Best shawarma in town?

[Kentan]

Any shawarma lovers out there?

For anyone who doesn’t know, a shawarma is meat cooked on a rotisserie for a few hours, sliced off and wrapped in a pita with vegetables and a sauce like garlic mayo, tahini, hummus, or the owner’s own creation. It’s very popular in the Middle East and is similar to a doner kebab. One of the few bright spots when I lived in Ottawa was trying out the large number of Lebanese shawarma places around town. While not as plentiful as sushi in Vancouver, it’s definitely the best ethnic cuisine in the city. If you happen to go, I recommend either the Shawarma Palace on Rideau St or Shawarma King on Bank St.

Vancouver still has some catching up to do on the shawarma front. But there have been some good places opening up in the last few years. I think the best shawarma downtown is Babylon Café, which has 2 locations on Robson St between Granville and Howe. Runner up goes to any of the Falafel Houses or Falafel Kings, as they are owned by the same family.

But the best shawarma I’ve found so far is in Burnaby. Abdul’s BBQ is in the Crystal Mall complex at the corner of Kingsway and Willingdon. It faces the street and it’s always packed.

Why is it so good?

- Great quality meat (beef, chicken, or lamb)

- Falafel is made fresh while you wait (takes 12 minutes)

- Large servings

- Homemade garlic and hot sauces

- The owner, Abdul, obviously puts a lot of care into the food he serves. He's very friendly and is happy to answer any questions about halal meat or what goes into making a shawarma.

So does anyone know of any other recommendable shawarma places in town? There seem to be quite a few along Commercial but I haven’t been to any of them.

[chocomoo]

Oh, I didn't realize those 2 locations on Robson were owned by the same people! No wonder the signs look so similar! I actually like the one closer to Chapters more - and there is never a burnt smell wafting out the door. They had these really good Middle Eastern/Turkish/Greek pistachio desserts before, that were so light. I didn't see them last time I think they told me they were a version of baklava, but they were not drenched in syrup.

[flowbee]

I totally agree that Abdul's BBQ has the best shawarma and falafel. His hot sauce is the best and he won't share the recipe!

He's got takeout menus printed up now. Makes a nice read.

I also like the lentil soup, which I'm sure he makes from scratch as well.

[Vancouver]

While Nuba doesn't have shawarma it does offer a good selection of high quality Lebanese dishes including beef sirloin kebabs, lamb kafta, lamb kibbeh, falafel, etc.

I have only been to the new location on Seymour and quite like it. Details on their website at: http://www.nuba.ca/

I'll have to go check out Abdul's!

Cheers!

[Dirty Rice]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I read this thread yesterday morning and was at at Abdul's BBQ in the afternoon. The falafel was amazing! As mentioned it took 10 minutes to fry up the plump, crispy, tender falafel balls to perfection. This was a two handed wrap loaded with crisp lettuce, tomatoes and all the regular suspects. This could become an obsession.

Edited August 2, 2007 by Dirty Rice (log)

[Panda]

The only place I've had shawarma is at Best Falafel on Commercial Drive and I was hooked. Since I live so close to Crystal Mall I think I'll drop by Abdul's when my next shawarma craving hits, thanks .