You know it, we know it. Shawarma is one of the best foods out there.
Made fast (and eaten even more rapidly) there’s loads to love about the pocket-friendly wraps, and there are loads of places to pick them up too.
Want to get your fix of chicken, garlic sauce, French fries and pickles? We don’t blame you.
Here are some of the best shawarmas in Abu Dhabi to dig into this week.
Al Afiya Turkish Restaurant
Nestled behind Shining Towers in Al Khalidiya, budget-friendly Al Afiya Turkish Restaurant offers a wide range of Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine, and everyone is welcome. The staff are really accommodating, and you have the option of indoor or outdoor seating or to have you food delivered to be enjoyed in private. With its generous serving sizes, meat and myriad sides with every meal, each dish is flavoured with perfectly balanced spices. If you prefer to skip the meat options, the kitchen does wonderful things with halloumi. A tea at the end of the meal rounds it off nicely, or if you want something a bit more decadent there’s always baklava and ice cream.
Open daily 8am-2am. Behind Shining Towers, Near ADIB, Al Khalidiya (02 666 0012).
Al Akkawi Star Cafeteria
Located opposite the Hamdan Centre, Al Markaziya, Al Akkawi Star is easy on the wallet, but not on the stomach since each portion packs a punch in size and flavor. Kick back at one of the outside tables while watching the world go by or envelope yourself in the frenetic energy indoors. Come hungry because the shawarma and the falafel are equally delicious, and it may just be impossible to choose between the two.
Open daily 7am-midnight. Hamdan Street, Al Markaziya (02 622 2367).
Al Bosphor Turkish Restaurant
So it’s technically a Turkish restaurant, but most restaurants worth their salt serving Levantine, Turkish or Middle Eastern cuisine will also serve up shawarmas too. Inside the bread you’ll find spicy sauce, sliced chicken and the usual accompaniments of French fries and pickles too all for the handy cost of Dhs6. Some of the tastiest budget shawarmas in Abu Dhabi can be found here.
Open daily 8am-1am. Hazza Bin Zayed the First Street, Al Nahyan (02 445 0011)
Al Ibrahimi Restaurant
For the past few decades, Al Ibrahimi has steadily remained a favourite go-to spot for a delicious, well-made shawarma (complete with fries and pickles). The restaurant also offers a variety of Middle Eastern, Pakistani and Chinese dishes if you really want something a bit different, but the shawarma will keep pulling you back. Open for takeaway, deliver, or a buffet lunch and dinner Al Ibrahimi will definitely cater to any need. Kids are welcome, table bookings are recommended and the venues are wheelchair accessible.
Takeaway: daily 11.30am-midnight. Buffet lunch: daily noon-4pm. Buffet dinner: daily 9pm-midnight. Various locations including Al jazeera Royal Hotel, near Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre (02 634 4244).
Bait El Khetyar
Served in more of a saj style (look away if you’re a purist), this shawarma is a little bit pricier than your standard shawarma in Abu Dhabi, coming in at Dhs11. Packed with spicy sauce, juicy chicken and loads of pickles it packs a punch but there are no French fries to be found in this one (but that doesn’t stop you ordering extra).
Open daily 7am-midnight. Fatima Bint Mubarak Street, Al Danah (02 633 3200).
IKEA
Okay, the venue is best known for its flat-pack furniture but believe it or not it’s also a popular shawarma spot. Head along to the Swedish store and you can pick up a chicken shawarma for Dhs5 or a large shawarma for Dhs9. Inside the bread you’ll find the usual suspects, garlic paste, French fries, chicken and pickles. Perfect.
Various locations including Yas Island and Al Wahda Mall www.ikea.com/ae/en/stores/restaurant/ikea-bistro-pub3a783c31
Lebanese Mill
Whether you opt for the beef or the chicken shawarma, both can be described as ‘juicy’ and are perfectly flavoured with garlic paste. With indoor seating, you have a chance to experience warm hospitality (and the occasional free falafel) with your meal wrapped up in the tantalising aromas from the kitchen.
Open daily noon-midnight. Opposite Al Wathba National Insurance Co, Street 9, Najda (02 677 7714).
Shawarma Street
With several locations around the emirate, Shawarma Street is open for sit down or delivery and offers a wide range of generous fillings in a choice of a pita, saj, or samoun wrap, along with a few unique offerings (chippy hot dog, anyone?) and refreshing beverages.
Open daily 8am-1am. Various locations including Al Ain Street, Al Danah (02 666 8085).
Shish Shawarma
Whether you need a quick appetiser or a full combo meal, Shish Shawerma has several outlets, is budget-friendly and offers delivery. Fairly popular, it’s always busy so be prepared to wait a bit for your order. If you’re close enough it’s worth going through for pick up rather than waiting on delivery. It’s also worth coming in to see how your shawarma is prepared from start to finish and wrapped in home-made bread. For something a bit different try one of the milkshakes with your meal. With shawarma in the name, you’d hope its some of the best shawarma in Abu Dhabi.
Open Sat-Wed 11am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11am-1am. Various locations including off the Corniche (02 650 5576).
Zahrat Lebnan
Dotted throughout the city at multiple locations, it’s really no surprise why this place is so popular. Specialising in Lebanese cuisine and boasting service that leaves you feeling like family, Zahrat Lebnan (or Lebanese Flower) offers relaxing indoor and outdoor seating, breakfast for the early birds, and delivery if you’re in a rush. The interior has been designed to give an authentic feel of a restaurant in Lebanon. It is family friendly and offers a kids’ menu with toys to keep the little ones entertained. If you have space, give the falafel a try as well though their menu is impressively large, accommodating almost any preference.
Open daily 8am-3am. Various locations including Hazza Bin Zayed The First Street (02 448 8130).
