A quintessential Middle Eastern street food, shawarma has become one of the most beloved dishes in Dubai, even though it isn’t originally from the UAE. This delightful wrap made with marinated meats has its roots in the Levant region but has effortlessly made its way into the hearts and stomachs of Dubai’s residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re seeking a quick lunch or a late-night snack at 2 am, you’ll find an abundance of fantastic shawarma spots scattered throughout the city.
In fact, there’s hardly a square kilometre in Dubai without at least one shawarma vendor. We’re here to guide you through the very best shawarma options in the city. Imagine succulent, slowly charred meats infused with rich spices and served in freshly baked pita or saj, generously slathered with creamy garlic sauce, and accompanied by tangy pickles and crispy French fries. It’s a combination that’s hard to resist!
Allo Beirut
Allo Beirut takes shawarma seriously. Choose from beef, chicken, or opt for a platter instead of a wrap. You can decide between classic Arabic bread or freshly baked saj. While the debate over which is superior is ongoing (classic bread has its loyalists), everything here is satisfying. If you go for the wrap, make sure to order the large size – you won’t regret it!
Location: Hessa Street, allobeirutstreetfood.com (800 862 34788)
Al Beiruti
While Al Beiruti garners attention for its manakish and Al Beiruti fries (which are topped with yogurt, sumac, zaatar, and parmesan), it’s the chicken and beef shawarma platters that truly captivate patrons. You can have your shawarma served with thick-cut fries, grilled potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh side salad.
Location: Umm Al Sheif, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 320 0043)
Al Hallab
Al Hallab offers a more luxurious shawarma experience, but it doesn’t involve any extravagant ingredients. Instead, the luxury lies in the freshly baked, pillowy soft bread that wraps around a juicy piece of chicken, paired with a generous serving of aromatic garlic paste, crispy fries, and crunchy pickles. It’s truly an all-star shawarma in Dubai!
Location: Various locations including The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, alhallabrestaurant.com (04 330 8828)
Al Falamanki
With its charming ambiance and some of the finest Lebanese pastries in the city, Al Falamanki is a must-visit. When you’re here, don’t skip the tangy and tender beef shawarma rolls; they are an absolute delight!
Location: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeriah 2 (055 300 45500)
Al Ijaza Cafeteria
Al Ijaza has stood the test of time on Jumeirah Beach Road for decades. Known for its extensive menu of vibrant juices and affordable snacks, this humble café provides a nostalgic shawarma experience. Plus, where else can you pair your shawarma with quirky fruit cocktails like Corniche, Happy Day, and Computer?
Location: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1 (04 344 4874)
Al Mallah
If you’re in the mood for authentic, flavorful street food, Al Mallah is a classic choice. Originally a juice bar in the late ’70s, it has become a go-to destination for shawarma lovers. The ongoing debate over whether chicken or lamb shawarma is superior is just an excuse for regular visits. Starting at just Dhs9, you can indulge in tender meats, a zesty garlic sauce, and fluffy bread – it’s a winning combination.
Location: Various locations including Al Seef, Satwa, and Ibn Battuta, almallahuae.com
Al Mandaloun
For those seeking authentic Lebanese cuisine in the bustling DIFC area, Al Mandaloun should be your destination. While the mezze are a treat to start with, don’t forget to save room for shawarma. The mixed meat platter includes juicy, marinated slices of both chicken and lamb, served alongside fries, fresh veggies, and zesty sesame and garlic sauce.
Location: Gate Village 3, DIFC al-mandaloun.com (04 363 7474)
Al Nafoorah
At Dhs75 per serving, Al Nafoorah’s shawarma is on the pricier side, but it offers a fine dining experience that’s hard to beat. The smoky, succulent chicken is perfectly spiced, complemented by crisp pickles and fluffy, airy bread. This classic street food has never looked so good!
Location: Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel, Al Sufouh jumeirah.com (800 323232)
Al Safadi
Recognized as one of the top Lebanese eateries in Dubai, Al Safadi has garnered accolades, including a Highly Commended award at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards. With several branches, you’re never far from delicious shawarma. While it is among the pricier options, the ambiance at locations like The Pointe justifies the cost. Pair your chicken shawarma with hummus for a delightful combination, or opt for a platter overflowing with garlic sauce, fries, and pickles.
Location: Various locations including Umm Al Sheif and Sheikh Zayed Road, alsafadi.com
Barbar
The beloved Lebanese chain Barbar made its way to Dubai recently, and their shawarma is just as fantastic as you’d expect. Simple and authentic, their chicken shawarma with extra toum is a testament to their commitment to flavor. Plus, they are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
Location: Hessa Street, eatbarbar.com/ae (04 565 2604)
Babel
Located in Fashion Avenue with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, Babel serves up superb shawarma. Their beef shawarma platter is particularly notable for its flame-grilled meat, accompanied by crunchy veggies, crispy fried potato cubes, and a smooth tarator sauce for dipping.
