Where can i find the best chicken shawarma?

[skordo]

I ve been dying to eat an amazing chicken shawarma...can anybody lead me in the right direction. Anywhere in Toronto!!

[JonasBrand]

Liberty Shawarma is easily the current leader in Toronto. Two locations: Spadina south of Front (near the Sobey's) and the original in Liberty Village on Atlantic Ave. Be sure to order with hot sauce, lots of flavour (a hint of curry?) not too spicy.

[cinderelladressmaker]

I have tried Shawarmas downtown, Yonge/Eglinton. Lawrence East, you name it. I simply love the flavour of the Shawarma Max (4969 Yonge) chicken shawarma. I buy it once a week and it seems nothing compares. I guess we all have different ideas of what we like, but I do know that this location is always busy when I am there. I will keep open minded though and try a few of the places mentioned below. Thanks!

[Yongeman]

I haven't tried Shawarma Max, cdm, but earlier you mentioned that the owners are Turkish. Are their sandwiches a bit sweet? The reason I ask is that I really love the sandwiches at Babos Donerpoint on Eglinton W. at Caledonia. This is a Turkish place that serves doner (basically, Turkish-style shawarmas) and they are fantastic! There is a slight sweetness to one of their sauces but it's quite delicious.

[magic]

Shawarma Max is not sweet, like Babos, no. They are different beasts, both great. Shawarma Max has their own spicing. I almost taste clove or all spice when I eat their shawarmas. Different from Babos :)

[Yongeman]

Thanks for clarifying, magic.

[magic]

Pleasure!

[cinderelladressmaker]

Hey magic, since when did you become my spokespersoon? I have never tried Babos, so you indeed would be the one to answer that question! I am sitting here smacking my lips trying to recall sweet? I don't recall sweet, but it is nice and wet! I like a bit of a wet shawarma as opposed to the dry ones. I like this quest we are all on to find the best shawarma! We need better descriptions though because everybodies tastes are different!

[Yongeman]

In magic's defense, cdm, I think (s)he was just drawing from personal experience. All input is good, but thanks for answering. You really ought to try Babos. It's fantastic. Super nice people too.

[cinderelladressmaker]

Thanks yongeman, I will try Babos.

[magic]

Haha, it's all good.

Yeah, since I've actually been to both I knew I could provide some info :)

(he!)

[BillDoskochCTV]

I don't know if it's the best, but I like the Chicken Shawarma at Laila, on Bloor St. W. just east of Bathurst (south side). The chicken is finished on a barbeque grill and carries a hint of smokiness and some crispness with it. All the ingredients come together to make for a very tasty shawarma experience.

[justinisthebest]

Belle Restaurant on the NE corner of Bathurst & Finch makes an amazing shawarma, not to mention maybe the the best grilled lamb aside from Le Castile. It's a bit of a dive, but the grillmaster knows what he's doing.

[duckdown]

I've been to Belle a bunch of times with my Russian pals, they love it there. I'd have to recommend skipping the shawarma area at the front and ordering/sitting from the back where the grill guy is. Lamb, chicken, beef kabobs were all delicious and much better than the shawarma counter near the front

[tjr]

Has anyone tried the new place at Yonge & Gloucester (Shi Shawarma, I think)?

[PoppiYYZ]

Last two visits to Shawarma Empire have been meh. Yes they were busy, but that is no reason to throw them together. In fact, they had a number of pre-made Shawarma's that they were sliding to customers, shameful. Falafel World on Bloor uses larger pieces of grilled meat, but I think they beat the resent SE's.

Oh how I long for a fresh Ottawa's Shawarma Palace...

[jmarcroyal]

I dont think they handle the big lineups that well, last time I was there I ordered my 2 chicken Shawarma but the lady put it together without me asking what i wanted on it, so I had to tell her I wanted it spicy with no onions or turnips and with some hummos, so they had to make me 2 fresh Shawarma. It was delicious when I got it though, but I didnt like the confusion of ordering.

[Davwud]

I prefer Nasib's in the same plaza a few doors east.

