Over the last few months, I have been on a journey to find the best shawarma shop in London. At least twice a week I venture to any corner of the city in search of the perfect falafel platter. “Holdup, falafels? What’s so special about those little fried balls of chickpeas? How ‘bout you hit me up when you wanna talk about a real protein?” To this I say give me a minute, and you’ll see why they’re the key to a great shawarma shop. Too many times I’ve experienced half-burnt, bland chickpeas so dry they make your grandma’s mouth seem like Niagra Falls. A real falafel should be filled with a multitude of vibrant fresh herbs and mouthwatering spices, just enough flour to make it slightly fluffy yet still have substance when you bite into it, and finally just the right size for frying so that you get the thinnest crispy outer shell without drying out the middle and leaving the taste of charcoal in your mouth. It takes a lot of preparation to perfect a falafel and so you can bet your tastebuds that kind of dedication will carry over to the other food.
“Great, now can you tell me about the meat?” Not quite yet, because this actually brings me to the second indicator of a shawarma shop worth its chops: the SAUCES. Hummus, Tahini, and in my opinion the most important one: Garlic sauce. It actually takes a bit of technique to make a good hummus and I gotta say they nailed it, with just enough tahini to produce a silky smooth texture on the tongue, but not so much that you feel like you’re eating a mouthful of peanut butter. They also topped it off with some olive oil. The tahini was high quality and not the bitter stuff, plus it was just runny enough to coat the dish without making it a soggy mess. Finally the Garlic sauce, also known as Toum. Unfortunately many people haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing real garlic sauce. Because it can be labour intensive (from peeling and slicing massive amount of garlic, to soaking it in lemon juice) a lot of places will just blend up some garlic with mayonnaise and call it a day. Personally I find that not only disgusting, but extremely lazy. If you want to try authentic Toum, then here’s your chance. Chunky yet light and fluffy with a delicious garlicky bite that’s been tamed by only lemon juice, oil and salt. Again, the devotion to making real garlic sauce shows the love they put into this food.
“Pleeeease get to the mmeeeat.” Alright. The MEAT. The chicken and beef are just as good if not better as most other places, and is never dry. “That’s it? Are you seriou—“ HOWEVER, this is one of maybe two or three places that serve LAMB. And damn is this lamb succulent. Unlike one big shawarma chain in particular that keeps their lamb drying in a plastic tray all day, this stuff is kept freshly sealed, flavourfully marinated, and JUICY af. I’ll never forget that first bite. If you’ve never had a lamb wrap, are you even living?
A quick ode to the rice and veggies: Well seasoned yellow spiced rice with peas, carrots, corn, beans. Colourful, fresh, and lively salads; not like those greyish pickles, browning lettuce and soggy tomatoes seen at a lower tier shop. Nice crisp cucumbers, plus the creamy purple cabbage is a classic that not every place offers.
Originally from Afghanistan, the husband and wife are true chefs who have poured their souls into each meal for almost a decade for us Londoners. And it’s their homestyle hospitality that rounds out this experience. Too often they give away extra bread and drinks, especially appreciated during the brutal summer heat. From the falafels and garlic sauce alone, one could assume it would be the best shawarma shop in town, but their best-kept secret ingredient? Love. Love for their cooking and love for...
Read moreWow Shawarma lives up to its name and delivers an outstanding shawarma experience that will leave you amazed! As a shawarma enthusiast, I can confidently say that this place has become my ultimate go-to spot.
From the moment you step inside Wow Shawarma, you are greeted with friendly and welcoming service. The vibrant and inviting atmosphere adds to the overall dining experience, making it a delightful place to enjoy your meal.
Now, let's talk about the star of the show - the shawarma itself. Wow Shawarma takes shawarma to a whole new level. The meat is incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. The expertly marinated and grilled meat creates a mouthwatering filling that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Each bite is a burst of deliciousness that will have you saying "wow" with every mouthful.
What sets Wow Shawarma apart is their commitment to quality. The ingredients used are fresh and of the highest standard, ensuring a premium shawarma experience. The generous portions guarantee that you'll leave satisfied and craving for more.
If you're a shawarma lover seeking an extraordinary dining experience, Wow Shawarma is the place to be. Prepare to be impressed by their exceptional flavors, top-notch quality, and remarkable service. Make sure to visit Wow Shawarma and indulge in the wow factor of their...
Read moreI recently dined at Wow Shawarma, located at Clarence Street, London, Ontario. And it was an exceptional experience.
Food Quality: The menu offers a variety of Middle Eastern dishes, specializing in shawarma combos such as chicken, beef, and lamb. I opted for the Chicken Shawarma Combo, which included perfectly seasoned and juicy chicken, complemented by fresh sides and a flavorful sauce. The portion size was generous, offering excellent value for the price.
Service: The staff were friendly and efficient, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Despite being a popular spot, the service was prompt, and the team made sure to check in to ensure everything was satisfactory.
Ambiance: The restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere, with clean and comfortable seating arrangements. It’s an ideal place for both quick lunches and relaxed dinners.
Location: Situated conveniently in downtown London, it’s easily accessible for both locals and visitors. Parking is available nearby, making it a hassle-free destination.
Overall Experience: Wow Shawarma lives up to its name, delivering delicious food and excellent service. I highly recommend it to anyone craving authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in London, Ontario.
Note: This review is based on my personal experience and reflects my...
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