Swing open the door at Falafel Express (Bullard Ave, Fresno) and a wave of warm pita, roasted garlic, and sizzling shawarma lets you know you’re in flavor country. A local favorite since 2014, this fast-casual spot mixes mom-and-pop hospitality with lightning-quick counter service, pulling in Fresno State students, hospital staff, and techies from River Park alike. Seating is bright and breezy, with floor-to-ceiling windows by day and string-light glow by night.
Services
• Order-at-the-counter dine-in with free refills on fountain drinks 🥤
• Call-ahead take-out—ready in ±15 min 🚗
• DoorDash, Uber Eats & Grubhub delivery across north Fresno 📲
• Family-size Rice Bowls & Biryani Trays feed 4-6 people—perfect for game night 🏈
• Catering platters (10-100 guests) for office lunches & grad parties 🎉
• Halal meats, vegan falafel, and gluten-free salad bowls 🌱
• Combo loyalty card: buy 9 wraps, get the 10th free 🎁
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom & plenty of parking ♿
Menu
• Falafel Wrap – crunchy chickpea patties, pickles, lettuce & dreamy tahini, all rolled in warm pita 🧆
• Chicken Kabob Plate – char-grilled skewers over turmeric rice, fattoush salad, garlic sauce, pita 🍗
• Gyro Plate – tender beef-lamb blend, buttery rice, fresh salad, and tangy tzatziki 🥙
• Shawarma Bowl – spiced chicken atop saffron rice, roasted veggies & a ladle of their signature garlic sauce 🔥
• Falafel Salad – romaine, cucumbers, radish, crispy falafel, creamy hummus & toasted pita chips 🥗
• Loaded Fries – crispy potatoes drowned in shawarma drippings, garlic sauce & feta 🍟
• Hummus Plate – velvety chickpea spread with paprika drizzle, EVOO & fresh pita for dipping 🥣
• Baklava – flaky layers of phyllo, walnuts & orange-blossom syrup for a sweet finale 🍯
Popular add-ons: extra garlic sauce (can’t-miss!), grilled jalapeños, side of spicy schug 🌶️
Pros
👍 Best-value portions—one plate often feeds two hungry adults 💸
👍 House-made garlic sauce so addictive locals buy it by the pint 🧄
👍 Halal meats & vegan options keep mixed groups happy 🌍
👍 Quick ticket times—most orders out in 10 minutes, even at lunch rush ⏱️
👍 Easy freeway access (41 & 168) + ample parking = stress-free pick-ups 🚙
Reviews
- “Tried the Falafel Wrap for under ten bucks—crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and drenched in garlicky heaven. Best falafel I’ve had outside the Bay Area.”
- “The Chicken Kabob Plate could feed a small army. Juicy skewers, rice bursting with flavor, and that fattoush salad was super fresh.”
- “Delivery arrived piping hot. The Shawarma Bowl still had that smoky grill aroma. Generous drizzle of garlic sauce—chef’s kiss!”
- “I’m vegan and gluten-free; staff swapped pita for lettuce cups and the falafel is naturally GF. Five stars for inclusivity.”
- “Parking’s easy and the service is warm, but be prepared for a short wait at peak lunch. Worth it: those Loaded Fries are downright sinful.”
From crackling falafel to shawarma-soaked rice bowls, Falafel Express marries big flavors, budget-friendly prices, and genuine Fresno hospitality—keeping locals scrolling the menu and planning their next garlicky bite long after the last pita disappears. 🌯💚
Fuentes