DT

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Nasib's
1867 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R2Y3, CA

[jamesm]

I had a shawarma at Ali Babas at Dundas and Roncesvalles and it was really good. Pronounced but balanced spices, fresh toppings, chicken was tender. Went back a couple days later and the chicken was like jerky. It was so dry and tough. I just moved close to this place. Which one was the freak shawarma?

[JennaBean]

This is one of the few chain places I eat and generally I think the product is pretty good.

[jamesm]

I was hoping the dry one was the anomaly since it's so convenient for me, and the first one was very tasty. The garlic sauce they sell on the side is delicious too.

[acd123]

You have to eye the shawarma before ordering. All places are the same in that respect. If the diameter of the wheel is too small, it will be dry and tough. If it is too large, not enough of the fat has rendered out to make it crisp yet tender. Ordering shawarma at the right time is an art. If it's not right when you are there, get a falafel.

[superjj]

So true. Unless you're at one of those places that premakes their falafel balls and nukes them... In which case you might just leave altogether!

[freelancer]

I have been trying to find as good a chicken shawarma as the one i had in Vancouver @ Babylon King. A beautiful array of pickled veggies (not just pickles!), fresh lettuce, tomatoes...Crispy moist chicken.

However, I live in Yonge and Eg and rely on TTC. Is there something decent close to where i am and TTC accessible? I'd even be willing to head downtown...

[freelancer]

I went to Paramount at Yonge and Dundas, I think. It was pretty good. Chicken was well seasoned and crispy, the pickled veg was excellent and the only thing missing was tomatoes.. I've heard Sarah's at Bloor and Bathurst has gone down in quality. Any other ideas for those without a car?

[superjj]

What about Shawarma King at Yonge and Eg?

[freelancer]

I haven't tried it yet but I might tomorrow! There's also Quick Pita but that place didn't look too authentic? Has anyone tried it?

-----
Quick Pita Restaurant
188 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto, ON M4P2X7, CA

[superjj]

I've tried it (I should have mentioned that I have NOT tried Shawarma King... let me know how it is though!) but wasn't too impressed. Quick Pita is a chain and there are locations throughout the city... I have been to a few of them and none made much of an impression on me. My favourite in the city remains Shawarma Empire.

-----
Shawarma Empire
1823 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R2Y3, CA

[freelancer]

Thanks for the tip on Quick Pita. I went to Shawarma's King today and it wasn't bad! The chicken was shaved freshly off the spit. I let my wrap sit for a while before eating it so it wasn't quite as fair a representation as my lettuce got soggy... But the chicken was moist and well seasoned.

I've still been trying to find something as good as the ones from Vancouver at Babylon King (all sorts of pickled veg). They had pickled turnip here...it was good but not the same. However, spades better than the Shawarma King at the Eaton centre - which was so salty I couldn't even eat it.

I really want to try Shawarma Empire but I wish it wasn't so far east. And I live in the midtown neighborhood so I guess it will have to be Shawarma King if I have a hankering. Thanks for the push to try it!

[superjj]

Nice, I will have to give Shawarma's King a try next time I'm in the area (used to live at Yonge and Eg but that was before they opened).

If you like the pickled stuff, you could try Shawarma Max in North York (they have two locations, just north and south of North York Centre subway station (the north location is a shorter walk from the subway and is the newer, cleaner location). That's my go-to place, since I live across the street. If you can get there at the right moment, when the chicken is nice and crispy and they shave it off freshly, it is pretty damn good. Of course, if business is slower than the spit, they will shave it off in anticipation, which slowly dries out the chicken. This is true of ANY shawarma place which is why all these reviews tend to be so subjective... timing is very important. One of the only places where this doesn't seem to be the case is Shawarma Empire at lunch, only because they are SO busy there is no way your chicken is going to be anything but fresh. Also, they use gas fired spits which crisp up the chicken much faster than the typical smaller electric spits found at most shawarma restaurants.

Anyways, my point was that in addition to the standard toppings offered at most places (lettuce, onion, cucumber, parsley, tomato) Shawarma Max also offer pickles, pickled turnip, stuffed grape leaves, and sauces include tahini, hot sauce, garlic spread, tzatziki and hummus.

