Al-Salam Grill — Restaurant in Philadelphia

I want to preface this by saying that they used to make some of the best Shawarma in the city. I have lived in the Middle East and tried quite a few Shawarma places in Philly and these guys come closest to what I had in the Middle East. However, they have become inconsistent and started to decrease food portion sizes. When I first started getting Shawarma from this place (about 5-6 years ago), they used to provide a proper sandwich, with ample filling and portions. Over the past two years, the size of the sandwich has started to get thinner. Still, the taste was authentic and I have still bought their sandwiches from time to time. Yesterday, I got their sandwich and it was thinner than ever. However, this time, they overdid the salt and really spoiled the taste of the sandwich. Also, the service when I went to pick up the food left a bit to be desired. I get that they had a big order that they needed to deliver but quality of food and service should not suffer for a place that has been in business for a while and do have dedicated customers. I was very disappointed because they used to make good food and I do not think that the people cooking the food has changed.

Edited to add: I appreciate the response from the owner. I just hope that you guys will go back to being consistent and the portion sizes that you used to provide. I will order from you again in the future and see how it is. For reference, "Bladi" on Cottman Avenue also sells Shawarma sandwiches and the size of their sandwiches is what Al-Salam used to provide...

Appetizer/breakfast platter and the entree were delicious and enjoyable to eat! In addition to food seen in the pictures attached, we also ordered delectable Shawarma wraps. On the first bite my brother and I went ‘Mmmm!’

The grocery store and the restaurant had great service and atmosphere. It was an absolute pleasure meeting with the staff. We had a great experience and will definitely return to try the rest of the menu.

Update on 04/20/2025: Ordered Chicken Shawarma wraps, Chicken and chicken kabob platter. The kitchen has recently implemented cooking with charcoal… and I’m not a fan of this change; also, mind you we ate 40 minutes later from picking up so my travel hiatus plays a huge role in my review today. This was not my most time-sensitive meal.

I found the meat in the wraps soft, as if I am eating crushed tuna in a wrap. While the taste of the sandwich was great with garlic sauce, the overall texture of the meat fell flat to me.

As for kabob platter, the kabob did seem a tad bit salty and dry. I did not taste or smell any smoky flavor and scent intended using this cooking process. The overall dish still tasted great, but the meat took some extra chewing to finish, and left a faint salty aftertaste.

I think both dishes are fine to eat within a short time window. Anything more, your experience won’t be the best. I hope this...

🤤My Oh My!!!!!! 🤤

I was working OT in Philly, which ended up being longer than what I expected, so I grew hungry. I googled local restaurants and it was either Popeyes (which is everywhere) or Al-Salam Grill.

Well Well Well, a hidden gem has been discovered folks!!! Wow...just wow!!!! The food is absolutely DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!! I would dine at Al-Salam Grill daily if I were able to.

I ordered the Mixed Grill and I was seriously blown away!!!! I wish I could have dined in for a better experience, but again, was working so had to eat while on the run. Boooooo!!!!!! Lol

Disclosure: Geez, writing this review makes me want to go back, like right now!!! Lol

So back to the food: I will eat humus if it were given to me, but it's nothing serious to me....well, that has taken a huge turn!!!! Al-Salams humus is out of this world, as is their meats (perfectly flavored and tender) the rice was delicious as well.

I mean listen to me people, everything was seriously top notch superb. At this point, I am kind of regretting not trying the to go container the food came in, or the plasticware, and to go bag! Lol

Any who, food by far was the best I have ever tried, the owner is now in the top 5 of my favorite random people I have came across, and I will def cross the bridge for Al-Salam Grill...next time I will be dining...