Falafel and Arabic sandwich counter in Hawally, Kuwait

Canary Restaurant

Falafel Money Well Spent

3.5 of 5

Canary has been frying falafel in Hawally since around 1970, which in Kuwait restaurant years makes it a great-grandparent. It is fast food in the old, honest sense: Arabic sandwiches made by quick hands, low prices, people in and out while the next order is already in the fryer. No concept. No story on the wall. Just a counter that has been doing one thing well for half a century.

The falafel sandwich is the reason to come and the reason people keep coming back. Crisp outside, soft and green inside, wrapped tight with the usual suspects. The spicy hummus deserves a warning. It is properly fiery, the kind that makes you reach for water and then reach for more bread anyway. The halloumi sandwich is the other order regulars push, salty and squeaky and good with something cold to drink.

The room was renovated not long ago and looks sleeker than a place this old has any right to. The recipes, by every account, were left alone, which is the correct decision. Hawally is one of the most crowded, most mixed neighborhoods in the country, and Canary is part of its daily rhythm. Go in the morning or at lunch, eat standing up if you have to, and do not overthink it. That is the whole point of a sandwich.

Order this

Falafel sandwich, Spicy hummus, if you can take heat, Halloumi sandwich

The damage

$

Go

A quick breakfast or an early lunch, before the office crowd arrives

Find it

Hawally, Kuwait