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Shawarma Empire
1823 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R2Y3, CA

[pakmode]

I tried ShawarmaMax once last year and it was awful. Absolutely awful.

Persians should not be making shawarmas.

Shawarma Empire is still the defacto #1 for me, but for those who like toppings do consider Ramy's Market across the street. It's a grocery store with the same 2/$5.99 shawarma deal, and when they're good, they're really good. They even have a nice selection of toppings, pickles, sauces and even french fries sometime.

Also consider Arz Bakery next door. This Armenian grocery store also has a cafeteria in the back. I've had shawarmas from them twice, and both times it was decent.

-----
Arz
1909 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R, CA

Shawarma Empire
1823 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R2Y3, CA

[superjj]

I refuse to comment on places I've tried "once" for obvious reasons...

This is why most of my comments are about Shawarma Max and Shawarma Empire, both of which I've been to at least 50 times (probably twice that for Shawarma Max).

My whole point was that timing is crucial; so one bad experience is irrelevant as far as I'm concerned.

Farhat is about the only place I've tried once and don't plan on ever trying again; it was THAT bad. Far worse than anything I have ever been served at Shawarma Empire or Shawarma Max.

-----
Farhat
2020 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R2Z1, CA

Shawarma Max
4969 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M2N5N6, CA

Shawarma Empire
1823 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R2Y3, CA

[cinderelladressmaker]

They are Turkish at ShawarmaMax.

[duckdown]

Shawarma Max is horrible, that's one of the worst places to eat a shawarma as far as I'm concerned. They "fake grill" the pita once it's wrapped which means they stick it in a lukewarm press for about 3 seconds before wrapping it and giving it to you as if that 2 seconds of heating is supposed to do anything at all. Doesn't even make the pita crispy. Lettuce is always rusty.

I would never, ever recommend shawarma max to anyone.

[cinderelladressmaker]

I don't think we are talking about the same place at all! The Shawarma Max that I go to is at 4969 Yonge St. They never ever ever grill the product. Please don't give them a negative review if you aren't talking about the place in question! That is unfair.

[superjj]

Ya... to echo cinderelladressmaker's comments; Shawarma Max doesn't even have a grill/press. You are mistaken. Pretty sure I already explained this to you here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6427... the last time you were making baseless comments slamming Shawarma Max. Although that time you claimed they grill it after wrapping... your lies have changed!

We get it; you don't like Shawarma Max (even though you clearly know nothing of the place); maybe talk about restaurants you actually go to rather than spreading misinformation?

By the way, you are also dead wrong about the lettuce. The lettuce doesn't hang around nearly long enough to go brown; they do a lot of business (hence the 2nd location opening just a few doors down).

[cinderelladressmaker]

Thank you for the heads up superjj. It is simply not fair to be wrongfully accused of something you are completely innocent of. This slander can ruin a thriving business and that is a serious matter. Most of our comments are opinion and should remain that way. I LOVE Shawarma Max!!! They are nice people, make a tasty product and work hard.

[superjj]

Agreed. This thread had me craving Shawarma Max so I went there for tonight's dinner. Soft pita, crispy yet still juicy chicken, crisp GREEN lettuce and not a panini press in sight. Magnifique!

[cinderelladressmaker]

Ooooohhh, sounds yummy! I will be going there Thursday night after work.
I can't wait! Maybe I will see you in line!

[superjj]

Maybe you will! ;)

[freelancer]

I tried the Shawarma Empire - not bad at all. Very fresh but small and the hotsauce was a bit much for me. It's way out there for me so I wouldn't go again unless in the area. Glad I tried it!

Shawarma King is still really top notch for me. I can't believe it's not busier. And I think they used WHITE meat!

[Charles Yu]

I would like to add the 'Israeli varietal' of Yamin Grill in Richmond Hill to the list. Selling out every day is a reflection of their quality. Not only is the chicken nicely seasoned a moist, the sauces/spreads as well as the condiments are a stand out as well. In paricular, the diced vegetable salad cooked in a oily tomato sauce is sooo good! In addition, for extra chewiness and juicily moist one can opt for a very smokey chicken dark meat shish kebob. The dark chicken meat was marinated the same way as the shawarma meat.

