Finding shawarma in the city
Photos by Jesse Colautti
Shawarma is a food as synonymous with Ottawa as beaver tails and poutine. This Middle Eastern fast food features garlic sauce or hummus spread on top of a pita, topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, turnip, pickles, and your choice of beef, chicken, or falafel.
Ottawa has a wide selection of shawarma shops, enough to overwhelm the amateur shawarma eater.
Here are reviews of three shawarma restaurants close to the U of O campus, graded by four main criteria: price, location, service, and taste.
3 Brothers
Price: $8.50
Location: 124 Osgoode Street
Service: The service felt rushed, as if they were just trying to move customers along.
Taste: The meat was a little dry, but there were a lot of vegetables.
Why go here: It’s very close, and while it’s a little expensive, the distance more than makes up for the price.
Dalhousie Grill and Kebab
Price: $6.99
Location: 399 Dalhousie Street off Rideau
Service: The service was great. They focused on one sandwich and one customer at a time.
Taste: Very satisfying, with fresh crunchy vegetables and an even mix of meat and vegetables.
Why go here: This was easily the largest sandwich on the list and will definitely fill you up.
Castle Shawarma
Price: $9.50
Location: 178 Rideau Street
Service: Wonderful service, they clearly try very hard to make customers feel welcome and comfortable.
Taste: Very flavourful chicken and exceptionally creamy garlic sauce. A delicious experience.
Why go here: Castle Shawarma just continues to get it right. A little bit of a hike, and pricey, but worth it for the superior service and flavour.
