Meat, pita and pickled vegetables.

Sometimes there is nothing in the world that can satisfy your hunger itch except the Ottoman empire originated dish – shawarma.

Shawarma is a bit different from gyro (a similar Greek dish) or donair (a Canadian delicacy). While all three dishes are served on pita and they’re all cooked on a vertical rotisserie, they are spiced differently, garnished differently and feature different proteins.

Shawarma is usually lamb, beef and/or chicken served in a pita wrap with pickled/preserved vegetables and a sauce that is yogurt, citrus, oil and tahini based.

If you haven’t tried shawarma for yourself yet, you’re in luck, because we’ve compiled a list of some of the finest eateries in the city to sample the dish.

Here are some of the best spots in town to get your shawarma fix:

Maham & Pop’s

The newest addition to the scene, Maham and Pop’s is located in the heart of Quadra Village.

  • Where: 2639 Quadra Street

Superbaba

Located in downtown Victoria, Superbaba is a modern Middle Eastern quick-service restaurant. They bake their pita bread in-house daily!

  • Where: 1325 Blanshard Street

Yalla

Yalla is a family owned restaurant bringing great flavors of Middle Eastern food from many different countries. Gluten-free (celiac) and nut allergies can be accommodated.

  • Where: 1011 Blanshard Street

Bold Butchery & Grill

Not only do they claim to make the best shawarma in town, they also make a mean burger.

  • Where: 1420 Quadra Street

Fig Mediterranean Deli

 

This staple of Saanich is a popular spot for locals to stop by and grab a bite!

  • Where: 551 Cedar Hill Cross Road

Did your go-to shawarma spot make the list? Let us know in the comments!

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