So you just moved to Ottawa and you’re wondering what the deal is with this “shawarma” you’re hearing so much about. Or maybe you’re a shawarma aficionado, looking to try some new places. Either way, we—Amanda and Rosa—are here to help you discover the wonderful world of shawarma in Ottawa with some of our top picks.
Best sandwich
A: I would say Shawarma Village, the best (and only) shawarma joint in my hometown, but it’s a solid 40-minute drive from Carleton. However, Shawarma Palace has seriously solid shawarma in three locations in Ottawa (if you don’t want to visit Winchester, the home of Dairyfest and my parents). The secret to Shawarma Palace’s success is their bread, not too thick and grilled to crispy perfection. If you like your shawarma super saucy, you might want to ask for extra because I tend to find their shawarmas a tad dry otherwise.
R: This is a tie for me between Shawarma Palace and 3 Brothers. Both places grill the sandwiches well. If you like spicy food, 3 Brothers also has some great spicy garlic sauce.
Best plate
A: I admit I rarely get plates—call me cheap—but Shawarma de Roza (Fisher and Prince of Wales) gave me free baklava that was so wonderfully crisp and doused in the perfect amount of honey. Their shawarmas were solid, too, plus you can order delivery or pick up online. Hooray for technology and minimal human contact!
R: For me, a plate takes care of two, if not three meals, so I expect mine to be piled high. Shawarma Palace dishes out a ton of sauce on their gigantic plates, and you can replace the rice with extra potatoes. This place feeds not just my stomach, but my soul.
Best novelty
R: If you love shawarma (me) and you also love poutine (me) and you can’t decide between the two, 3 Brothers has got you covered. Cue shawarma poutine, featuring shawarma chicken over fries with amazing gravy and lots of cheese. Don’t forget to ask for garlic sauce on top, which in my opinion perfects this dish. Also, one order is perfect for two people (date idea!).
A: I second Rosa’s suggestion of shawarma poutine. I’d also like to add that Shawarma Station, tucked away in a strip mall south of South Keys, is decked out like a ’50s diner, shiny chrome exterior and all. According to my mom, seasoned Ottawa expat, there used to be a themed restaurant there before Shawarma Station took over. I haven’t eaten there since I was about 12, but I remember liking it.
Messiest shawarma
A: House of Greek (Baseline and Prince of Wales). Deliciously tasty, but make sure to wear a bib or face the garlic-scented wrath. Gloves are recommended.
R: Shawarma is inherently messy, but the messiest I’ve had is at David’s Pizza and Shawarma. The real gauge is whether the sandwich is worth the messiness or not. This one can be, but I’d still pick the Palace.
Best garlic sauce
A: Shawarma Byte. It’s a bit of a hike if you don’t have vehicular access, but this Findlay Creek establishment has a wonderfully tangy sauce. I also recommend their garlic potatoes for the maximum garlic experience. Despite what its name might suggest, Shawarma Byte is not a Middle Eastern Internet café and does not have free wifi. Boo.
R: I swear I don’t work for Shawarma Palace. I just go there a lot because their garlic sauce is great—especially on their garlic potatoes.
Worst shawarma
A: Shawarma King. Just don’t go there.
R: Carleton University. There’s a reason the shawarma place in the food court never has a lineup. The capital university really needs to step up their game.
