As a classic Middle Eastern street food, shawarma is one of the most popular dishes in Dubai, although in reality, it is not a particularly traditional dish in the UAE.
Shawarma may have originated somewhere in the Levant rather than the Arabian Peninsula, but that hasn’t stopped it from taking its place among the most popular roadside snacks in the UAE.
Whether it’s a quick lunch, a hearty late evening, or a 2 a.m. snack, there are plenty of great places to serve shawarma in the city. In fact, Dubai, which may not have a square kilometer, cannot claim to have at least one shawarma point. But here we are talking about the best shawarma in Dubai.
You know what we are talking about. Slowly charred, delicious meat, seasoned with refined greasy sauce, sliced thinly and topped with garlic sauce – all stuffed with fresh pita bread (or saj, which will be detailed later) and a handful of Salted Kimchi sticks next to it and cooking hot fries.
1- Zarub or Zaroob
You can see this brightly lit street restaurant a mile away, if the lights don’t appeal to you, Shawarma should be. Wrap it and put it on a plate, chicken or beef, or all of the above-no judgment here. The shawarma at this 24-hour restaurant is as delicious as breakfast at 1am (don’t knock on the door before you try).
2- My Shawarma AL BARSHA
If you live in the Al Barsha area, just go to your nearest My Shawarma branch. They often appear on the list of the best shawarma restaurants in Dubai 2020. As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in shawarma. Here you will be spoiled for choice. Start at AED 10 to taste their classic chicken or meat shawarma. Iconic My Shawaram items such as “Greeks” are also popular with urban gourmets.
- Time: open daily from 10:30 am to 02:00 am.
- Location: Next to the Crescent supermarket on the ground floor of the Jade Pavilion building. Also available at DAFZA and Discover Gardens
- Contacts: + 971-4-347-3680
3- Falafel and Shawarma
Falafel & Shawarma offers an impressive variety of shawarma. Besides the best Arabian shawarma, the restaurant also offers a unique combination of Egyptian, Mexican, Indian and Lebanese shawarma. The price of their shawarma ranges from AED 5 to AED 6.
- Time: open daily from 08:00 to 02:00.
- Location: Shop No. 1, Ground Floor, Al Sharafi Building, opposite Zaynal Mohebi Square, 11 Al Karama Street, Dubai.
- Contact: + 971-58-150-0066 | + 971-4-396-8301
4- AL-SAFADI AL-RIGGA
On our list of the best shawarma restaurants in Dubai, Al Safadi, the most popular Lebanese restaurant, tops the list. Here you can choose chicken or meat shawarma for the price of 12 AED. This dish also comes with delicious toppings like kimchi and tahini. Al Safadi also serves a wide variety of Lebanese cuisine, making it one of the best Lebanese restaurants in Dubai.
- Time: open daily from 08:00 to 01:00.
- Location: Al Rigga Al Rigga Road behind the Holiday Inn. Also available in the shopping mall area, Pointe and Al Safa.
- Contacts: 600-500-601
5- Shawerme
Shawerme is one of the best Syrian restaurants in Dubai, located in the city’s three most popular hotspots – Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Al Seef. They bring a refreshing scent to popular Dubai street food. The original Lebanese shawarma cost about 21 dirhams, while the price of the branded package went up. You can choose the classic one or try other sandwich options. Be sure to try Vogue Shawerme!
6- Operation: Falafel JBR
Operation: Falafel is a popular falafel restaurant in Dubai. Besides the iconic falafel, Operation: Falafel is also one of the best shawarma restaurants in Dubai. Their menu includes a variety of chicken, beef and falafel shawarma. This restaurant also offers a range of other falafel dishes. The best part? Operation: Falafel is open 24 hours!
- Time: open around the clock
- Location: Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). Can also be used in Auto City, DSO and four other locations.
- Contacts: 600-530-006
7- Manoushe street in the center of Dubai
Manoushe Street is another notable spot on the list of the best shawarma restaurants in Dubai. Here you will be offered a wide selection of beef and chicken shawarma rolls to suit your needs. Their menus also include breakfast items, salads, pizza and popular Lebanese dishes such as manakish and kaak. Manusha Street has 14 branches throughout the city. So if you are looking for “the best Dubai shawarma near me” this place is sure to turn up.
- Time: open around the clock
- Location: Block C, Burj View Tower, near Burj Khalifa in downtown Dubai. Also located at JLT, Barsha, Arab Ranch and 10 other locations.
- Contacts: 600-566-667
8- Shavarma and Furun
Next on our list is Shawerma’s quirky café called Shawerma & Furun. If you live in Al Nahda, you probably already know this place. Those who have not yet discovered this can look forward to the best shawarma in Dubai. The restaurant offers everything from classic shawarma to Greek and Mexican dishes at prices ranging from AED 10 to AED 15.
- Time: open daily from 01:00 to 13:00.
- Location: Next to Grand Service Auto Bus Station, Baghdad Street, Al Nahda, Dubai.
- Contact: + 971-4-263-9876 | + 971-56-818-9715
9- Beirut Restaurant and Grill
Beirut Restaurant & Grill is our next pick at the best shawarma restaurant in Dubai. Be sure to try the Double Shawarma Sandwich at this restaurant, which includes two shawarmas and a serving of fries, kimchi and soft drinks – all for AED 22.
- Time: open daily from 10:00 to 01:00.
- Location: Al Hudaiba, Dubai | Also appeared at the Dubai Ministry of Education.
- Contacts: + 971-4-398-8881
10- Shiraz night
Shiraz Nights is another popular Dubai restaurant known for its shawarma. An excellent choice for meat and chicken shawarma in Dubai, their shawarma is available starting at AED 7 apiece.
- Time: open daily from 08:00 to 02:00.
- Location: Opposite Kuwait Supermarket in Baniyas Square, Dubai.
- Contacts: + 971-4-222-7720
Those interested in Arabic cuisine will find several Arabic restaurants in Dubai. In addition, residents of other emirates can taste shawarma at various unique shawarma establishments in their emirates. For example, Sharjah has great places for shawarma. Some of the best shawarma spots in Sharjah include Aroos Damascus, On the Wood, etc. Abu Dhabi also has many shawarma spots. Likewise, residents of Ajman can also enjoy sumptuous snacks at various shawarma establishments in Ajman.