Every falafel at Captain Shawarma is hand-formed the same day from fresh ground chickpeas, parsley, onions, and cilantro, then deep-fried to order. There's no frozen patty waiting in the freezer. The restaurant's story is built on the same made-to-order principle that governs the shawarma spit: nothing sits, nothing reheats. When you order falafel, that's when the frying begins.
Why Captain Shawarma's falafel stands out in West Edmonton
Most falafel served in restaurants comes from one of two places: a freezer or a warming tray. Either the balls were made yesterday and thawed, or they've been sitting under heat for hours, gradually drying out and losing their herb flavor. At Captain Shawarma, neither happens. The team hand-forms fresh falafel daily. When you order, they hit hot oil. By the time your wrap or pieces arrive (whether you're picking up at 15831 87 Ave NW or it's being delivered to your home in Meadowlark Park or West Jasper Place), the falafel is still steaming, still crispy on the outside, still tender inside. The cilantro and parsley notes are still bright. That difference matters more than most people realize, especially for vegetarians in West Edmonton who've gotten used to eating falafel that's lost its character.
What goes into the falafel: fresh chickpeas, herbs, made to order
The ingredient list is short: ground chickpeas, parsley, onions, cilantro. No fillers. No shortcuts. The chickpeas aren't canned and drained; they're fresh-ground. The herbs aren't dried or pre-mixed; they're fresh and chopped by hand. This is why the falafel tastes different the moment it comes out of the fryer. The cilantro carries. The parsley is green. The onions add a subtle bite instead of a muted sweetness. Voice from reviewers tells the story: \"The food was not salty, not spicy, they are just right, fresh, and healthy eating.\" That's what fresh ingredients do. They let the actual flavors of the Middle Eastern spice and herb tradition come through, without mask or muddy preparation. And the pricing reflects the quality. You get reasonable, good value for the money spent.
Falafel Wrap vs. Falafel Pieces: which one to order
The Falafel Wrap (Regular $11.00, Large $13.00) is the full meal. Hand-made falafel wrapped in soft pita with lettuce, pickled turnips, pickled cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, and tahini sauce. The wrap is designed to travel. Flavors meld on the ride over, and the pita holds everything together. It's satisfying on its own, especially with our Garlic Potatoes on the side (Regular $7.00, Large $9.00). The potatoes are freshly cut with partial skins, deep-fried, then tossed with minced cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Crispy, garlicky, herbaceous. The combination of crispy falafel and crispy potatoes with that herb-forward prep is why people order this combo twice a month.
The Falafel Pieces (Regular $6.00, Large $12.00) are the appetizer or side. Order them if you want to taste the falafel on its own, without pita and wrap components. Golden brown, fresh from the fryer, with nothing between you and the herb-chickpea flavor. Try them first to understand what makes this falafel special. Then order the wrap next visit.
A vegetarian and vegan option worth crossing town for
Falafel is rare among vegetarian and vegan options at Middle Eastern restaurants. Most places treat it as a supporting player—something to fill out a platter or a fallback order for dietary reasons. At Captain Shawarma, it's built with the same precision and care as the chicken shawarma or beef donair. You're not ordering a compromised version of something; you're ordering a main dish that happens to be plant-based. That distinction shows up in every bite. The herb flavors are there because the falafel is treated as a star ingredient, not a side thought. Customers recognize this approach. Vegetarians and vegans from neighborhoods across the west side (Aldergrove, Belmead, Lynnwood, Thorncliffe) order from Captain Shawarma because the falafel tastes intentional, not obligatory. Want to explore more vegetarian options? Check our guide on shawarma delivery across West Edmonton — we highlight all our plant-based choices. If you pair falafel with Garlic Potatoes, you've built a completely satisfying plant-based meal that stands on its own.
Ready to try the best handmade falafel on the west side?
Fresh falafel made daily from chickpeas, parsley, and cilantro. Deep-fried to order, never frozen. Order online from Captain Shawarma or visit us in Meadowlark Park.
Order Online NowWhere to find us and how to order online
Captain Shawarma is at 15831 87 Ave NW in Meadowlark Park, West Edmonton, AB. We deliver across West Jasper Place, Aldergrove, Lynnwood, Glenwood, Patricia Heights, and surrounding neighborhoods in Edmonton and the region. Most orders arrive within 20-30 minutes. Order online at captainshawarma.ca, or try our hand-carved chicken shawarma guide if you'd like to explore other options. Call +1 780-884-5884, or visit in person. Hours: Monday through Friday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Online checkout takes 2-3 minutes. Your falafel starts frying the moment your order is submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes our falafel different from other local restaurants?
Every falafel here is hand-formed daily from fresh ground chickpeas, parsley, onions, and cilantro. We deep-fry to order, never from frozen. The combination of fresh ingredients and made-to-order cooking means you're getting a hot, crispy falafel with bright herb flavors. Most restaurants prep falafel in batches and keep it warm — the texture gets dense and the herbs fade. Ours comes out of the fryer when you order.
Should I order the Falafel Wrap or Falafel Pieces?
The Falafel Wrap (Regular $11.00, Large $13.00) is a complete meal — hand-made falafel wrapped in soft pita with lettuce, pickled turnips, pickled cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, and tahini sauce. The Falafel Pieces (Regular $6.00, Large $12.00) are perfect as a side or appetizer, crispy and pure. Try Falafel Pieces first if you want to taste the falafel on its own, then order a wrap next time for a full meal.
Is falafel a good vegetarian or vegan option?
Yes. Falafel is made from chickpeas and herbs, with no meat or animal products. The wrap comes with tahini sauce, which is made from sesame paste and is typically vegan. Confirm with us that your wrap is prepared vegan if you have strict dietary needs. It's one of the best plant-based options on the west side because we treat it with the same care as our meat dishes.
Where is Captain Shawarma located, and do you deliver?
We're at 15831 87 Ave NW in Meadowlark Park, West Edmonton, AB. We deliver across Meadowlark Park, West Jasper Place, Aldergrove, Lynnwood, and surrounding neighborhoods. You can order online at captainshawarma.ca, call +1 780-884-5884, or visit in person. Hours are Monday through Friday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Our West Edmonton donairs guide has more on the area.
What's a good side to order with my falafel?
Garlic Potatoes (Regular $7.00, Large $9.00) are the perfect pairing. They're freshly cut potatoes with partial skins, deep-fried, then mixed with minced cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The crispy outside and tender inside complement falafel perfectly. Together they're a complete vegetarian meal.