a little on the cool/​cluttered side but not awful, could be cozy with the right attitude.

Went here for the first time yesterday on the Unilocal Elite Tasty Tour and really enjoyed the experience. The owners are very sweet and proud of their fresh foods.
I tried a delicious little flaky pastry with pistachio and cashew — so yummy! I also picked up a little bag of freshly roasted lemon and salt pistachios, which were awesome.
Definitely want to come back and try their $ 1.99 felafel sandwich, looked delish!

My mom took me here recently. I’ve read about this place so much, about how cheap and delicious the food is. When I told my mom about it, she was like «oh yeah, I’ve been there, it’s good.» I was like «why have you never mentioned it to me? And why haven’t you taken me there yet?» LOL.
So on the day we went, there was a handwritten sign that said «Today’s Special» was $ 2.99 for a chicken shawarma sandwich and $ 1.99 for a falafel Sandwich. Not sure what the regular prices are. My mom said she hadn’t been there for over a year and she thinks the last time she was there the falafel sandwiches were at least $ 2.99.
Anyway, I had the falafel and my mom had the shawarma. You get your choice of white or whole wheat pita, and the usual toppings. I liked the fact that I got 3 pieces of falafel in my sandwich. Many places only put 2 pieces. The falafel was really tasty and had a nice spice blend to it.
I had a taste of the chicken shawarma and it was also good. There was a decent amount of meat in the sandwich (not overly generous, but not skimpy either).
They also have the middle eastern dessert that’s like Turkish Delight with pistachio nuts in it. They have it in pomegranate flavour here that I’ve never seen before. It’s $ 0.65 a piece. It was awesome!

Such a fun little place in Kensington! The food is no frills mediterranean, they have some great lunch specials for 5 bucks, we got the chicken stew and lamb kabob with rice and salad. We also tried the chicken shawarma which was moist and tasty! All the food tastes like its fresh and homemade. We got some hummus and harissa paste (super spicy!) to go. The lady at the counter said she prepares most of the food herself! Will definitely be back for more!

Akram Shoppe is located in the wonderful Kensington market. They specialize in Syrian cuisine from the Druze region.
They are part super market and part take out restaurant. There is a small seating area that can be busy during peak times.
The owners are a couple that came to Canada in the mid 90s
The portions may be a bit smaller than other places but you can be rest assured that these proud owners are really focused on quality before quantity, while offering one of the cheapest meals in town.
Falafel is $ 2 and each is fried to order. She makes them using mung and fava beans with cumin, garlic, and coriander. They are nor premade then heated up
The Tabouleh salad is the freshest I have ever had and its prepared to order so its not soggy.
Ful is something I have not tried yet but its a fava bean stew served with tahini, parsley, onions and a splash of olive oil.
People really seem to come here for the combo plate special which at $ 5 is a steal.
Saffron Basamati rice, black lentils, salad with lemony tahini sauce and a choice of an item from the hot table. I had the lamb kebab that is spiced up, grilled and sits in a tomato sauce. You cannot believe how moist and flavorful it is.
They offer an impressive desert section with sesame cookies being a favorite.
On the way out grab some packages of nuts, hummus, and couscous for your lunch the next day.
Healthy and Fresh and served up with a smile by people who treat their customers like family.
if you come for a $ 5 lunch then bring a $ 20 for the extras to take home

AKRAM’S IS ACE.
A delicious meal for $ 4.99. You think Ghazales is good cheap counter eats? Bitch, please!!! Okay I’m sorry, no disrespect Ghazales (I’ve certainly given you a lot of business over the years) Akram’s just rocks my little world.
This isn’t a sandwich for 4.99, folks – but FYI their falafel sandwich is 1.99 (!!)– this is saffron, turmeric and lentil rice, a delicious grilled and spiced chicken kebab (and 7 other options to choose from), 2 different kinds of salad, homemade hot sauce and tahini. You can take it to go or sit like a proper mensch and eat it on a real plate with silverware. Tons of interesting drink options too.
They have a lot to offer:
I love buying their fresh and fluffy pita breads (so cheap and good $ 1.75), fresh hummus (small for $ 2.99, large for $ 4.99), zataar spice mix ($ 2.29) and others, stuffed grape leaves (75 cents each for fresh ones and you can also buy them in cans) and random stuff like rosewater and middle eastern treats (e.g. halva, nougat-​based sweets).
ACE!

Akram’s is an oasis of Middle-​Eastern goodness in Kensington Market. They are back better than ever having recovered from a devastating fire. The new location features both a splendid market and an excellent menu of freshly prepared foods for dine in or take out.
This a family run place and it shows; from the friendly helpful nature of the staff to the selection of top quality grocery items and ingredients in their hot food items. Akram’s not skimp to keep price points low — you know who I’m talking about!
One of the best aspects of Akram’s is their commitment to providing high quality, supremely delicious vegetarian and vegan items on their menu regularly and affordably. I dare say that their vegan blue plate special is the most affordable full meal (protein, starch, salad) meal deal in the GTA at a whopping $ 4.99! Otherwise, great falafel, excellent hummous wrap, and superb soups for winter dining.
If you’re in the market for an inexpensive healthy lunch while shopping in the market area you probably won’t do much better the Akram’s — if you’re price conscious — meaning that money matters really matter, then you’ve found a new favourite.

This was the cheapest place in the Kensington Market — or even Toronto to get a falafel! Then it closed down unexpectedly and was shut down for more than a year.
It reopened and it was larger, cleaner and had more options. The food is still good value, tasty and the staff are all very friendly!

Best, no surprise, $ 5.00 lunch in the city!
Wholesome, basic, tasty dishes. Can’t go wrong.

I love this place. I was visiting Toronto, and I stayed in Kensington Market. During my walk around the neighborhood, I stumbled upon this hole-​in-​the-​wall place. They are known for their falafels, so that’s what I ordered. I wish I was in Toronto longer, so that I could have tried other items on the menu. The falafel is made-​to-​order and the ingredients were fresh. The owner is really nice. My only qualm about what I had here was the Arabic yogurt drink. I guess it’s an acquired-​taste. To me, it tasted like a salty yogurt drink. Not everyone is going to love this drink. Overall, I would come here again the next time I’m in Toronto.