Shawarma is a delicious dish that traces its origins back to the lively and vibrant streets of Lebanon, where marinated meat is carefully prepared and cooked on a vertical rotisserie. This flavorful street food quickly gained popularity and made its way across the Middle East, sparking a myriad of unique variations. From its humble beginnings, shawarma has evolved into a global culinary phenomenon, attracting attention and admiration from food enthusiasts worldwide. Today, Dubai, given that it is the ultimate melting pot of cultures, offers an incredible variety of this timeless dish.
So, get ready to embark on a flavorful adventure, where every bite is a testament to shawarma's rich history and irresistible allure.
Operation Falafel
Located in the heart of Dubai, Operation: Falafel is a haven for hungry souls seeking an authentic Middle Eastern adventure. Of course, the name already gives it away; the restaurant is renowned for its delicious falafels, but Operation Falafel is so much more than that. Of course, their falafels are a must-try — each bite is a burst of flavor, but you shouldn't stop there!
Operation Falafel has an exceptional selection of shawarma that'll leave your taste buds wanting more. Choose from succulent chicken, tender beef, or even falafel shawarmas, all seasoned and nestled in warm, fluffy pita bread alongside a symphony of fresh ingredients and flavorful sauces. Whether you're a die-hard falafel fan or a shawarma aficionado, Operation Falafel caters to all palates, making it a one-stop shop for satisfying your Middle Eastern cravings.
Avg. price for two: 110 AED
Location: Multiple branches including JBR, Motor City, and Downtown Dubai
Timings: 24/7
Contact: 04 424 3098
Manoushe Street
Craving a taste of Lebanon? Look no further than Man'oushe Street! Man'oushe Street takes its name from the star of the show - man'oushe, a flatbread topped with a variety of delicious ingredients. This popular Lebanese street food chain offers a modern twist on traditional flavors, with options like za'atar, halloumi, and sujuk.
While Manoushe Street excels in its namesake dish, the restaurant boasts a treasure trove of Lebanese specialties, including delicious shawarma. The place serves a variety of beef and chicken shawarma wraps to satisfy your cravings.
Their menu also includes dishes for every meal of the day, including breakfast options, salads, and pizzas, making it a perfect spot for a quick breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a late-night snack. So next time you find yourself at Man'oushe Street, don't be afraid to branch out from the man'oushe and explore their exceptional shawarma offerings!
Avg. price for two: 90 AED
Location: Multiple branches including Barsha Mall, Downtown Dubai, and Motor City
Timings: 24/7
Contact: 600 566 667
Allo Beirut
Get ready for an exceptional dining experience at Allo Beirut! This popular Dubai restaurant chain is a go-to spot for mouthwatering Levantine dishes. The star of the show is their perfectly seasoned shawarma, cooked to perfection on a vertical rotisserie and bursting with authentic taste. Served on warm pita bread with fresh ingredients, including crisp lettuce, pickles, garlic sauce, and tahina sauce, each bite is a true delight.
With its vibrant atmosphere and irresistible flavors, Allo Beirut brings the heart of Lebanon straight to your table. Whether you're a seasoned shawarma enthusiast or trying it for the first time, Allo Beirut promises an unforgettable and authentic experience that will leave you craving more!
Avg. price for two: 105 AED
Location: Multiple branches including Motor City, JBR, and City Walk
Timings: 9:00 am to 4:00 am
Contact: 800 8623 4788
Al Mallah
Al Mallah Cafeteria, which started as a tiny corner juice joint in 1979 in Dubai, has become a popular Lebanese fast food and dine-in experience in the UAE. With five branches in Dubai and Sharjah, the cafeteria offers over 150 menu items, including pastries, shawarmas, falafel, sandwiches, grills, snacks, fresh juices, signature cocktails, and mocktails.
Known for its authentic Lebanese food, Al Mallah is a favorite among tourists and residents alike. The cafeteria's signature shawarma, made with tender spiced meat and garlic paste, is something you don't want to miss out on, with both chicken and meat shawarmas being a must-try. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Al Mallah's cozy ambiance makes it a great choice for any occasion. The affordable prices and generous portions ensure that you'll be satisfied and already planning your next visit.