[PoppiYYZ]

Falafel World 2396 Bloor St W. Great chicken, excellent fresh salads (cabbage salad and tabbouleh), wonderful dressings, and a nice pita. Casual dinning or take out. Mmmm mmmm.

[5andman]

I find Falafel World's (2396 Bloor St W. ) shwarma dry (because they use white meat) -- it's better if you let it sit for 30min or as a leftover (so all the components meld). Though, their Hummus is excellent (I take out a container all the time).

I'd rather hit the Ali Baba down the street. I find they are pretty consistent with all their locations (Queen, Dundas St. W, etc.) so far.

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Falafel World
2396 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6S1P5, CA

[Snarf]

Never had a dry shwarma from Falafel World. It's Sammy's one business, and he and his staff are very focussed and attentive to what comes out of the kitchen. With respect, I find the Ali Baba's have grown to the point of some inconsistency between outlets.

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Falafel World
2396 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6S1P5, CA

[superjj]

Here is a list I made of some of the places I've tried in Toronto: http://www.chow.com/lists/16132

[acd123]

I just saw that a branch of Ali Baba's has opened (or will open) were Massimo used to be on College. The chicken shawarma at the Parkdale branch in always very good. Th eone at Church and Dundas is good too.

I'm not sure, but I think the Ali Baba's are all franchined so the quality will depend on the individual shop.

[ziggystardust]

They sure are taking their sweet time aren't they?

[ManAbout]

The Shwarma King at the Eaton Centre food court does an all white meat chicken shwarma. Not the best ever, but It is better than the shwarmas I have tasted at a lot of other places.

[pancake]

Falafel King - Just opened in Kensington Market. Had a great chicken schwarma there the other day. I had the very affordable combo that comes with fries (seasoned nicely) and a side salad (for less than 10 bucks). Will definately be back. Service was super nice! Looks like these guys mean business. Lots of seating as well. I left there thinking I hope they do well!

[sasgirl]

Even better in that area is Milo's Pita in the Toronto Life food court at Yonge and Dundas. I go to it at least once a week for lunch and I work in the Yonge and Bloor area, that's how good it is!

The chicken shwarma is always moist and the garlic sauce is so garlicky, I love it!

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Milo's Pita
10 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5B, CA

[Ginsugirl]

Although I usually go for the amazing falafels and mezes, Mashu Mashu does a great shwarma, as a loaded pita sandwich, side or platter. The aroma alone sells me on it. Nicely roasted crust without being dried out. And since they are very busy, everything is very fresh. I can`t go there without some of their creamy, smoky babaganoush or the cumin-spiked beets. The meal-sized green salads are enormous. And the bonus, it`s a really good, affordable meal in the heart of Forest Hill Villiage.

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Mashu Mashu
387 Spadina Rd, Toronto, ON M5P, CA

[jmarcroyal]

I just discovered this great Shawarma place on Kennedy rd near Ellesmere, in the North-West Plaza. Its called Johnny's Shawarma and I popped in to give it a try. The Shawarma is great, nice meat(Chicken or Beef, I like to get a mix), the ingredients look nice and fresh and they offer a few other dishes as well. Ive only tried the Shawarma and I absolutely loved it, I definetely recommend it.

Another thing about this place, I got their combo with Fries and a Pop, and I gotta say the Fries were great, fresh cut, thick but not too thick. Absolutely delicious, give it a try!
(you can get to it from the right turn lane on Kennedy rd Southbound near Ellesmere). The place has been around for like 10 years but I never seen em before!

[Navigate440]

Shwarma Empire is the best I've had (Lawrence and Pharmacy). The only one I've found downtown is the new Ali Baba's on Peter St. south of Richmond. It's pretty good, but not as good as Empire.....

