Shelby's Legendary Shawarma — Restaurant in Toronto

Shelby’s Legendary Shawarma Bowl – Better Than Anything I’ve Had in Egypt (Yes, Really)

As an Egyptian, I grew up around shawarma. It’s a staple back home, and I’ve had it in all its traditional forms—wrapped in fresh baladi bread, sliced off sizzling spits on Cairo’s busy streets, served late at night after long days. So when I say Shelby’s Legendary Shawarma is next level, I mean it. I genuinely didn’t expect to find a shawarma bowl in Canada that would outshine what I’ve had in Egypt—but Shelby’s did it. Hands down, this is the best shawarma I’ve ever tried.

I ordered the shawarma bowl, and from the very first bite, I was shocked. The flavors hit differently—in the best way possible. The chicken was juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned with rich spices that soaked right into the rice. The bowl was loaded with delicious toppings: fresh tomato slices, sharp red onions mixed with parsley and lemon, crunchy pickled peppers, and a creamy scoop of hummus dusted with paprika.

But what really blew me away were the sauces. The garlic sauce was bold and addictive, and then there was cheese sauce—something I’ve never seen in shawarma before. I was skeptical at first, but it turned out to be a genius move. The creamy, cheesy drizzle mixed with the garlic sauce and meat created a flavor combo I didn’t know I needed in my life. It was rich, balanced, and absolutely unforgettable.

Back in Egypt, shawarma is all about tradition. But Shelby’s takes that tradition and elevates it, giving it a bold, modern twist without losing the soul of the dish. It felt nostalgic and new at the same time—which is a rare and amazing thing to pull off.

Everything was fresh, flavorful, and filling. The staff were friendly, the vibe was great, and even the presentation of the bowl showed how much care goes into every order.

Honestly, this bowl puts most shawarma places in Egypt to shame—and I never thought I’d say that. Shelby’s didn’t just live up to the hype. It surpassed it. I’ll 100% be back.

If you haven’t tried Shelby’s yet, especially the bowl—do it. You...

Having seen the videos online with all the clever marketing, I was pleasently surprised entering the restaurant that they embrace the style of the videos in physical locations as well, the vibe is just great. Decorations, menu, receipt, staff's uniform are great and funny. First time I've seen the tortilla/bread made in front of the customer. I was expecting to have a blast. Then I received the food... (I didn't forget the bebsi!)

I love all kinds of flatbread with rotissarie meat regardless of the nation, origin, spices and additional ingredients used or the name, be it shawarma/kebab/döner/dürüm/gyros, yes they are different, but I've had them all, I love them all and I have them regularly. But doesn't matter what I compare it to, it was just mid. It's kinda fine, ingredients are fresh, wrap is tight, everything is given, but somehow the taste.. the taste was just mid. It's ok, but it's not great. I don't know if it's the sauce or the spices, but it's just bland. Unfortunately it didn't live up to the hype. While I'm in town, I'll attempt to try other locations to confirm it's not just a one-off "someone left something out" mistake.

I was also thinking that maybe it's just me - I'm european and I'm just used to different flavours. But in the end it's a food with a Middle Eastern origin, so it should taste similar all around the world. Also, I've had all kinds of versions from various Middle Eastern Chefs all around Europe, so I think I have the right reference points.

Despite I'd like to say the opposite with all my heart, not sure I would become a regular as a local (as long the taste doesn't get better). :/

Note: Maybe I overlooked, but I think they don't actually sell ketchup, not even for za...

I am a regular at the bloor/bathurst location Shelby’s and I loved it for the food and the service. Today I went and ordered my regular wrap and I requested them to torch the wrap (which usually does not come with the torch flavour) but shouldn’t be a big deal because as a customer I can request for something and this is not even extra toppings/extra sauces/sauces on the side or a free pop I asked for. After my order was prepared, the lady manager before handing out my wrap to me asked me if I was Indian, to which I smiled and replied “yes”, then her next question was if I was from Punjab, to which i said “no” because I am not and she made a weird face at me. I was waiting for my order to be handed over to me when she tells me that I cannot ask them to torch my wrap because head office doesnt allow. Are you kidding me ???? She went on n on saying no its not allowed, then I told her that other locations do that and as a customer, all I am asking for is to grill it and not for an extra toppings or free things on the side. She says, “tell me what location is it, I will deal with them also”. How weird was her attitude standing and representing a food chain. And why did she do all this after clarifying that I am an indian but not from Punjab. How does that work with Shelby’s. this is very upsetting for someone who works very closeby and every friday I look forward to my lunch as Shelby’s wrap. We even get discount coupons from this store because our company and its employees are so regular to this particular location near...