mamoun's

After back-to-back-to-back-to-back tiny little restaurant spaces, I was a bit surprised by the décor of Mamoun’s Mideast Cafe. There was a bar! With stools! And more than 10 tables! And subtle music! I was ready for my taste buds to be astounded.


I placed my order for the chicken kabob sandwich ($5.99 + tax) with tomato and lettuce, sauce (tahini—woohoo!) on the side. I was served with a wrap half the size of all others I’ve tried--not a good initial impression. I opened the foil to find a pita pocket with char-grilled hunks of juicy chicken placed atop the lettuce and tomato. After spending way too much time trying to figure out how best to maneuver the wrap such that I got a bite of everything, I finally just dove in. And the bottom fell out.



Yeah, the pita was pathetic and I just wasn’t a fan of how the entire thing was put together. Although I really enjoyed the char on the chicken and the fact that it was tender and moist, there was no seasoning on it of which to speak. That was disappointing. What was even more disappointing was the tahini. I love tahini, and this has been my first wrap making use of it. Mamoun’s was nice and creamy but way too salty--I could barely choke down a bite containing it, and that's coming from a salt-addict lover (just ask anyone who's ever dined with me). I was hoping it would salvage what was heading toward being a total disaster, but it didn't.


My verdict? Unfortunately, I don’t think I got my money’s worth here. It was something I could easily replicate at home, and with much neater and less-frustrating results.

Mamoun’s Mideast Café
206 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12206