[pf9k]

Queen Pit on Queen East in leslieville...gus makes a mean shwarma

[Kryton619]

I am also a fan of Shawarma Empire. I was very happy when the original owners returned as the quality had dropped when they sold. Another spot worth checking out is on Wilson Avenue west of Bathurst on the south side. It is call Yakamoz Grill and Pita. Enjoy!!

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Yakamoz
373 Wilson Ave, Toronto, ON M3H1T3, CA

Shawarma Empire
1823 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R2Y3, CA

[JennaBean]

I've been there three times and haven't been pleased with their shwarma. Three strikes so I'm out.

[HogtownRich]

Shawarma House opened at Princess and The Esplanade about a month or so ago.Their chicken shawarma plate is excellent, as is the shawarma in a pita. The 'plate' (container) is piled high with lemon rice, roast potatoes, and your choice of greens - cabbage, lettuce, tabouleh, onions, peppers, tomatoes, beets, etc. Topped off with a generous helping of tender juicy chicken fresh off the spit and your choice of sauces. Two white sauces and hot sauce if you like. YUM!

I saw the other day they've added a second spit. Hopefully they'll be adding beef shawarma off the spit soon.

On a related note, did you read the feature article in this Saturday's Star Travel section about the Halal Cart Guy in NYC? Here's the link. I read this and had to rush over to Shawarma House immediately to satisfy my craving...

http://www.thestar.com/travel/article...

[oatesie63]

If you're ever up in Barrie, try Sammy's on Collier St.

[thenurse]

Sammy's is not open on Sundays, which was a disappointment last time we were in Barrie :(

[TheTDot]

Just discovered Shawarma House (Princess and Esplanade) and this may be my favourite in the city. Delicious crispy chicken off the spit, good portions and good prices.

[wooby]

I had the shawarma plate at Shawarma House today. I enjoyed it. Quite good. Chicken was cut off the spit, and was tender & tasty. Rice was flavourful and cooked perfectly. I will skip the salads next time as they pile it on top of rice & potato, so it gets warmed up and limp real quick. For a medium size order at $7, it was slightly pricey for amount of food given, IMO. But it is good quality, so I'd go back if I was in the neighbourhood.

If you're in the Yonge & Bloor area, check out Eat A Pita on Cumberland. Best shawarma lunch deal in town. Chicken shawarma dinner with drink for $5 including tax! Lots of competition in area, better price. Excellent hot sauce. Usually, he makes fresh falafel balls to order.

Also downtown, I like Ali Baba's on Dundas at Church. Very good shawarma, falafel, and generous quarter chicken plate. Akram's in Kensington Market has a great, cheap falafel & shawarma as well.

[junkie]

sharwarma empire at pharmacy/lawrence

check out the other posts.. stay far away from farhat

[bdot]

i am partial to only a few places, and believe me - i have tried just about EVERYWHERE in this city.

lawrence st east seems to have quite a decent selection of places to eat at, and their ingredients are ALWAYS fresh at any of the places i have been to. i am partial to shawarm empire, but you really can't go wrong at any of them, because competition is fierce.

the ones downtown are all garbage.

out of all of the Ali Baba's locations to eat at, i would recommend the one on dundas west, near roncesvalles. it is the best of the bunch.

[acd123]

For chicken Shawarma, I like Ali Baba on Queen W in parkdale. Great lentil soup too.

[Yongeman]

There are other threads on CH to answer this question. You ought to head to the Lawrence E. strip between Pharmacy and Warden. My current favourite is Ibrahim, but I know others like Empire. I used to be a fan of Farhat, but it seems to have gone waaayyyy downhill in recent years. Nasib's also does a credible shawarma.

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Farhat
2020 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R2Z1, CA

Nasib's
1867 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R2Y3, CA

[Wahooty]

I've finally gotten to Shawarma Empire, and Ibrahim is still my favorite. The spicing at Empire is different from other places I've been and it's a tasty sandwich, but I prefer the variety of salads, the hot sauce, and the overall balance at Ibrahim. The sandwiches are also smaller at Empire - they use smalller pocket pitas and layer the ingredients into them, so you end up with a shawarma with more structural integrity, but less food and less integration of the various toppings with the meat and sauces.

