Whenever I want a quick meal on the go, minus the guilt, I’ll always choose a shawarma over a burger. It’s just as filling but won’t make you feel too full and sluggish after, ideal for the busiest days of the week.
Finding authentic shawarma in Halifax isn’t difficult. There are a bunch of mom-and-pop shops, as well as popular chains, serving great Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s a very convenient meal to have, especially if you work downtown.
So you, too, can satiate your cravings, we’ve made a guide to help. Below, we rounded up the best places to eat shawarma in Halifax.
1. GrillWay and Catering
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Location: 817 Bedford Hwy, Bedford
Operating hours:
Monday, 12 PM–8 PM
Wednesday-Sunday, 11 AM–8 PM
Phone: +19028327666
Must-have: Chicken Shawarma Wrap
GrillWay is a 15-minute drive from downtown Halifax, but their delicious Chicken Shawarma Wrap will definitely make your trip worth it. They also offer beef, which is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a heavier meal.
No matter what you order, the meat is tender and seasoned to perfection, while the toppings are always fresh. Everything comes together in a pan-grilled wrap, which I can finish in one sitting, especially when I’m very hungry.
But if you don’t want the wrap, you can order the shawarma in a hefty bowl, served with rice, salad, fries, and pickles. It’s topped with an oh-so-delicious creamy garlic sauce.
Pro Tip: You can order family-size shawarma platters for group get-togethers and dinners with friends and loved ones. It includes soft drinks, a variety of side dishes, and sauces. |
2. Station1 Lebanese Kitchen
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Website: https://station1lebanesekitchen.com/
Location: 50 Tacoma Dr, Dartmouth
Operating hours:
Sunday, 12 PM–8 PM
Monday-Saturday, 11 AM–9 PM
Phone: +19024462547
Must-have: Syrian-style Shawarma Wrap
At Station 1, you can choose between Syrian and Mediterranean-style shawarma. What sets them apart is the blend of spices used in the marinade, as well as the sauces that go on top of the meat.
Syrian-style wraps are aromatic with a pronounced garlic taste, while Meditteranean variations are more citrusy. Both are served with homemade garlic sauce, but you can opt for tahini for your Mediterranean wraps.
If you order a bowl instead of a pita, you’ll have a choice of rice or fattoush salad. I’d pick the latter if I want something on the lighter side with mixed greens and other fresh veggies.
Pro Tip: You can buy extra sauces to go with your shawarma order. They have homemade garlic sauce, tzatziki, and tahini. |
3. Mashawee Mediterranean Grill
Website: https://mashaweemediterraneangrill.ca/
Location: 1526 Dresden Row
Operating hours: Daily, 11 AM–11 PM
Phone: +19024239742
Must-have: Beef Shawarma
Located in Garrison Place, Mashawee is a mom-and-pop shop where you can get halal Mediterranean plates, shawarma, and other pita wraps. They have chicken and beef options all packed with thinly sliced meat, fresh veggies, and a creamy garlic sauce.
The wraps only cost $10.95, but they come in large, generous portions. If you want to add soda and fries on the side, it will only cost an extra $6.96.
What I like most about this spot is that it stays open until the late hours of the night. You can grab a quick, affordable bite before going to the nearby pubs for a few drinks.
Pro Tip: Since this is a small shop, they don’t accept reservations. Just make sure to arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on the weekends. |
4. Tarek’s Cafe
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Website: http://www.tarekscafe.ca/
Location: 3045 Robie St
Operating hours:
Monday-Saturday, 11:30 AM–7:30 PM
Phone: +19024548723
Must-have: Half and Half Shawarma Platter
Tarek’s Cafe is a small restaurant serving Greek, Lebanese, and Canadian comfort foods, including shawarma. The most popular item on the menu is the Half and Half, which is meant to be shared.
This platter comes with a pile of beef and chicken. You also get pita, rice, salad, hummus, and tzatziki sauce, so you can assemble everything yourself to fit your own preferences.
If you’re dining solo, you can order individual beef and chicken shawarmas. They’re already wrapped for you, making them the perfect grab-and-go meal for the busiest days of the week.