Location: The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai (04 419 0950)
Bright Moon Cafeteria
This modest eatery boasts an enormous menu, but it’s the shawarma that truly shines. Whether you prefer it on a plate, in a wrap, or smothered in hummus, it’s available for under Dhs20. It’s a fantastic deal!
Location: Karama (04 396 6652)
Eat & Drink
Some might say the cheaper the shawarma, the better it tastes, and Eat & Drink is proof of that. With a selection of juicy, perfectly spiced shawarmas, you can choose from classic chicken or beef, or try something adventurous like the Mexican shawarma. At just Dhs5 each, why not try them all?
Location: Several locations, eatanddrink.ae (04 340 8586)
Em Sherif Café
When it comes to shawarma at Em Sherif Café, there’s no hesitation. This award-winning Lebanese restaurant offers generous portions at a slightly elevated price point (Dhs72 for chicken and Dhs80 for meat), making it perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Who needs company when you have a delicious shawarma?
Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai (056 577 7900)
IKEA
Yes, you read that right! The iconic IKEA now offers shawarma that adapts beautifully to the local market. You won’t need to assemble anything here – just enjoy a classic wrap filled with well-seasoned chicken, fries, local pickles, and a generous dollop of garlic paste. After a long day of shopping, nothing says “I love you” quite like a shawarma on your way to the car!
Location: Dubai Festival City Mall, Festival City, Festival Plaza, Jebel Ali, ikea.com
Operation Falafel
A strong contender in the fast-casual Levantine dining scene, Operation Falafel has expanded globally, including branches in the UK and USA. Their menu goes beyond falafel, offering a range of dishes from eggs to freshly baked manakeesh. For shawarma lovers, there’s chicken served with fries, pickles, and garlic, or beef with grilled tomatoes and tarator, available in classic Arabic pita or baked saj. There are no bad choices here!
Location: Various locations including Media City and Downtown Dubai, operationfalafel.com (600 530 006)
Laffah Restaurant
Laffah’s chicken shawarma deserves all the accolades. The thinly sliced meat is infused with a remarkable rub that strikes a perfect balance of spicy and sweet, peppery yet fragrant. It’s generously slathered in sauce and rolled in thin bread before being toasted for a crispy finish.
Location: Various locations across Dubai and Sharjah, laffahrestaurant.com
Mama’esh
For a health-conscious twist, Mama’esh offers shawarma wrapped in organic flour. These oven-baked delights boast all the flavor you crave without the guilt, available in both beef and chicken options.
Location: Several locations across Dubai, mamaesh.com (600 54 8287)
Metro Falcon Restaurant
The Arabic shawarma here is a must-try. Packed with chicken, pickles, fries, and zesty garlic sauce, it comes with additional fries for less than Dhs17. If you prefer, you can opt for a smaller wrap on its own for just Dhs5.25, while browsing through their extensive menu that offers everything from Indian breakfasts to beef stroganoff.
Location: Near Union Co-op, Al Satwa (04 343 2020)
Shawarma Station
With numerous locations across the city, Shawarma Station specializes in shawarmas. While their menu includes items like Greek salad and kibbeh, the juicy chicken shawarma wraps are the star of the show.
Location: Various locations including next to Citymax Hotel, Al Barsha (04 276 5862)
Shiraz Nights
The long queues outside this popular Deira spot are a testament to its delicious offerings. The spicy chicken shawarma is particularly noteworthy – it features flavor-packed, freshly shaved meat, rich chili-garlic toum, and juicy tomato slices, all tightly wrapped in warm, thin Iranian bread.
Location: Baniyas, Deira
S’wich
At S’wich, the shawarma may not be traditional, but the innovative flavors are hard to resist. Unique options like the Smoking Chicken Castro with truffle sauce, the hot potato aioli wrap, and the Ducking Good wrap, which combines Peking duck elements with shawarma flavors, will leave your taste buds dancing.
Location: Order on Deliveroo
Zaroob
This vibrant street eatery is hard to miss and offers shawarma that’s just as enticing as its bright decor. Choose from wraps, platters, or try both chicken and beef options. The shawarma here is always delicious, whether you enjoy it at 1 am or for breakfast!
Location: Various locations including Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Marina, www.zaroob.com
Zaatar W Zeit
Known for being fast, fresh, and family-friendly, Zaatar W Zeit is a well-established Lebanese chain that guarantees quality. Among their wraps, the shredded beef Shawarma Steak with tahini sauce in a multigrain wrap is a standout that has patrons returning for more.
Location: Locations across Dubai, zaatarwzeit.net
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