Review: A taste of Syria at Falafel Fella in Darlington

It was a fairly busy Saturday in town with loads of shoppers about and as I’d been stuck in the house fighting off a cold for two weeks, I was quite happy to have a mooch around town for some fresh air.

An overcast day in Darlington meant I was ready for a taste of Syria to warm up.

Falafel Fella is hidden away on Clark’s Yard and with the option of either ordering food to go or sitting upstairs in the cosy and peaceful café area.

I have had a few lunches ‘to go’ from the Syrian eatery but decided for the first time, as it was a bit cold, to sit inside.

Falafel Fella on Clark's Yard in Darlington. Picture: Aja Dodd, Newsquest (Image: Aja Dodd, Newsquest)

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Fortunately for me, I headed to the shop around 2:45pm, which proved to be an excellent time to go as I was the only customer there and had the café area to myself. That was until my mum arrived and shared my pot of tea.

The staff are always very polite, friendly, and welcoming and the service is always quick and efficient. What more could you want?

I ordered a chicken wrap, a pot of hibiscus tea, and some baklava. Now, I know what you’re thinking, why go to a falafel place and order chicken? The answer is I’ve tried the falafel several times and always enjoyed it, but I felt the chicken kept me fuller for longer.

In the wrap, whether you order falafel, halloumi or chicken, comes with salad, pickles and sauces including chilli and tahini, on Arabic flatbread.

A chicken and salad wrap and a pot of hibiscus tea from Falafel Fella. Picture: Aja Dodd, Newsquest (Image: Aja Dodd, Newsquest)

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When asked at the counter if I’d like all the salad and sauces with it, I said yes. In for a penny, in for a pound.

The portion sizes are more than enough for me. I ate the whole wrap but two thirds of it probably would have filled me up.

I don’t drink black tea or coffee, so I’m very into my herbal teas and the hibiscus tea at Falafel Fella was light, delicate and delicious.

The wrap filled me up so I probably didn’t need anything else, but I decided to be greedy and opted for a piece of baklava which was delicious.

Baklava proved a tasty treat. Picture: Aja Dodd, Newsquest (Image: Aja Dodd, Newsquest)

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As baklava is very sweet by nature, I found that one piece was enough for me. The sticky pastry and pistachio nuts combination was right up my street and was not as sickly sweet as other baklava I’ve tried elsewhere.

The cafe has been based in Darlington since 2018 and has grown in popularity since then.

I’ll definitely be back as the food is really tasty and very reasonably priced. My bill came to £8.50 which I thought was great value for money.

RATINGS (out of ten): Food quality 10; Surroundings 8; Value 9; Service 10.

Falafel Fella is located at 1 Clark’s Yard, Darlington DL3 7QG. It is open for collection, delivery or to sit in from 12pm to 8:30pm From Wednesdays to Saturdays.

The upstairs cafe area at Falafel Fella. Picture: Aja Dodd, Newsquest (Image: Aja Dodd, Newsquest)