Pro Tip: If you want a healthier, meat-free alternative, you can choose from their vegan wraps. They have falafel, eggplant, and more. |
5. Chef Abod Cafe and Catering
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Website: https://chefabod.com/
Location: 3217 Kempt Rd
Operating hours:
Sunday, 12 PM–8:30 PM
Monday-Thursday, 11 AM–8:30 PM
Friday-Saturday, 11 AM–9 PM
Phone: +19024553881
Must-have: Chicken Shawarma Plate
For a Middle Eastern dining experience that never disappoints, head to Chef Abod Cafe and Catering on Kempt Road. When I have time to settle in for a leisurely meal, their Chicken Shawarma Plate is my go-to.
Each order includes fresh salad, tangy pickles, and creamy hummus. You can also choose between rice and crispy fries, but no matter what you pick, you’ll always have warm pita bread on the side so you can wrap shawarma just the way you like it.
Aside from their generous portions, their weekly discounts will surely keep you coming back for more. Seniors can save up to 15% on Sundays, students get their turn on Tuesdays, while all ladies have Wednesdays dedicated to them.
Pro Tip: Save some space for baklava, a sweet, flaky pastry filled with nuts and honey. They serve one of the best in the city. |
6. Mezza Lebanese Kitchen
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Website: https://www.ordermezza.com/
Location: 1558 Barrington St
Operating hours:
Sunday-Thursday, 11 AM–12 AM
Friday-Saturday, 11 AM–4 AM
Phone: +19024258882
Must-have: Chicken Shawarma Poutine
Known for its quick, satisfying meals, Mezza Lebanese Kitchen is a Halifax favorite, especially for lunch on the go. Since they stay open until the wee hours of the morning, they’re the perfect spot to hit up after drinks at the pub.
It’s not the most traditional Middle Eastern restaurant, but it’s still quite good. It’s a decent introduction to the cuisine, especially for picky eaters.
While they do have the more traditional wraps, I suggest trying the Chicken Shawarma Poutine. It’s made with hand-cut fries, cheese curds, and of course, slices of perfectly marinated meat. Everything is topped with their signature gravy and garlic sauce.
Pro Tip: Mezza is a restaurant chain that has various stores in the city. You can check their website to find out the closest branch to you. |
7. Fattoush Mediterranean Grill
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Website: http://www.clover.com/online-ordering/fattoush-restaurant-halifax
Location: 56 Supreme Ct
Operating hours:
Tuesday-Friday, 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
Saturday, 2 PM–9:30 PM
Phone: +19024451200
Must-have: Saj Chicken Shawarma
Nestled in The Boss Plaza, Fattoush is a Mediterranean restaurant where you can get shawarma wraps and platters.
My favorite is the Saj Chicken Shawarma, featuring tender, juicy marinated chicken that’s slow-cooked to perfection. Instead of pita, they use saj, which is an unleavened flatbread with a crispier texture and smokier flavor.
If you get the platter, your shawarma order will include bread, rice, salad, hummus, and garlic sauce. Aside from chicken, they offer slow-roasted marinated beef, thinly sliced before served on a platter or wrapped in bread.
Pro Tip: You can add sides like fattoush salad, fries, or onion rings for an extra cost. You can also pick other sauces to go with your shawarma. |
8. 7 Peppers Grill
Media credit: 7peppersgrill
Website: http://www.7peppersgrill.net/
Location: 6169 Quinpool Rd
Operating hours: Daily, 11 AM–9 PM
Phone: +19024312727
Must-have: Mixed Shawarma Plate
If you’re searching for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with hearty portions and bold flavors, 7 Peppers Grill is the place to go. While they do have a variety of dishes, the shawarma wraps are the highlight of the menu.
I prefer the Mixed Shawarma Plate whenever I want a hefty meal. It comes with slow-roasted chicken and beef strips, which have the perfect amount of spice to give it a flavorful kick without burning your tongue.
Alongside the marinated meat, you’ll have seasoned rice, fresh salad, and of course, creamy, slightly tangy garlic sauce to bring everything together.
Pro Tip: Upgrade your shawarma meal with baba ganouj, which costs extra but will definitely be worth it. The rich, smoky flavor and creamy texture add that extra oomph! |