Decent Shawarma
I've been hungry for a decent chicken shawarma, like they serve in Ottawa. Even for me a 5 hour drive is a bit much to pick up a sandwich.
Anyone know of somewhere downtown where I can get a good shawarma?
katiej
Jul 09, 2003 11:42AM
In the Annex, there are two decent places for Schwarma:
1) Sarah's (Bloor&Brunswick, next to Future bakery)
This is a place that I used to frequent in university (just graduated). Pretty good food here. Chicken/Beef Schwarma is 3.69 + tax. They recently raised the prices. Falafel used to be 1.99, but now it's 2.49. Bah!
2) Place next to the Bloor Cinema (Bloor, just East of Bathurst)
This place is cheap! Falafel is 1.99 and Schwarma is 2.49 I think. lots of other take-away stuff, all pretty good.
I think there is also a decent place somewhere om Kensington Market, but I can't remember exactly where it is... Anyone know what I'm talking about?
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The Kensington spot you may be thinking of Akram's, which makes a nifty falafel
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Theres a joint besides the Hooters downtown. Adelaide and John. Its right besides it, on the north side. My classmate, who's from Syria swears by it. He's been from windsor to hamilton and this spots his fav. I think its pretty good...
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It's called Nez's Falafel House. As I work downtown at the CBC, I go there all the time for lunch. Food is great, they're open late (till 2am on most nights) and pretty reasonable prices.
I highly recommend the chicken shawarma plate!
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there is a new place on queen street west called Arabesque.
They are close to the dufflets store and next door to Butler's pantry (former Citron).
He serves a fine falafel, nice shawarma and many other middle eastern treats. you can get fresh coffee beans and some groceries.
You have to try out some of his specialty coffees.
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I second recommendation (2) above (the shop next to Bloor Cinema). If I recall correctly, it is something of an institution in the area, and has the benefit of being open very late and being authentic. Their samosas are incredible, as is the shawarma.
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Ghazale's - chicken shwarma is $2.99 and everything else is just as cheap... good, fast and cheap - can't be beat!
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Ghazele...next to the Bloor cinema. Almost impossible to walk by that place without gettig high on the intoxicating perfumes it emits...
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Eaton Centre - south foodcourt. I think it's called the Shawarma King.
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I would have to second Laila. In the last 3 days I've stopped by Ghazale's and Laila on my way home from work, both are across the street from each other and its tough to decide... Laila's is a bit bigger but costs a bit more. I find the Ghazale shwarma reminds me of my home-cooked Indian food... they have terrific samousas for $1 too.
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In addition to those places already suggested (Ghazale's, Akram's, Naz's) you could also try
- Ali Baba's on 607 Queen W (Friday's they have 2for1 Shwarma plate for $9.99)
- Laila 553 Bloor W (was the Annex Aida's) though their falafel gets more recommendations than their shwarma...
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I've had Naz's Chicken Shawarma, and a few other placs as well. I can absolutely guarantee an amazing value and absolute bliss if you have a Chicken Shawarma sandwich (or plate!) from Falafel World. I'd say they give you twice as much meat as most other sandwiches I've had for about the same price. Friendly staff too!
It's not downtown but right by Jane Station. North side of Bloor St, second block East of Jane. 2396 Bloor W
Adamino
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Can anyone tell me if Naz's Falafel House is still around and worth going to?
I'm going to be in the CBC neighbourhood tomorrow evening and need a fast and unfussy cheapeat for supper.
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Yes, Naz's is still around, and I am enjoying a chicken shwarma as I type.
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I have to say that Ghazale's beside the Bloor cinema is superb... I have to pay a visit every few weeks or so!
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I may have the name wrong, but I think it's called "Mediterranean on the Go". It's location is on Dundas, east of University on the south side (yellow sign). Yummy!
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Queen Pita on Queen E, East of Leslie across from the Beer Store has great Shawarma. The rest of their food is good, too, including a yummy lentil soup!
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Maybe my timing has been bad, but I live in the area and therefore tried it on about 4 separate occasions. It certainly got some good press and it's cheap. I haven't been very happy. Dried-out shawarma at different times of day; blah, soggy falafel; indeciferable spicing in everything; odd lentil soup.
Not too impressed with Naz either, though I liked it better than Queen Pita.
I've been happier with the Armenian Kitchen on V.P. north of Eg and the Jerusalem on Eg west (though I haven't been to Jerusalem in a couple of years).
I used to like Aida's on Queen east, but it's current incarnation, Alex's, isn't as good.
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Personally, I think shwarma in downtown Toronto is terrible - but Ottawa can have it, since it's the only food they do well there *ducks*. To me, the best Middle Eastern in T.O. is in Scarborough, along Lawrence. I like Arz Bakery and Armenian Kitchen. There was an Egyptian one with a yellow sign, too, but I can't remember the name.
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this is a great posting...im from ottawa and love shawarmas, the best in ottawa for those of u who dont know, is shawarma palace at 464 rideau st. As for toronto, ive eaten at a few places along bloor and queen streets and i am so unimpressed. 1st of all, why dont they cut the chicken off the spit, and why do they grill it?? and when the sandwich is made why dont they grill it to finish it off? where are the pickled turnips? what is going on??????? Please, if anyone has eaten a chicken sandwich in ottawa, can u tell me if any of these places make them the same way!!!
