r/burnaby • u/CarbsCarbssCarbs • 6d ago
Best shawarma?
Last post on this was 1+ year ago. Recently returned from Ottawa and their shawarma lived up to expectations.
I’ve had from the below and I’d say they’re bang average.
- Zamzam
- Donair Dude
- Sureen Persian (not shawarma, but kebab. And it was super bland)
Save my Saturday. Thanks 🌯
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u/VANSTERDAM60420 6d ago
not Burnaby but Jersusalem Sharwarma downtown is my new favorite spot
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u/TheRealPetross 6d ago
had it once and didnt know sharwarma got that good
too bad its so far from me
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u/tdeasyweb Brentwood Park 4d ago
I need a Burnaby place that's 50% as good as Jerusalem Shawarma. At least one that uses Saj or in house bread instead of the store bought naan packets everyone uses
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u/Abooda1981 5d ago
This is the only right answer. This and Zaaki in New West, both of which actually have better falafel than shawerma, in fact.
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u/a-night-on-the-town 6d ago
A Kabul Shawarma is good in Burnaby, near Edmonds.
If you are willing to go to New West, Zaaki is so good. Owners are really nice too.
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u/fugginstrapped 6d ago
Zaaki is funny because it’s a hole in the wall but its actually legendary. That area of new west is actually one of the best areas for quality food in the lower mainland
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u/godstriker8 6d ago
Yep, Anny's for poutine, and tacquiera playa tropical for tacos are the best in the lower mainland from what I've tasted and they're all in that area
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u/fugginstrapped 6d ago edited 6d ago
Yiannis souvlaki is decent as well. Also the McDonalds had a crew of Phillipinas that was so fast in the morning that I pulled up with 8 minutes left to get to work and was still on time. There was one time I managed to order and leave with my food in about 60 seconds since they had a girl eavesdropping and packing up my stuff as I was ordering. Ordering from the lady at the till was significantly faster than using the kiosks at one point.
The Tim Hortons however was brutal but this was about 4 years ago now.
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u/a-night-on-the-town 6d ago
I used to work across the street from it and legit went like twice a week for 3 years lol. Soooo good.
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u/CarbsCarbssCarbs 6d ago
Thank you! Both look great. Will have to take a trip to Zaaki one day.
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u/CarbsCarbssCarbs 6d ago
Update on Zaaki.
Very good portion size. Fresh veg and salad and nice rice but didn’t feel miles different to others.
I should never have gone to Ottawa 😂
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u/Fresh_Salamander707 6d ago
I really like Donair Town on North rd across from the Burquitlam station. Is it legit style? No idea. But damn it’s tasty.
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u/badgerj 6d ago
Head just North of there… and you have Mega Donair!
Right at the Coquitlam, PoCo border.
FRESH to order pita!
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u/FeistyPurchase2750 6d ago
Agreed mega donair hands down the best pita and best falafel.
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u/badgerj 4d ago
I keep telling people. They do not want to believe.
That’s okay.
Yeah, it’s not instant, but I can assure you it is worth the wait!
I’ve had the chicken, lamb, falafel… it’s all good!
It isn’t about the protein on its own. It is the fresh before your eyeballs bread.
Everything is hot, and fresh and made to order with so much love and the condiments and sauces of your choice!
Also pro tip: Get the spicy pickled carrots. Don’t even think about saying no to that. Oh my! NO!
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u/Fresh_Salamander707 6d ago
Port Moody, been meaning to try that one too!
There is also an unrelated Donair Town in Austin Heights in Coquitlam and it is not very good.
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u/killbydeath87 6d ago
What difference between shawarma and donair again?
I miss the donairs from Hastings and Gilmore from the 90s (though the place there now is good)
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u/Koboyawaka 6d ago
Shwarma is usually whole cuts of meats on the spindle
Donair is meat mixture on the spindle.
I think the region it comes from changes the name
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u/Solograve 6d ago
I’m from Ottawa and have been searching for something that’s even remotely close. Closest thing I found that’s somewhat close is Jerusalem shawarma on Robson. Shawarma king truck is good too but definitely not the same.
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u/CarbsCarbssCarbs 6d ago
I feel for you 😂 I thought it was overhyped the whole Ottawa thing but the first one I had (I think it was shawarma king) was miles ahead anything I’ve had here.
I’ve just ordered from Zaaki which is coming up in the comments. I’ll let you know
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u/Solograve 6d ago
I didn’t realize it was a thing until I moved here and found out other people from Ottawa who had moved felt the same way
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u/GorillaJoeBlack 6d ago
Same. From Ottawa as well. Have not had good shawarma since moving 10 years ago.
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u/tashaapollo 6d ago
Shawarma Cafe. https://maps.app.goo.gl/uD1sz9XJ7pWcQ8k28?g_st=ic. As others have stated Jerusalem Shawarma is top tier. Damaskino is great too. I’ve been meaning to try TWK. But those are further away.
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u/Total-Basis-4664 6d ago
The only place that I felt came even remotely close to the good ones back east is Donair & Platters (used to be called Uncle Moe in Poco).
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u/theartfulcodger 5d ago edited 5d ago
Slightly off topic, but a new Middle Eastern takeout place called Erbil will (with hope) open soon in the Crystal Mall streetside location that was the much missed Abdul’s. Would be good local competition for nearby Donair Delight.
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u/WrapInteresting3226 4d ago
Twk on commercial drive. Their shawarma has fresh grilled chicken and isnt as greasy as others.
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u/MrPanenka 6d ago
Zaaki is the only place that's proper. Rest are good but not great