Before I’d even tried the food served up by Yalla Balla, I’d been craving it.

A little like travelling on a private jet or owning a home overlooking the ocean, it was an experience I knew I’d enjoy without trying it first-hand. Deluded? Perhaps.

Because for all I know, my coastal mansion might attract the swarms of flies currently renting our beaches and Yalla Balla’s goods might not taste as good as they look.

Since 2020, the team has been popping up at businesses across Perth, teasing delicious photos of lush pita stuffed with falafel, bits of green, red and pink and slatherings of sauce. The speedy stints saw them grow a fan base, the goods often sold out and word on the street was always positive.

Now they’ve opened their first brick-and-mortar spot in Electric Lane in Leederville. Diners select from the four menu options, sit down in Servo’s stylish courtyard (or take-away) and can even grab a margarita from Servo’s bar to really make an afternoon of it.

There was a vibrant atmosphere the Friday we dined; service was very friendly and the food came out quickly.

And now that I’ve actually tried their food, I’m craving it twice as much.

My chicken shawarma plate ($19) was packed with a colourful array of spiced pickled veg, salad, onions and well-cooked chicken. But for me it was the sauces that gave it the edge; the hummus and tahini were perfect.

My dining partner had the falafel pita ($17) filled with hummus, zhug, chopped salad, spicy kosher pickles, suman onions, tahini and amba sauce. She similarly raved about its contents, just wishing she had a little more acidity or sweetness to cut through the sauces.

We both added chips to both options and unlike the often flavourless and soggy spuds added to kebabs or bowls, these were A+ additions that we’d easily have downed in a bowl solo.

Yalla Balla

9 Electric Lane, Leederville

OPEN

Weds-Sat, 11am-3pm

BOOKINGS

No

CONTACT

Yallaballa.com.au

THE VERDICT

What an excellent addition to the Leederville food line-up. Friendly service, great food, lovely surrounds — what more can you want?

17.5/20