Update Nov 2025
Over time as I have become accustomed to the flavour of El Janna charcoal chicken I must say I have become somewhat addicted to it. I’m often craving the unique taste and it has become my regular. Also over time quality has improved, it is much more moist than previously mentioned and can hold its own. It’s pretty much the only ‘takeaway’ that I eat now. Furthermore the customer service is excellent and is very rare to find service like this nowadays so thank you to the dedicated staff. I’m very happy to have El Jannah close by and I have upgraded my review rating to FIVE STARS ❤️
Original Review
I was intrigued when an El Jannah restaurant opened up near me, as I had never heard of it before. I went there to discover it’s a charcoal chicken of Lebanese style which is chicken typically marinated in a blend of spices, including garlic, lemon, and various herbs, cooked over char grill giving it a smoky aromatic taste.
I wanted to try it how it comes el naturale… which is with a side of garlic sauce aka toum. In my initial experience, I found this garlic sauce overwhelming and rich and not complimentary. Whilst the chicken is unique and tasty, due to the cooking method it doesn’t have the moistness and juiciness to hold up with the richness and intensity of the garlic sauce which made it challenging to finish the meal as it becomes monotonous and overwhelming.
On my return I experimented with a variety of sauces, BBQ, gravy, and sweet/spicy and I must say any one of the sauces combined with the standard meal elevates it to the next level. The addition of different sauces balanced out the intensity of the garlic sauce. The gravy I find quite uniquely flavoured and adds a savoury richness. While you do need to pay extra for sauce, you can add the BBQ sauce for just $1 extra but in my opinion, it needs this.
I find the portion sizes quite good and there is no issue to request the breast piece if ordering a quarter chicken. I did sample a piece of fried chicken and it was very overly breaded and not that enjoyable so ill stick with the specialty which is the charcoal chicken. Something also needs to be said also for cleanliness as I have never found the tables to be cleared or wiped of crumbs and grease.
