Aldywan: Casual Lebanese Eatery A Student Favorite

Posted on July 8, 2011July 14, 2011 by Benji Ho

Shish kabob platter -- with lamb, beef, and chicken on skewers. It comes with a few sides you can choose from. — Mixed kabob platter -- with lamb, beef, and chicken on skewers. It comes with a few sides you can choose from.

My friends and I love Aldywan. Whether it is for a casual evening get-together, a food study break, or a fast take-out, there’s just something about this place that makes us come back over and over. I love Middle Eastern food, and Aldywan makes some good home-made Lebanese favorites like Shawarma, Shish Kabob, Falafel, Rack of Lamb, Kebeh, Tabouli, Rice Pilaf, Pita Bread, Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Fatoush, and more. Their garlic sauce is amazing. For dessert, they have fruit salads, natural fruit smoothies, ice cream, fresh-squeezed juices, and Lebanese pastries such as Baklava. They may not be the fanciest restaurant, but it’s a combination of good food, generous portions, reasonable student-friendly prices, and nice people that makes this casual Lebanese joint a student favorite.

If you’re hungry, I personally would recommend the Shish kabob platter that comes with three different types of shish kabobs on sticks for you to try, along with a selection of side dishes. For a smaller, cheaper meal, I also like the lamb Shwarma. If lamb isn’t your thing, they also have beef, chicken, or mahi-mahi versions of the shwarma.

Atmosphere:
Aldywan has a casual dining atmosphere on a deck, under a canopy by the roadside. Their kitchen and cashier are inside. The tables are clean.

Service:
The service is good, and the family that owns the restaurant are really nice people.

Food:
Aldywan serves some good Lebanese favorites. My personal favorites are the Shish kabob platter, which would more than fill you up. The shwarmas are also very good. Try it with a side of home-made hummus or baba ganoush. The prices are very reasonable for this island, and the proportions are generous.

Kibbeh, a fried pastry that tastes like a falafel stuffed with seasoned beef and onions.

Lamb Shawarma with a side of hummus (which comes with pita bread, not shown)

Lebanese pie, which is like a pita bread stuffed with beef, or cheese.

If you are coming from AUC, Aldywan is located in Simpson Bay right before you get to McDonalds and the bridge. It is located on the right side in front of the Travel Inn building. The restaurant has mainly outdoor seating, on a deck with a canopy.

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