I was a loyal, daily customer at A1 Coffee & Donair for years. I supported this business consistently because the food was great and the service used to be honest. Sadly, that all changed about a year ago, and I’ve completely stopped going — and I feel a responsibility to warn others.
Here’s what happened: A new cashier started working there, and suddenly, the payment experience completely changed. Instead of being handed the machine to select my own tip (as had always been the case with the owner), this employee would pre-enter a tip amount — often anywhere from 25% to 75% — without saying a word or giving me the option to choose. It was subtle, but intentional.
This happened repeatedly. It’s not a mistake — it’s a scam, plain and simple.
I’ve since looked into it and taken further steps, including speaking with the proper authorities, because this kind of behavior is unethical and likely illegal. No one should be tricked into tipping excessively without consent.
To be clear: this review isn’t about a misunderstanding. It’s about a deliberate, ongoing practice that takes advantage of customers. If you do choose to go here, I highly recommend double-checking your receipt and ensuring you input any tip yourself. Better yet — support a business that respects your trust.
I truly hope the owners take this seriously and clean up their front-end operations. Until then, I cannot recommend this place to anyone.
Saeed Rahman
Guilty pleasure. They always give you more food than you can finish and it’s worth it every-time
Daniel Kelly
Great spot all times of day or night
Obhama
Best sharwama in BC
Abe Friesen
I used to live near this place and never gave it a thought as I'm not a coffee guy. Recently I was recommended to try their donairs and I cannot believe I was sleeping on this gem. Without doubt one of, if not the best donair I have ever had.
The staff were super friendly and I went with their recommendation to try a new type of wrap. Portions were extremely generous and the meat was PILED on. Both the garlic and hot sauces went so well with the chicken. I liked being able to quickly pick and choose toppings. The person behind me ordered a fries dish that I must try next time.
I came in at lunch time and it got busy. They had 3 people making orders and they were moving fast, meaning nobody had to wait long.
Brent Armstrong
A very tasty experience.
Ashwin Mathew
The guys are awesome. My go to place for a quick fulfilling dinner
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sandra Dalen
Best chicken donair in Surrey. The staff is always friendly, a wonderful local place to eat. Large portions and superior quality.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Donair Wrap
Leonard Sefton
For those coming over and expecting a donair which is in the name of the store - don't bother. I drove 20 minutes to get some food but before 10 o clock they only serve coffee and donuts
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Monish
This place is A1, one of the best places for Donair / Shawarma in Surrey.
Best in Surrey for donair wrap and donair plate! Cheap and tasty, quantity is good too
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
English Scholar
A1 serves the most delicious, freshest, flavourful dishes in Surrey. Every time we order from here, the food tastes like it’s from my grandmothers kitchen. I have always been astonished at the quality and consistent amazing service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rice Platter, Special Chicken and Fries
Overall, a fantastic meal with excellent chicken and salad, but the sauce could use a little improvement!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Richard Singh
this restaurant specializes in handcrafted potatoes sliced into perfect bite sized pieces for easy eating and very healthy vegetables to contract the hot potato’s which adds a strong but not overwhelming flavour to the handmade dish, with added spices, their master craft dish embodies what a true meal is supposed to encapsulate.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Donair with Side of Fries
Jonathan Russell
The best donair place around, reasonable price, great portions and amazing taste, have been coming for years and will continue to
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rice Platter, Special Chicken and Fries, Chicken Donair Wrap, Donaire Bun
I was a loyal, daily customer at A1 Coffee & Donair for years. I supported this business consistently because the food was great and the service used to be honest. Sadly, that all changed about a year ago, and I’ve completely stopped going — and I feel a responsibility to warn others.
Here’s what happened: A new cashier started working there, and suddenly, the payment experience completely changed. Instead of being handed the machine to select my own tip (as had always been the case with the owner), this employee would pre-enter a tip amount — often anywhere from 25% to 75% — without saying a word or giving me the option to choose. It was subtle, but intentional.
This happened repeatedly. It’s not a mistake — it’s a scam, plain and simple.
I’ve since looked into it and taken further steps, including speaking with the proper authorities, because this kind of behavior is unethical and likely illegal. No one should be tricked into tipping excessively without consent.
To be clear: this review isn’t about a misunderstanding. It’s about a deliberate, ongoing practice that takes advantage of customers. If you do choose to go here, I highly recommend double-checking your receipt and ensuring you input any tip yourself. Better yet — support a business that respects your trust.
I truly hope the owners take this seriously and clean up their front-end operations. Until then, I cannot recommend this place to anyone.
Guilty pleasure. They always give you more food than you can finish and it’s worth it every-time
Great spot all times of day or night
Best sharwama in BC
I used to live near this place and never gave it a thought as I'm not a coffee guy. Recently I was recommended to try their donairs and I cannot believe I was sleeping on this gem. Without doubt one of, if not the best donair I have ever had.
The staff were super friendly and I went with their recommendation to try a new type of wrap. Portions were extremely generous and the meat was PILED on. Both the garlic and hot sauces went so well with the chicken. I liked being able to quickly pick and choose toppings. The person behind me ordered a fries dish that I must try next time.
I came in at lunch time and it got busy. They had 3 people making orders and they were moving fast, meaning nobody had to wait long.
A very tasty experience.
The guys are awesome. My go to place for a quick fulfilling dinner
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best chicken donair in Surrey. The staff is always friendly, a wonderful local place to eat. Large portions and superior quality.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Donair Wrap
For those coming over and expecting a donair which is in the name of the store - don't bother. I drove 20 minutes to get some food but before 10 o clock they only serve coffee and donuts
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
This place is A1, one of the best places for Donair / Shawarma in Surrey.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Best in Surrey for donair wrap and donair plate! Cheap and tasty, quantity is good too
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
A1 serves the most delicious, freshest, flavourful dishes in Surrey. Every time we order from here, the food tastes like it’s from my grandmothers kitchen. I have always been astonished at the quality and consistent amazing service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rice Platter, Special Chicken and Fries
- Chicken & rice: ★★★★★
- Salad options: ★★★★★
- Sauce: ★★★☆☆
- Dine-in experience: ★★★★☆
Overall, a fantastic meal with excellent chicken and salad, but the sauce could use a little improvement!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
this restaurant specializes in handcrafted potatoes sliced into perfect bite sized pieces for easy eating and very healthy vegetables to contract the hot potato’s which adds a strong but not overwhelming flavour to the handmade dish, with added spices, their master craft dish embodies what a true meal is supposed to encapsulate.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Donair with Side of Fries
The best donair place around, reasonable price, great portions and amazing taste, have been coming for years and will continue to
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rice Platter, Special Chicken and Fries, Chicken Donair Wrap, Donaire Bun
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