When it comes to street food in Dubai, few dishes are as iconic and beloved as shawarma. Wrapped in warm pita, bursting with juicy meat, garlic sauce, and crunchy pickles, it’s the ultimate grab-and-go comfort food. If you’re in Dubai and craving a mouthwatering, juicy shawarma, you’re in luck.
The city is packed with amazing options—from tiny roadside joints to iconic Lebanese eateries. But with so many shawarma spots across the city, where do you find the very best?
To answer that, we’ve turned to popular YouTubers and local food reviewers—including Khalid Al Ameri, Khaleej Times, and Feed Kiani—to bring you the ultimate guide to the best shawarma spots in Dubai.
1. The Authentic Local Favorite – Recommended by Khalid Al Ameri
Khalid Al Ameri, one of the UAE’s most popular content creators, set out on a mission to find the best shawarma in town. His journey led him to a small, humble joint where the focus is on quality, not frills.
What makes it special?
- Freshly shaved chicken off the rotisserie
- Classic garlic sauce with a rich, creamy punch
- Soft, warm pita bread with just the right thickness
- Fast service and a real street-food vibe
This spot captures the soul of shawarma—the kind locals eat on the go or after a long day. No gimmicks, just flavor.
2. The Ultimate Shawarma Tour – Feed Kiani’s Top Picks
The Feed Kiai did a comprehensive tour of the city’s best shawarma joints, rating them on meat quality, wrap structure, flavor balance, and overall satisfaction. Some highlights include:
🥇 Layali Worod Al Sham (Abu Hail)
- Type: Chicken shawarma
- Flavor: Balanced spices, smoky meat, and perfect garlic-to-meat ratio
- Why go: Legendary status, fast turnover, and always fresh
🥈 Shawarma Al Farooj (Dubai)
- Type: Beef shawarma
- Flavor: Slightly charred beef, rich tahini sauce
- Why go: One of the oldest Lebanese chains in Dubai with consistent quality
🥉 Zahr Al Karz (Al Barsha)
- Type: Fusion-style shawarma
- Flavor: Playful twists with exotic sauces and gourmet wraps
- Why go: Modern take on Middle Eastern street food in a colorful setting
3. Khaleej Time’s Street-Style Showdown
This fun video walks through a 9-stop shawarma crawl across Dubai, with some hidden gems you won’t want to miss.
If you like your shawarma messy, saucy, and full of flavor, this list is your goldmine.
🔥 Insider Tips for the Best Shawarma Experience
- Go during peak hours – You’ll get the freshest cuts off the spit
- Don’t skip the garlic sauce (toum) – It’s the heart of a good shawarma
- Try both chicken and beef – Each has its own loyal fan base for a reason
- Look for joints with high turnover – Fresher meat, better wraps
🏆 Final Verdict: Where Should You Go?
No matter your preference, Dubai’s shawarma scene is unmatched—a delicious mix of cultures, spices, and creativity. Whether you like yours simple or fully loaded, there’s a shawarma for everyone.