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i didn't know what made shwarma in ottawa, but if it's off the spit, then grilled to finish you're looking for then red and white on yonge fits the bill. i don't know if they have pickled turnips, but they have pickled red cabbage which i imagine tastes basically the same (that is, pickilish). give them a try, they're between wellesley and college on the east side of the street.
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Just had a great one last night, exactly like this. It's on the south side of Bloor, just west of Spadina, mmmm. Put it in a press at the end to finish it off, good eating!
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If you ever are at York University . . . . Falafel Hut has good Shwarma . . . .
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no, its not downtown, but if you're ever out in Mississauga - or more specifically, Streetsville, you gotta check out Osmo's. By far, the BEST i've ever tried. egyptian style. soooooo good.
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I work downtown Toronto and have tried several places as well as places around the city and GTA. Used to work in Ottawa and the shawarmas there are better than Toronto but I have to agree with chinwhat. Osmow in Mississauga is the most delicious I've ever tasted. Beats the turkish donairs in germany too. It's in Streetsville on Queen street just south of Thomas. You can get them 'little bit spicy' to get the best flavour.
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I loved the shwarma spots in Windsor and Montreal. Must agree that I haven't found anything equally delectable in Toronto. Perhaps part of the reason is that we are slow to catch on to Lebanese food as a fast food?
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South Food Court at the Eaton Centre beside Marche! Great chicken shwarma. Fresh off the spit because of so much traffic. Always fresh! Including pickled turnips! Very very good. Shwarma IS fast food, so how could you go wrong in the busiest food court?
High marks to the place upstairs on John St too. Chicken only, I never get the ?other stuff?.
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Champion Kocharech(sp?) on the danforth just west of Donlands has a really good shawarma along with other Turkish specialties. Not as cheap ($5) as some of the places mentioned above but there aren't that many places in the east end.
Totally agree with Ghazales (the place next to the bloor cinema) for both shawarma and samosas.
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Hey jen2202,
Try Farhat on Lawrence E., a little west of Warden on the north side. Sounds like what you're looking for. 3 or 4 spits of meat on the go at a time: chicken, beef or lamb. Pickled radish galore, and almost always some kind of line. There are comments on Farhat in other earlier threads here. $3.50 for one, or 2 for $6.00.
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I agree with Yongeman. We, too, love the shawarma at Farhats. Very very tasty, and an excellent value. You're right about the line up; on our last visit they had run out of pita and we had to wait while they ran out to get more. Just a heads up - go there early if you want to try the falafel (also great).. its often sold out by 7:00.
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The thing to keep in mind in Toronto is that there's a vast mix of people from across the Middle East, so you can get shwarmas that are Israeli, Lebanese, and even Syrian in style. So, the flavors and choices of filling will vary (i.e. whether there are pickled beets/turnips/whatever).
Me, I have a tendency to eat at Wrap and Go, or whatever it's called, at Yonge and Carlton. I wouldn't say it's the best place (I find the beef a little sour, but for some crazy reason, I keep ordering it in preference to the chicken), but one of my friends is in the same building, so I eat there out of convenience.
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im definatly with the Lebanese on the shawarma tip...yummy, thanks to those of u who have helped me on where to go for the style im used to!! i fully intend to try these places and ill let u know what i think!!
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Try a tiny place called Something To Talk About (don't be put off by the name) on Gerrard just west of Bay. No pickled turnips but good shawarma and other sandwiches.
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I second Something 2 Talk About (yes, the numeral is actually a part of the name). I've been there a few times, and have been impressed with all the wrap-type sandwiches.
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Love Ali Baba on Queen West around Lansdowne. Probably the best I've had in the city and they toast them up real nice....
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Ali Baba on Queen W. near Spadina, is now renamed, 'Omar'. Is this new ownership? I also just saw another 'Ali Baba' on Weston Rd. south of Lawrence, I think. Anyone know if this is the same as the one on Queen? Any good?
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I have a feeling that Ali Baba is a franchise because I've seen the one on Queen W near Spadina and on on Dundas W near Roncesvalles. Haven't tried those ones, but the one I go to at Queen near Lansdowne is yummy!
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QUOTE" on Jul 14, 2003 Michael replied
Eaton Centre - south foodcourt. I think it's called the Shawarma King. /END QUOTE (darnit all!!)
3rd-ed.
It's a cheap n' cheerful place hidden between MacDonalds & the Marche. They also have great Dolmades!
Caution- there is always a lineup with the office worker lunch crowd!
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No one mentioned Yummys on Yonge street between Bloor and Wellesly. They too make a wicked Shwarma. But I must say there are certain places on St.Catherines Street in Montreal that make wicked Shwarmas as well. Been to the one in Ottawa. They where so good I had to have two. So I agree with you there...Tour
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Had the shawarma & falafel from Grab N'Wrap tonight... pretty good but still much prefer Red & White, plus the joints near Bathurst/Steeles. Tried the kebab at Aladdin's Palace last night.. dried out and uninspiring. Still need to give Farhat a shot.
