10 best shawarma in Dubai every foodie must try

Shawarma is a typical Middle Eastern street meal that is much sought after in Dubai, even though it is not a particularly traditional cuisine from the country.

Even though Shawarma may not have originated on the Arabian Peninsula but rather someplace in the Levant, it has managed to establish itself as one of the most popular kerbside snacks in the Emirates. Here are the top 10 shawarmas in Dubai which every foodie must taste.

1. AlBaik

Though the shawarma at Albaik is excellent, its specialty is fried chicken nuggets. It’s a little more chunky than typical shawarma, with the meat sliced into small pieces, but it’s still a wonderful low-cost alternative (only Dhs5.50) for when you’re in the mood for a sandwich. Grilled chicken fillet, fries, pickles, and tahini sauce or garlic sauce are in the pita bread.

2. Allo Beirut

Allo Beirut is a fantastic addition to the city’s fast-casual Levantine scene, and when it comes to shawarma, it means business. Choose between chicken or beef, or have them both on a plate rather than wrapped and ready. Additionally, you have the choice of freshly baked saj or traditional Arabic bread; nevertheless, we won’t go into a debate about which is better. 

3. Al Beiruti

With good cause, Al Beiruti has been named our favorite Lebanese restaurant for 2022. Though the Al Beiruti fries (which are garnished with yogurt, sumac, zaatar, and parmesan) and manakish are much spoken about, the chicken and beef shawarma platters are the ones that keep winning people over and satisfying their appetites. Serve yours with coleslaw, a side salad, thick-cut fries, or grilled potatoes. 

4. Al Hallab

One of the poshest shawarma options available in Dubai. But it doesn’t imply to be stuffed full of caviare or covered in gold leaf. The freshly made, pillowy soft bread that encases a juicy slice of chicken, a hearty portion of fragrant garlic paste, crisp fries, and crunchy pickles is where Al Hallab’s Midas touch is found. If there was ever a perfect shawarma from Dubai, this is it.

5. Al Falamanki

Offering an abundance of understated charm and serving up some of the greatest Lebanese pastries in the area, we’re always game for a trip to Al Falamanki. While we’re there, we also never skip ordering the soft, flavorful beef shawarma wraps, and you should too.

6. Al Ijaza Cafeteria

For many years, Al Ijaza has been a mainstay on Jumeirah Beach Road and a beloved institution. It’s little wonder this understated café has lasted so long—its menu of multicolored juices, reasonably priced snacks, and oh-so-UAE kiosk-to-car-window service are just enough. And more than anything else, the reason this shawarma is on this list is nostalgia. 

7. Al Mallah

Are you looking for simple, very delicious street food? You must include Al Mallah on your list. Originally opening as a modest juice bar in the late 1970s, this Dubai institution has since become legendary for its shawarma. 

Although there is constant discussion over which is better, lamb or chicken, we don’t need a reason to keep coming back for more since they are both so delicious. Particularly as they begin at just Dhs9, it’s a wonderful blend of soft meat, fluffy bread, and a strong garlic sauce.

8. Al Mandaloun

Al Mandaloun is the place to go if you want traditional Lebanese food in the bustling, modern surroundings of DIFC. Feel free to start with an abundance of mezze, but remember to make space for shawarma, since it’s always a good idea. The mixed meat plate is a substantial feast that comes with fries, vegetables, sesame and garlic sauce, and succulent, seasoned slices of both chicken and lamb.

9. Al Nafoorah

This shawarma is among the priciest options on the list, costing Dhs70 per piece. Nevertheless, you won’t find finer fine-dining shawarma here; the bread is soft and airy, the pickles are pungent, and the chicken is smokey, juicy, and well-seasoned. To put it briefly, the traditional street food tastes great.

10. Al Safadi

One of the greatest Lebanese restaurants in the area, having just won our Highly Commended award for best Lebanese dish, this laid-back brand has four locations around Dubai, so you can always get shawarma when you’re craving it. Even though it’s one of the more expensive items on this list, the scenery at places like The Pointe makes the cost reasonable. For one of the greatest pairings, choose hummus and chicken shawarma; alternatively, skip the bread and get a plate piled high with pickles, fries, and garlic sauce.