They say that good food takes time, but nothing beats the heavenly fusion of flavors in a shawarma that is meticulously prepared as it slowly cooks on a rotisserie.
In this article, we journey into the bustling streets of London to uncover the top nine magical shawarma havens in the city.
Prepare your taste buds, and let us delve into the wonderful world of shawarma.
1. Mazal London
What better place to start our culinary adventure than with Mazal London, a hidden gem in the heart of the Hawley Wharf. Their shawarmas are a testament to culinary perfection with a harmonious medley of well-seasoned and impeccably tender meats.
Pricing is reasonable, and the establishment’s cleanliness is top-notch, leaving no room for complaints. The ambiance is a delightful blend of modern minimalist décor and intriguing Middle Eastern touches.
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| CONTACT DETAILS | info@mazal.london |
| GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE | VISIT |
| WEBSITE | VISIT |
| FOOD MENU | VIEW |
| LOCATION | Unit 192, 2nd Floor, Hawley Wharf, London NW1 8AA |
| BEST FOR | Good Food |
| OPERATING HOURS | Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 – 21:30 Friday: 11:30 – 16:00 (Takeaway Only) |
2. Likya
Location: Likya
Another favorite among shawarma enthusiasts is Likya with its impressive menu of expertly crafted shawarmas. Expect a treat for your senses as soon as you step foot into Likya. From the tantalizing aroma wafting through the air to the warm and inviting ambiance, this place has it all.
Customers rave about the melt-in-your-mouth succulence of the meats, the crunch of fresh vegetables, and the finishing touch of their signature creamy garlic sauce. Prices are surprisingly affordable, considering the top-quality ingredients and generous portions.
To truly appreciate the art of shawarma, strike up a conversation with the amiable chef de cuisine, who often shares unique anecdotes about the dish’s origins and its journey from the Middle East to the streets of London.
3. Shawarma Shack
Location: Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AG
No list of shawarma spots is complete without a mention of the beloved food truck, Shawarma Shack. This bustling little truck, located close to Camden Town Station, is a must-try for any shawarma enthusiast.
Skip the typical fast-food joints and head straight to Shawarma Shack for an authentic street-food experience. Their juicy marinated chicken shawarma, with the perfect balance of smoky and spicy flavors, keeps a steady stream of customers coming back for more. It’s simply impossible to have just one bite!
Despite being a food truck, they pay keen attention to cleanliness, with a visible rating of four stars by the Food Standards Agency. And the prices? Super wallet-friendly, making it a popular choice for shawarma lovers on a budget!
4. Beirut Express
Location: 56 Old Compton Street, Soho, London W1D 4UB
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 – 23:00
For a taste of authentic Lebanese shawarmas in the bustling neighborhood of Soho, look no further than Beirut Express. This cozy and welcoming establishment serves up generous portions of juicy, flavorful shawarmas that will have you coming back for more.
Their signature succulent lamb shawarma is cooked to perfection on a traditional charcoal grill, giving it an irresistible smoky taste. The wrap is packed with fresh vegetables and topped off with a mouthwatering garlic sauce that is a customer favorite.
Beirut Express also offers vegetarian options, making it the perfect spot to satisfy everyone’s cravings. The prices may be slightly higher than other places on this list, but the quality and taste make it worth every penny.
5. Kervan Sofrasi
Location: 262-264 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 2BY
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 – 23:30
Kervan Sofrasi is a popular Turkish restaurant that has been serving up delicious shawarmas for over two decades. Located in Kilburn, this unassuming spot boasts a loyal following of shawarma connoisseurs who swear by the authentic taste and generous portions.
Their chicken shawarma is succulent and bursting with flavor, while their lamb shawarma oozes tenderness. The wraps are filled with crunchy vegetables and topped off with a creamy garlic sauce that elevates the dish to another level.
The prices are reasonable, and the service is efficient, making it the perfect spot for a quick lunch or dinner. Don’t forget to try their freshly squeezed juices to wash down your shawarma.
6. The Joint
Location: Boxpark Shoreditch, 2-10 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6GY
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 – 22:00, Friday – Saturday: 11:00 – 23:00
If you’re looking for a unique shawarma experience, head to The Joint at Boxpark Shoreditch. Their fusion shawarmas are a delightful twist on the traditional dish, combining flavors from around the world to create something truly special.
The standout shawarma here is their Korean BBQ chicken shawarma, with its mouthwatering combination of smoky and spicy flavors. The ambiance is lively and hip, perfect for a casual hangout with friends or a quick bite before exploring the vibrant streets of Shoreditch.
Prices are reasonable, and the service is friendly, making it a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.
7. Bosphorus Kebabs
Location: 59 Stoke Newington High Street, London N16 8EL
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 – 23:30
Bosphorus Kebabs is a hidden gem in Stoke Newington, serving up some of the best shawarmas in London. This family-owned establishment takes pride in their homemade marinades and sauces, using only the freshest ingredients to create mouthwatering shawarmas.
Their falafel shawarma is a must-try for vegetarians, with perfectly crispy falafel balls and an array of fresh toppings. For meat lovers, their lamb shawarma is cooked to perfection, with tender and flavorful meat that will leave you craving for more.
Prices are affordable, and the service is warm and welcoming, making it a popular spot among locals in the neighborhood. Be sure to try their Turkish coffee for a perfect end to your shawarma experience at Bosphorus Kebabs.
Additional Tips for Shawarma Lovers
- Don't be afraid to ask for extra toppings or sauce, most places are happy to oblige.
- For an added crunch, ask for your shawarma to be grilled a little longer.
- Experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique shawarma combo.
- Be careful when eating, shawarmas can get messy!
- Enjoy your shawarma with a side of traditional dips like hummus or baba ghanoush for an extra burst of flavor.
- Take advantage of lunch specials or meal deals offered by some establishments for a more budget-friendly option.
- Don't forget to try the different types of bread used in shawarmas, such as pita or lavash, for a new taste experience. Overall, have fun exploring the diverse and delicious world of shawarma in London! So next time you're feeling hungry, skip the usual fast-food options and head straight to one of these top shawarma spots for a satisfying and authentic meal.
