365 Places to Eat

Have you ever put a piece of meat in your mouth and just not wanted to swallow because the flavor was so extraordinary? I had that feeling the first time I put a bite of lamb/beef gyro from Al Hamra Halal Cafe. And to think, it almost didn’t happen.

I had all intentions of going to Al Hamra. When I pulled into the very crowded parking lot, I happened to be in front of another Halal spot in the mini mall which I first stepped into. I saw Chicken Dijon next door, which I like for rotisserie. I stayed the course and headed in to Al Hamra. Even then, I was planning on having the chicken shawerma. When I placed my order, though, the friendly server said “first time here? we suggest people order the combo of half chicken and half gyros the first time”. And my fate was sealed, a date with the best shawerma I ever put in my mouth.

My adventure didn’t stop with that bite. For $9.99 I had a heaping mound of chicken and gyros (lamb/beef) on top of rice, with a crisp salad and home made hummous on the side. I added a refreshing Moroccan mint iced tea and it was lunch perfection for around $13 with tax. Did I say lunch? There was enough food that I not only filled up for lunch, but took home enough left overs for a complete dinner.

The overall experience at Al Hamra is just fantastic. The owner is often there and the service couldn’t be friendlier. It’s an oasis in the south bay and one of the more enjoyable lunches I have had in a while. The sweet desserts are a nice touch too.

Al Hamra Halal Cafe
2515 Artesia Boulevard
Redondo Beach, California 90278