Towny Shawarma — Restaurant in Whitby

I have driven past this location for years seeing signage up, but, kraft paper and a bedsheet hanging in the front window. I was convinced it was a failed startup.

Driving by a couple of weeks back, I was surprised to see the paper down and an open sign in the window.

I stopped by on Friday to grab an early dinner and see what was happening. The place is still getting set-up, it's brand new and clean inside, but, there was an unhooked panini press on the floor in the lobby and it looks like they're still working out the kinks and adjusting to demand. I was told they'd been very busy the day I went. There was a spit of chicken spinning, but, I saw no beef. I heard the gentlemen discussing falafel as well. There are no prices listed on the menu board and at the moment it's cash only.

I decided on a chicken shawarma plate and a chicken shawarma wrap. There is no dine-in option, so the food was taken to go.

The food was very good, the chicken was carved straight from the spit, it was mildly spiced, juicy with charred crispy edges. The veggies were fresh and the sauces (tahini, garlic, hot and hummus) were all delicious. The basmati rice was moist and flavourful, although a tad oily.

The portion sizes were extremely generous and I thought they offered excellent value. The 'plate' is actually 2 containers, one with rice, protein and sauces, the other containing the vegetables (salad). I wish there was a better dressing for the salad, the one prepared for me simply had tahini and garlic on it. The wrap was generous as well, my dining companion really enjoyed it. We were very happy with our meals overall. I will definitely return to support this addition to the neighbourhood.

The pictures I am posting don't really do the meals justice as they were taken about 30 minutes after I left. They're more for a visual of portion size (the containers were stuffed...

Towny Shawarma – A Must-Try Spot for Shawarma Lovers!

I recently had the chance to try Towny Shawarma, and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised! This spot had been closed for a while, but with a new owner taking over, I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype. After reading several positive reviews, I decided to give it a shot—and I’m so glad I did!

From the first bite, the flavors were spot on. The perfect mix of lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle, paired with creamy garlic sauce and rich tahini sauce, created an incredible balance of taste and texture. The shawarma was fresh, well-seasoned, and packed with flavor.

Beyond the food, the service was great, making the experience even more enjoyable. Whether you’re a shawarma lover or just looking for something new to try, I’d highly recommend Towny Shawarma. Definitely a...

Food is great, no question. I've only ever seen one older gentleman working here (the owner, I assume). A loaded chicken shawarma wrap for $9 is a pretty good deal, I usually get two and save one for the next day. I always get extra garlic sauce and a side of hummus, he doesn't charge me for it so I usually tip the remaining $2 from breaking the 20.

Don't go here expected a polished corporate environment. The interior is clearly dated, just a few tables, the boss man working there works at his own pace and it's cash only. However, the quality of the chicken, the amount of toppings you get, and the delicious sauces are worth venturing in for. As a local, I love to see these places pop up and will gladly give him my business whenever...