Avg. price for two: 4o AED
Location: Al Hudaiba
Timings: 7:00 am to 3:oo am
Contact: 04 398 4723
Zaroob
Zaroob, a popular Levantine street food chain in Dubai, offers a unique and delicious experience for shawarma lovers. The chain, inspired by the vibrant street food carts of the Levant region, offers a taste of Middle Eastern tradition with a modern twist. The restaurant is open 24/7, ensuring that customers can enjoy their shawarma at any time. Zaroob also specializes in Levant cuisine, offering classic chicken and beef shawarmas, salads, desserts, and cold beverages.
Zaroob's shawarma is more than just a meal; it's an experience, with a variety of options to cater to every preference. The classic chicken shawarma is bursting with flavorful chicken, while the tender beef shawarma is marinated to perfection. All shawarmas are wrapped in warm saj bread and filled with fresh vegetables, creamy tahina sauce, and tangy pickles.
Avg. price for two: 140 AED
Location: Multiple branches including Motor City, Marina, and DIFC
Timings: 7:00 am to 4:00 am
Contact: 04 529 4488
Al Safadi
Al Safadi, a popular Lebanese restaurant in Dubai, offers authentic shawarma dishes as a signature plate. With locations all over the city, the restaurant serves shawarma for only AED 12, making it a top choice for those looking for a delicious yet affordable Lebanese meal. Since 2000, Al Safadi has gained a loyal following for its authentic Lebanese flavors. The shawarma is a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring marinated chicken, seasoned beef, or falafel options. Wrapped in pita bread, the shawarma is generously stuffed with fresh ingredients, showcasing their dedication to using high-quality ingredients and traditional Lebanese cooking techniques.
Avg. price for two: 225 AED
Location: Multiple branches including DIFC, The Palm, and Expo City
Timings: 9:00 am to 1:00 am
Contact: 600 500 601
Al Beiruti
Al Beiruti is a popular restaurant chain in Dubai that offers authentic Lebanese fare and a homely vibe. The restaurant chain transports diners to the heart of Beirut, with a lively atmosphere and a delectable spread of mezze. The menu includes classics like hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh, as well as savory pastries like kibbeh and cheese rolls.
The main attraction at Al Beiruti is their shawarma, marinated chicken, stacked on a vertical rotisserie, and served on a warm pita with fresh toppings. The shawarma is a guaranteed explosion of taste and texture, showcasing the dedication to bringing a slice of Beirut's culinary magic to Dubai.
Avg. price for two: 200 AED
Location: Multiple branches including Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail
Timings: 24/7
Contact: 04 320 0043
Barbar
Back in 1979, a Beiruti citizen with a fearless entrepreneurial spirit came up with the idea of establishing Barbar. The restaurant started as a small man’ousheh bakery to serve residents in the heart of Beirut.
Today, the restaurant has become synonymous with Lebanese comfort food in Dubai. It's a haven for those seeking a taste of Beirut's vibrant culinary scene. Their extensive menu boasts everything from fresh salads and mezze platters to succulent grilled meats and piping hot pizzas. But for many, the real attraction is the shawarma.
Barbar's shawarma offers a delightful experience of Lebanese street food, featuring marinated chicken, tender beef, and falafel options slowly rotated on a vertical rotisserie to infuse them with smoky flavors and juicy tenderness. Their iconic dish has garnered a loyal following among food enthusiasts in Dubai, making Barbar a must-visit destination for authentic Lebanese cuisine.
Avg. price for two: 180 AED
Location: Multiple branches including JVC, Hessa, and Business Bay
Timings: 24/7
Contact: 04 565 2604
Café Beirut
Cafe Beirut in Dubai offers authentic Lebanese cuisine. The restaurant features a variety of mezze dishes such as hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, and kibbeh. Their shawarma, which is made with marinated chicken, beef, and lamb, is slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie, resulting in a burst of flavor. The shawarma is wrapped in pita bread and accompanied by fresh ingredients. Additionally, the restaurant provides a selection of house-made sauces, allowing customers to completely customize their shawarma experience to their liking.
Avg. price for two: 100 AED
Location: Downtown Dubai
Timings: 9:00 am to 2:00 am
Contact: 056 575 0777