Let’s talk business. In other words, let’s talk shawarma. This soul-warming dish first originated in the Ottoman Empire and gained momentum in popularity through travel to Europe and the West. Despite revolving around the world, the taste of Shawarma remains authentic due to its ever-fragrant spices and ingredients.
Today, Shawarma is a delicacy of fine Middle-Eastern restaurants and a favorite food to grab on the streets. The making of Shawarma isn’t exclusive to one particular region or culture. It is indeed a celebrated dish here in Arabia.
In guidance of Shawarma’s wisdom, here are some of the options here in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, that can remind one of the skill and love that goes into making Shawarma.
The list might seem like a rated list but feel free to check it out till the end as it is in no specific order of popularity.
One of the old restaurants here in Jeddah and is trusted to be one of the best. They have a variety of Sandwiches otherwise, but their shawarma takes the 1st place. If traditional shawarma is on your mind, look nowhere else. One of the spots that truly offers value for money spent. It could also be named as the best if given a chance, in all honesty. An author’s favorite and a must-visit takeaway spot, regardless.
Sands Restaurant, 2892 عبدالرحمن الطبيشي، حي الاندلس, Jeddah 23326
If you’d like to eat at a restaurant that’s typically acclaimed by the masses, Palm Beach is at your service. This Lebanese restaurant has a great ambience and a sense of warmth to it. The service at the restaurant is remarkable and deserves recognition too. The food is regarded to be healthy and light on the stomach. In addition, it is also famous for its meat shawarmas. Undoubtedly, another author’s favorite.
مطاعم شاطئ النخيل – بالم بيتش – Palm Beach Restaurants, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Rd, Al Faisaliyyah, Jeddah 23442
How can we forget Aloush? Aloush Shawarma is one of the few spots that has retained its flavour and exhibited resilience to adversity. The shawarma plates are always tempting to get and difficult to share. Not to forget, their pickles on the side along with their heavenly garlic sauce are a must-try for anyone that is fond of treating the palette.
Shawarma Allosh, J46R+RF4, Al Naeem, Jeddah 23526
Noor offers traditional choices of chicken and beef shawarma. It is a Syrian restaurant that has reserved a place for itself over the years for serving good quality meat along with side dishes and sauces. There are great options for Kebabs and grilled meat that serves as an added plus. Most of their branches are takeaway and are around different areas of the city.
مطعم نور الحلبي, King Abdul Aziz Rd, Abhur Al Junoobiyah, Jeddah 23731
If a trendy restaurant is your kind of place, PING, is your stop. Located at one of the prime spots of Jeddah, PING offers a unique concept of traditional Shawarma. Some of their famous concepts are the toasted brioche Shawarma sandwich, the Halalat (served with pomegranate molasses), and Arabia. All in all, a must-visit if you would like to try something unique.
You can locate the restaurant on Prince Sultan Rd. goo.gl/maps/Ju8dXuhjP2xsZLCM6
Another restaurant offering an authentic taste. It serves traditional Turkish cuisine and offers one of the best options for chicken and meat Shawarma. It is a very popular restaurant and can sometimes be overcrowded at rush hours/days such as a Friday evening. All in all, a must-visit spot for satisfying your shawarma craving.
Al Fairouz Restaurant, Hira St, An Nahdah, Jeddah 23523
One of the trusted spots of good and hearty food here in Jeddah. Another Lebanese restaurant on the list as it would be a crime not to add this one. Wazzan offers beautiful food. Their shawarma can be described as “exquisite”. An overall increase in prices in the food industry has not caused trouble for this restaurant here. The quality of the food speaks for itself and is a family favourite over the weekend.
Al-Wazzan Restaurant, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz St, Al Faisaliyyah, Jeddah 23441
Imagine if the list didn’t include Khayal. I’d be shocked too. Another family favourite that serves authentic Turkish cuisine. Perfect for a fine dining experience. Their meter-long Kebabs are another talked-about dish in Jeddah. I can even go as far as saying that if you’ve come to Jeddah and not visited Khayal, you didn’t come to Jeddah. The restaurant offers delicious food and a lovely ambience. The service is very experienced with rush hours and knows how to appropriately cater to their guests. The restaurant also offers complimentary appetizers and after tea.
Khayal Restaurant, Prince Sultan Rd
This restaurant is located at Al-Hamrah and could be described as “Shawarma with a modern spin”. The chicken in shawarma has a smokey taste and acts as a treat for your mouth. They serve their Shawarma in Tortillas and toast and offer other side dishes such as Shawarma Fries and Shawarma on Mandi rice. They have quite a choice for their sauces too. A lovely concept to try out if you are willing.
Lannoni, Al-Hamra’a, Jeddah 23212
If you’re looking for a shawarma to save you from a gloomy day or enhance your good days, Lghawees it is. A very heart-warming concept that is fairly new to the game but has received acclaim, regardless. The restaurant itself offers a groovy ambience along with amicable service from the staff. It offers juicy shawarmas, an element I personally love in Shawarma. The spot is known for its fast service and quality taste.
LGHAWEES | لغاويص, Al Zahra, H4FH+3FH، Sari St., Al-Khalidiyah District, Jeddah 23424