In Montreal, I love Boustan's at Crescent & Maisonneuve, but I hear Ottawa bests both cities.
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Love the chicken there. So busy and so fresh!
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Uggh, I think Shawarma King (is that what it is called... who even cares) in the Eaton Centre is not good at all. My faves:
1. King Falafel at Bathurst+Eglinton (when it is fresh it is lovely, when it is dry...not so much)
2. La’Zeez, at Gerrard/Jarvis
3. Anoush on Yonge, north of Finch (sooooo good).
I agree with Ghazale, next to Bloor Cinema. Their shawarma and food in general is very nicely done, and really fresh. Cheap too. I also agree with Mediterranean 2 Go, on Dundas/University. They have very good shawarmas. And I've heard very good things of Armenian Kitchen yes, been meaning to go for ages.
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Hey, when you are stuck working in touristland, there's not alot of options @ lunchtime.
I do go to King Falafel quite a bit, as it is in my area- but they really are hit & miss, but the ladies are always so nice. The new Hallelujah is giving them a run for their money tho. Great soup there & live music sometimes. Wasn't impressed with Jerusalem as someone mentioned already.
Will have to check out Ghazels as that is near my school.
Donair house -is that the one on elm? The have the famed "Nova Scotian Donair". It's awesome for those indulgent days!!
-EPI
Edit***gah- I can't belive these posts aren't sub organized in time sequence.
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I believe the Nova Scotian Donair at Yonge and Elm is called "Gyros". Donair House (Turkish) is a block north beside the Big Slice. Hah yeah so I did ask the DKH owner if the garlic sauce happened to be sweet, and he was like, "No! Is not sweet! Is garlic!!" Good times...
Bissli, and especially Me va me, are both very good. Thornhill is where it's at.
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Oh my gosh, I'm so excited to hear there are Nova Scotian-style donairs in T.O. I'll have to check out "Gyros" at Yonge/Elm when I get nostalgic. Thanks for the tip!
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You can also try College Falafel on Ossington, just north of College. They have a sign outside advertising Halifax style Donair.
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Thanks, Delish! Although I wasn't a fan of the sweet donair sauce, I love to reminisce about the great donairs found at "pizza corners".
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Me too! I used to live in Halifax and remember having donairs with a sweet garlic sauce, they were so good. I remember once in our haste to get one, we locked our keys in the car, with the car running ... duh?
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Me va Me absolutely with out a doubt the very best shawarma in the city of toronto nothing compares, oooops sorry its on the north side of steeles which actually makes it in thornhill between Bathurst and Yonge st.
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EPIcureanTO, I also like King Falafel for shawarma and falafel. But since you're in the area, go a bit further west on Eglinton, at the NE corner of Caledonia. There is a fairly new place calle Babos Donerpoint. It's Turkish, so it's a different twist on the usual shawarma. Very tasty and BIG. The bread is a huge, flat Turkish bread, made fresh and filled with lovely fresh ingredients, then grilled. I've only been once, but can't wait to get back. They also served a complimentary hot apple cider while waiting. Very nice people. You can also check out a newish Portuguese place about 2 doors east called Lavrador BBQ. Great, homey food.
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Ah yes- "GYROS" & not donair! One should not post when in a rush!
YM-Thanks for the Caledonia & EG. dining tips! I rarely go W. of Allen for any reason, but I have been looking for a new Portuguese BBQ place!
Gracias again..
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Not at all downtown more on the Lawrence strip: the falafel/shawarma place in the same plaza as NASR foods -- chciken shawarma and falafal were really good; beef okay but not great. The only place I've had a better such sandwich is Palestine.
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I believe the place you are referring to is called Farhat (on Lawrence E., a little west of Warden on the north side in the same plaza as NASR). I agree they have the best shawarma in town !!! (see my post above)
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Tried Farhat's last week. It's very small inside and smoky. The beef was very tough and chewy though; will try the lamb or chicken next time. Staff is friendly.
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By far the best shawarma deal going on right now is at Bissli at Centre and Dufferin in Thornhill.
It's Israeli style (meat in pita pocket and not rolled inside a thin flat pita). For $3.95 you get a huge amount of superb meat inside a pita with your choice of a variety of real salads (not wimpy lettuce as some places stuff their sandwiches with) such as eggplant, israeli salads, veggies, tahini, humous etc.
Love this place.
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MONTFORTS in Oakville....open until 4am.
BEST chicken shawarma.
Oh man....
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Man I've been jonesin to try Montfort's as well. My sister is out in Missy and she raves about it even though she doesn't care too much for shawarma.
Yeah, so last night I was starving so I went and checked out the Donair Kebab House at Yonge & Gerrard. Ordered the chicken + veal sandwich, and after the owner sliced off the veal, he went ahead and sauteed it up for a few minutes... damn, it smelled so good in there. Both the hot sauce and the garlic sauce were a really nice house mix (though he's pretty stingy on the latter), and very tasty sandwich.
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Agreed. Donair Kebab House is really really good. Not the greatest service ever, but the veal donair is so good.