It melts in the mouth and crunches on the teeth. It is the Arabic treat, but we have savoured in so many corners of the world. It is a guilty pleasure we can’t resist from time to time — though after hours at the gym downstairs, we feel we have fully earned it. It is all about Shawarma.

But if it is going to be guilty, it has to be good. And that is what brings us here: exploring best shawarma restaurants in Dubai, with a few tasty insights sprinkled in alongside our favourite treat. Simply listing places where to eat shawarma in Dubai would be too easy — so instead, we will dive a little deeper into the origins behind each one.

If you are planning to try the mother of all Arabic shawarmas, your go-to has to be a Levantine shawarma spot. This is where the true authenticity lies — and honestly, nothing beats watching the meat stacked high on a vertical rotisserie. It is not just delicious; it is also perfectly Instagrammable (or maybe even TikTok-worthy — not sure which is cooler these days).

In Levantine shawarma, you will find thin pita or saj bread stuffed with tangy pickles and crispy fries. And while fries in a shawarma might surprise some, there is a simple reason behind it: in Lebanon, shawarma was born as a quick, filling street food. Potatoes were cheap, hearty, and satisfying — and over time, they became a defining part of the wrap’s flavour.

For an authentic taste in Dubai, head to Shawarma Al Farooj, tucked away in Trade Centre — the perfect stop after a long workday. The setting may be casual, but the portions are generous and the flavours are spot on. And if there is one thing they never skimp on, it is the meat.

If you are planning to try the perfect Palestinian shawarma, don’t go alone. Traditionally, Palestinian shawarma shops have always been some of the biggest gathering spots, where food and community come together. What makes it special are the key ingredients: here, Palestinians use taboon bread — much thicker than the Levantine version and often baked village-style. It is typically paired with a yoghurt base and the bold, citrusy kick of sumac, a classic spice of the region.

For an authentic taste in Dubai, your go-to is Mama’esh, with ten branches across the UAE. Renowned for its genuine Palestinian cuisine, Mama’esh sources many of its ingredients directly from Palestine to preserve traditional flavours. And one key detail — instead of being cooked on an ordinary pan, it’s oven-baked, giving the shawarma a deeper, richer taste.

The first clue that you are holding a Syrian shawarma is its size — so big it almost feels like too much for one hand. The second clue comes with the flavour: compared to other shawarmas, the Syrian version is spicier and more vibrant. And it makes sense — Aleppo has been a famous spice hub for centuries, once a key stop along the old Silk Road trade routes.

The main ingredients are similar to the Levantine style… but then comes the sauce. Syrian shawarma often uses mayonnaise or yoghurt-tahini, which gives it a creamier taste. The bread is usually a little thicker too, sturdy enough to hold everything together without falling apart.

Those searching for the best Syrian shawarma in Dubai should head to Latakia House in Bur Dubai. It is a simple, no-frills spot — perhaps not where you would go on a first date — but locals love it, so give it a try — I am sure it will win your heart.

If you ever find yourself in Cairo or Alexandria, take a walk through the busy city streets and try playing a little game: count how many shawarma stalls you pass. And when you reach ten — treat yourself to one!

What makes Egyptian shawarma special comes down to three things. First, the bread: it is served in aish baladi, the traditional wholemeal flatbread that is a staple of Egyptian daily life. Second, the sauce: instead of the usual garlic, Egyptians go for tahini. And third, the marinade: vinegar, which not only adds tang but also tenderises the meat much faster than a spice-only mix — perfect for Egypt’s fast-paced street vendors.

If you want to taste this Egyptian classic in Dubai, head to Shawarmary, with branches in Marina, JVC, Ghurair Centre, and Silicon Oasis. One tip: don’t check their social media if you are hungry — the way they marinate the meat and stuff the bread is irresistible. I couldn’t help but order one myself!

Iraqi shawarma is one you will never confuse with any other. And this time, you don’t even need to take a bite to recognise it. Its main feature is the bread — usually served in samoon, a diamond-shaped loaf that is crisp on the outside yet soft inside. The other signature is the sauce: amba, a tangy, spiced mango pickle. Brought to Iraq from India in the 19th century, it carries a story of trade and migration — so when you take a bite, pause for a moment and imagine just how much history is wrapped up in this little treat.

In Dubai, the place to try authentic Iraqi shawarma is Abu Melhem Shawarma — a spot consistently praised by local Arab food bloggers (and they have tried plenty!). The restaurant also has a lovely outdoor terrace, so plan your visit for late September onwards, when the weather is just right to enjoy both the food and the atmosphere.

Great news! Our radio now has its very own app — your gateway to exclusive mixes, curated playlists for every mood, and podcasts featuring the most inspiring stories from the worlds of art, fashion, and beyond. Don’t miss out — download the STR app today and take the sound with you wherever you go!

Download now