There’s a special joy in being able to have the same experience… over 10 years later. Same person same food same taste same portions—what a delight. A lot of things have changed, but chicken over rice lives unchanged in my memories and in reality haha I’ve been a lot of places now, but nowhere has the same taste.
Guy Rien
Food has gone down a step recently. But still a good option.
But the low score is due to the insistent eye rolling and RBF if you don't tip them. I mean it's a food truck, we shouldn't be expected to tip.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 2
C.
Shah’s Halal Food is one of the few places around UC Davis that actually understands value. The portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and you leave feeling like you got more than you paid for. It’s straightforward, efficient, and focused on delivering substance rather than pretending to be something it’s not.
What stands out most is how cost-effective it is. No inflated pricing, no unnecessary posturing—just solid food that does its job well. In an area where you often feel like you’re paying extra for branding or location, Shah’s feels refreshingly honest.
Ironically, that contrast highlights a broader issue with UC Davis itself. Much like many things on campus, the institution tends to emphasize image, messaging, and internal politics while struggling to deliver proportional returns. Compared to other UC schools—UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, or UC Santa Barbara—where competition, efficiency, and outcomes feel sharper, Davis often feels bloated and underwhelming.
Shah’s succeeds precisely because it avoids that mindset. It doesn’t rely on reputation or optics—it earns its value directly. In a campus environment where cost rarely aligns with payoff, that makes it stand out even more.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Omid Ahmadi
Very nice staff delicious food price are very convenient
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kyle S
overpriced, doesn’t taste good.
Lena Treiber
For its price, it's just ok. I took a picture of the food truck so you guys can see the current prices, and for like half a box, it's lowkey steep. I know I didn't get the spicy sauce and idk if that makes it taste better, but I felt that overall, flavor was lacking. I also am not a big fan of the cubed and not shaved lamb. Idk, as a starving and broke college student, I think there are better places to go for food.
Not great. Stars appear to be for on campus food not compared to off campus food. Edible and a bit expensive. Sauce is mayo and sour cream, not yougurt, or tahini. Get the Bbq.
Despite being in a tiny food truck right next to the Silo bus hub, Shah's Halal Food punches miles above its weight in terms of food, service speed, and convenience for a regular student like me. Yes, theres other places on campus, but none are THIS good and THIS close to where I actually have stuff happening on a regular day. All the Gyros ive tried from this place have been well worth their price; having amazing food within a few minutes of walking is priceless to me.
Try it if you ever swing by the Silo, they'll have amazing food even if the UC Davis-provided seating isnt the best in the world. 9.5/10 would absolutely recommend (though you shouldn't sit on the concrete seats too long, ill admit.)
Dietary restrictions: It's got it in the name; No pork, compliant with what most Muslims are allowed to eat, and pretty tasty too!
No complain about testiness but their Food is overpriced. They are selling halal food at the same time beg money as tips without providing any service. I don't mind tipping but what should students tip money for? They should put a machine outside for tipping who ever interested. After buying a $12 gyro the shameless man beg for money whos all customers are students.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
Zachary Buchanan
Same quality I remember from eating when I was at davis, but at about twice the price, and they don't give you a drink with your plate anymore.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Lamb over Rice
Giselle Vargas
A certified davis classic. Definitely my go to spot to eat at when I’m on campus. The staff is friendly and extremely efficient. You order and your food is out extremely fast. The food itself is great in portion size and taste. It is delicious. Will definitely continue coming here.
There’s a special joy in being able to have the same experience… over 10 years later. Same person same food same taste same portions—what a delight. A lot of things have changed, but chicken over rice lives unchanged in my memories and in reality haha I’ve been a lot of places now, but nowhere has the same taste.
Food has gone down a step recently. But still a good option.
But the low score is due to the insistent eye rolling and RBF if you don't tip them. I mean it's a food truck, we shouldn't be expected to tip.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 2
Shah’s Halal Food is one of the few places around UC Davis that actually understands value. The portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and you leave feeling like you got more than you paid for. It’s straightforward, efficient, and focused on delivering substance rather than pretending to be something it’s not.
What stands out most is how cost-effective it is. No inflated pricing, no unnecessary posturing—just solid food that does its job well. In an area where you often feel like you’re paying extra for branding or location, Shah’s feels refreshingly honest.
Ironically, that contrast highlights a broader issue with UC Davis itself. Much like many things on campus, the institution tends to emphasize image, messaging, and internal politics while struggling to deliver proportional returns. Compared to other UC schools—UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, or UC Santa Barbara—where competition, efficiency, and outcomes feel sharper, Davis often feels bloated and underwhelming.
Shah’s succeeds precisely because it avoids that mindset. It doesn’t rely on reputation or optics—it earns its value directly. In a campus environment where cost rarely aligns with payoff, that makes it stand out even more.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Very nice staff delicious food price are very convenient
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
overpriced, doesn’t taste good.
For its price, it's just ok. I took a picture of the food truck so you guys can see the current prices, and for like half a box, it's lowkey steep. I know I didn't get the spicy sauce and idk if that makes it taste better, but I felt that overall, flavor was lacking. I also am not a big fan of the cubed and not shaved lamb. Idk, as a starving and broke college student, I think there are better places to go for food.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Lamb over Rice
Chicken gyro 🥙 & Lightly Seasoned Fries with coffee ☕ 👌💯💯
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Gyro
Not great. Stars appear to be for on campus food not compared to off campus food. Edible and a bit expensive. Sauce is mayo and sour cream, not yougurt, or tahini. Get the Bbq.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
good good and good good, thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Falafel, Lamb Gyro, Chicken Gyro, Avocado, Chutney Pint, Afghani Salad, Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Kabuli
Despite being in a tiny food truck right next to the Silo bus hub, Shah's Halal Food punches miles above its weight in terms of food, service speed, and convenience for a regular student like me. Yes, theres other places on campus, but none are THIS good and THIS close to where I actually have stuff happening on a regular day. All the Gyros ive tried from this place have been well worth their price; having amazing food within a few minutes of walking is priceless to me.
Try it if you ever swing by the Silo, they'll have amazing food even if the UC Davis-provided seating isnt the best in the world. 9.5/10 would absolutely recommend (though you shouldn't sit on the concrete seats too long, ill admit.)
Dietary restrictions: It's got it in the name; No pork, compliant with what most Muslims are allowed to eat, and pretty tasty too!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb Gyro, Chicken Gyro
Restaurantji Recommends
the GOAT! must get in davis every time
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent good at a great price.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb over Rice
No complain about testiness but their Food is overpriced. They are selling halal food at the same time beg money as tips without providing any service. I don't mind tipping but what should students tip money for? They should put a machine outside for tipping who ever interested. After buying a $12 gyro the shameless man beg for money whos all customers are students.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
Same quality I remember from eating when I was at davis, but at about twice the price, and they don't give you a drink with your plate anymore.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Lamb over Rice
A certified davis classic. Definitely my go to spot to eat at when I’m on campus. The staff is friendly and extremely efficient. You order and your food is out extremely fast. The food itself is great in portion size and taste. It is delicious. Will definitely continue coming here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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