Where To Find the Best Shawarma in Dubai

In Dubai, the Middle Eastern kebab sandwich known as shawarma has become a popular street dish. The best shawarma restaurants in Dubai may be found at these popular fast-food chains.

Similar to how the Greek word for "ring" got its name and the Turkish kebab "doner," or "rotating," the Arabic word for "shawarma" gets its name, "wirma," the term means "to turn" in English. The sizzling meat soaks up its own juices with each gradual rotation. A Middle Eastern or Mediterranean-inspired flatbread is packed with the meat and topped with a variety of veggies and sauces. Locals are divided over the ideal design, especially over the contentious inclusion of French fries as a filler. In Dubai, tahini and garlic sauces are a common accompaniment to spicy marinades.

The following are our top picks for the best places in Dubai to get a chicken shawarma:

Al Mallah

Al Mallah has been a Dubai institution for shawarma aficionados for more than four decades. There is a wide range of options at Al Mallah, from a traditional sit-down supper to a quick grab-and-go lunch. A good falafel sandwich is also on the menu for those who prefer something a little more unusual.

Satwa; Dh9 per chicken shawarma; 7am to 2am (Saturday - Thursday), 9am to 2am (Fridays);

Zaroob

Price: starting at Dh13.00.

This was shared by Zaroob Restaurant (@zaroob):

Also a Dubai institution, Zaroob may be found in the Radisson Blu Residence in Dubai Marina, uptown Mirdif and Silicon Oasis in addition to the Trade Centre. While some have questioned the speed of the service, the quality of the food is undeniable.

Picnic Home

Price: Dh6 and above

"One of the greatest shawarmas I've ever tasted in Dubai can be found in a modest Lebanese cafeteria right outside the Al Fahidi metro station. Try it if you dare: They have a hot version that falls under the category of "try it if you dare." "Mary Paulose, a sub-editor for The National, says this.

Kabab Erbil Iraqi

Price: Dh20 and above.

I saw this on the Twitter of Kabab Erbil Iraqi

Iraqi shawarma sandwiches from Kabab Erbil aren't as well-known as its kubba and tashreeb, but the chain's Al Rigga, Al Muteena, and Jumeirah 2 locations make them a contender. Additionally, tashreeb shawarma, maglouba shawarma, and shawarma with rice are available at the establishment (Dh75 each). You may also check out Al Iraqi's Samad Al Iraqi, which has locations in Jumeirah 2 and The Pointe. The cheapest shawarma sandwiches cost Dh16.50 here......

Al Ijaza Cafeteria

The late-night shawarma at this casual restaurant, which has been around for more than three decades, is a must-try. Al Ijaza is always congested. Honking your horn will summon someone to take your order if you prefer not to sit inside.

Near Mercato Mall, Jumeirah 1 Chicken shawarma costs Dh6.50 a piece. Shawarma is offered at 6pm, and the store is open from 9am to 3am every day (varies on weekends)

Al Safadi

The regular faces seen at Al Safadi's branches in Dubai have made the company famous. One of the most popular Lebanese restaurants in town, this is a more formal dining establishment. This destination is easily accessible to a wide range of individuals thanks to its five various sites across the United Arab Emirates.

Price: Dh12 per chicken shawarma; Hours: daily 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. in Umm Al Sheif, Trade Centre, Al Rigga, Pointe - Palm Jumeirah, and Motor City

Belad Al Sham

Though it may appear unassuming from the outside, Belad Al Sham's roasted chicken will make you pleased you stopped by. Meat shawarma wraps are a big draw at this renowned shawarma joint. Chicken shawarmas are available in a variety of flavors, including a Mexican-style shawarma.

Shawarma for Dh6.50 in Al Qusais locations daily from 9am to 1am

Allo Beirut

It's a popular choice for shawarma aficionados in the United Arab Emirates. In keeping with its name, Allo Beirut specializes in Lebanese cuisine, including a delicious shawarma.

At Dh10 for a small chicken shawarma and Dh19 for a larger one, this is one of the most reasonably priced shawarma joints in Dubai, and it's open till 3am.

Ikea

Unexpected though it may seem, this is a worthy addition to the list nonetheless. We prefer the spicy variety as a pre- or post-shopping pick-me-up. Add a cup of coffee and some potato wedges, and you've got yourself a dinner!

A chicken shawarma costs Dh5 and is available daily from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. in Dubai Festival City and Festival Plaza, Jebel Ali Village.

Laffah

With humble beginnings in Sharjah, the chain now has five locations in Dubai and Sharjah. According to the restaurant, the shawarmas and broasted chicken served here are prepared in an authentic Syrian style.

A chicken shawarma costs Dh7 in Sharjah, Dh7 in Dubai, and Dh7 at Al Taawun and Sahara Centre in Dubai. Hours: Almost all of them are open until 2 a.m. (check with the branch closest to you for exact timings)

Al Hallab

This popular Lebanese eatery is yet another excellent choice for Lebanese cuisine. A step up from honking at your local shawarma shop, this is a little more pricey and a little more upscale. The restaurant's dessert menu, which features a variety of delectable Lebanese sweets, is also well-known.

Dh11 for a shawarma at any of the following locations: Dubai Mall; Mall of the Emirates; Bab Al Behr -Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Blvd; AlGarhoud near the Creek Daily from 11 a.m. till 12 a.m. (till 1am at Bab Al Behr branch)

Tasty Burger

This modest little cafe is a personal favorite because it's usually packed. Even though there is only a little amount of seats, many people come here to try their delicious shawarmas and shakes. Make sure to wash it all down with something sweet, like grape juice or a Pistachio or Oreo shake.

Location

In Al Mankhool, on Khalid bin al-waleed road. Prices start at Dh6. Hours are 8 am to 1 am, seven days per week.

Filful

Cost: starting at Dh14

The original location of this Beiruti street food concept, Boxpark, has relocated to Dubai Marina Mall. An in-house chilli characterized as "the strongman of exquisite street cuisine... the one addition that makes all the difference" is the restaurant's name. So if you're looking for a spicy shawarma, this is the place to go.

Jabal Al Noor

In Dubai, Jabal Al Noor is a popular spot for shawarmas. This franchise, which has now grown across the UAE, got its beginnings in Al Diyafah. This cafeteria's kunafa is also a must-have.

shawarmas start from Dh5.50 at Al Diyafah, Satwa and Oud Metha in Dubai, and Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. 8:00 a.m. into the wee hours (check with closestlocation for timings)