Has anybody been brave enough to try Farhat since they opened the full sit-down place next door? I keep hoping the drop in quality was temporary while they got that going, but I haven't heard a peep from anyone who's been recently. I miss the lamb!

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Farhat
2020 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R2Z1, CA

Shawarma Empire
1823 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R2Y3, CA

[Yongeman]

I hear you about the lamb, Wahooty. I also like Ibrahim's shawarmas. Farhat just became so inconsistent, that by the time I make a special trip to that area for a shawarma, I'm not ready to gamble on what Farhat might serve to me.

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Farhat
2020 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R2Z1, CA

[Wahooty]

+

-----
Ibrahim Pizza & Bbq
1967 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R2Z2, CA

[Googs]

I'd rather eat out of a toilet than go to Farhat.

Still a Shawarma Empire gal. Love the hot sauce. Never had a problem with the portion sizes.

-----
Farhat
2020 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R2Z1, CA

Shawarma Empire
1823 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R2Y3, CA

[pinstripeprincess]

i find that empire is fairly unique, very different bread and meat spicing, so i can see how it has its fans. it's good but the shawarma doesn't get me as much as the falafel which is sooooo... wonderfully fresh tasting.

[Wahooty]

I don't have a problem with the portion sizes per se...I was just surprised that nobody has ever mentioned that for the same price, you get smaller sandwiches there - some people might want to know that sort of thing before they go. The difference in size mainly comes down to the bigger pita and the amount of available veggies to stuff it with, and my personal preference is a sandwich loaded up with salads and pickles. The two places are quite different in style, and I think it really does just come down to personal preference.

Agreed with psp about the falafel, though - the next time I find myself there, I think that's the way I'd go. Freshly fried, moist, tasty - one of the best I've had.

[kwong]

The last time I went to Ibrahim, they charged me ~$7 for 2 shawarma sandwiches. The last time I went Shawarma Empire, they charged me ~$6 for 2 shawarma sandwiches. So you do get smaller sandwiches at SE, but it's ~$1 less, so I think it evens out in that regard.

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Shawarma Empire
1823 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R2Y3, CA

[pinstripeprincess]

my stomach doesn't agree... it's easy for me to eat 1.5 empire sandwiches but 1 ibrahim is more than enough, which doesn't make the cost/value even out. either way, i think they're two different animals all together so to each their own.

[kwong]

I was mainly posting because the previous guy said the two places charged the same price, which isn't the case. How full you get is pretty subjective... especially since my stomach doesn't share the same assessment as yours does. =)

I would be curious as to how much each shawarma weighs on a scale. Just on visual inspection, I would guess that an Ibrahim shawarma is probably ~15% more product than a Shawarma Empire shawarma.

[Wahooty]

That's my bad...I was remembering both as being $5.99, but it's been a while since my last trip to Ibrahim. I promise the next time I get a shawarma craving, I'll shop both places, keep my receipts, and weigh my sandwiches. ;)

[Googs]

Wahooty, who knew eating well could be such hard work?

[Googs]

PSP, 1.5 Empire shawarma sandwiches? I can only eat one. I wish I could keep going on the flavours, but I get stuffed.

[Funazushi]

I used to go to Farhat until the guy working behind the counter got into a fight with another customer and put my young children in danger. I now go to Ibrahim which I like better anyway. Empire got a write up in the globe recently, so I have been meaning to go and compare.

[timmychanga]

Ive had some excellent chicken shawarma at the Iranian plaza's on yonge inbetween Finch and Steeles.

[FoodieGirl29]

I am very partial to the chicken schwarma from Pita Q at Spadina & Bloor - on the south side. The meat is always fresh, the place is busy - so I suspect good turnover. They have this amazing garlic sauce spread that they smear on to the top of the schwarma. Make sure you ask for this!

I am hard core that I ask for it in my pita and then on top. Whatever that sauce is, it makes my chicken shwarma :)

Lisa - The Hip & Urban Girl's Guide http://www.hipurbangirl.com

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Pita Q Restaurant
750 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5S2J2, CA