Dubai is a city that takes its shawarma seriously. With influences from Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, and beyond, this street food staple has evolved into countless variations.
One of our team’s favorite spots is one that we feature on our Middle Eastern Food Pilgrimage. You can join us on this food tour, Middle Eastern Food Pilgrimage, which happens in the neighborhood of Deira where my sister and I grew up.
But if you’re looking for a full-blown shawarma tour in Dubai, Barsha is where you want to be. I recently embarked on an 8-shawarma marathon across different styles and restaurants in Barsha, and after much eating (and an overload of garlic sauce), I’ve narrowed it down to my top 3 shawarma spots in Dubai. If you’re searching for the best shawarma in Dubai, these places deliver.
Mashawi Al Halabiya – Syrian Perfection
Meat in samoon at Mashawi al Halabiya
- 📍 Location: Barsha, Dubai
- ⏳ Watch the full review at 3:18
If you want shawarma done right, start with the Syrians. Mashawi Al Halabiya isn’t just a random find; it’s a chef-approved spot recommended by one of Dubai’s top chefs, Mohammad Orfali. And it did not disappoint.
What to Order:
- Small Chicken Shawarma – Perfectly compact, crispy saj bread, a hit of tangy garlic sauce (toum), and pickles that cut through the richness.
- Syrian Samoon Meat Shawarma – Wrapped in samoon bread (which is also popular in Iraqi cuisine), this lamb shawarma is doused in tahini, loaded with parsley, tomatoes, onions, and a hit of sumac.
Mashawi Al Halabiya
Why It’s a Winner: The balance of acidity, spice, and texture is perfect. The chicken shawarma is juicy but not overstuffed, and the meat shawarma is rich but not heavy. If you don’t like your shawarma drowning in garlic mayo, this is the place for you.
Zahr Al Karz – The Lebanese Classic
Chicken shawarma at Zahr Al Karz
- 📍 Location: Barsha, Dubai
- ⏳ Watch the full review at 25:28
When it comes to authentic Lebanese shawarma, Zahr Al Karz finally hit the mark. I had a gut feeling this place would be good, and from the first bite, I knew it was a true OG Lebanese-style shawarma. You can choose either Lebanese bread or its more delicate and crispier Syrian counterpart, Saj.
What to Order:
- Chicken Shawarma– Thinly shaved, well-seasoned chicken with some crispy charred bits and that signature lemony flavor.
- Meat Shawarma in Lebanese Bread – A mix of beef and lamb, loaded with pickles, onions, parsley, sumac, and tahini. This is the shawarma I grew up with in Deira.
- Ask them to skip the extra garlic paste on the chicken shawarma and serve it on the side so you can control it.
- Request extra tahini on the meat shawarma for maximum nostalgia.
Why It’s a Winner: This is real-deal Lebanese shawarma—no fries stuffed in, just beautifully shaved meat, perfectly balanced with spices and sauce. It delivers that old-school Dubai shawarma experience.
Beirut Streets – The Unexpected Hit
Beirut Streets
- 📍 Location: Behind Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
- ⏳ Watch the full review at 31:45
This was my final stop of the tour, and wow, the beef shawarma here stole the show. While the chicken shawarma was good, it didn’t have that X-factor. But the beef shawarma? Absolute winner.
What to Order:
- Beef Shawarma in Lebanese Bread – Thinly shaved beef with a bright lemony tahini sauce, parsley, tomatoes, and the perfect seasoning.
Why It’s a Winner: The aftertaste is what seals the deal—it lingers with spices and tahini instead of just tasting gamey or bland. If you want a proper Lebanese beef shawarma, get this.
Final Thoughts: The Best Shawarma in Barsha?
While I tried eight different places, these three shawarmas stood out. Each one represents a different regional style:
- Syrian-style (Mashawi Al Halabiya) – Rich, balanced, and full of flavor.
- Lebanese-style (Zahr Al Karz) – The nostalgic, old-school classic.
- Lebanese beef shawarma (Beirut Streets) – Hands down, the best beef shawarma I had.
Planning Your Own Shawarma Tour in Dubai?
Barsha is the perfect neighborhood to walk around and discover different types of shawarma. Whether you’re team Syrian, Lebanese, or Iraqi, you’ll find a style that works for you.
🔥 Want to see these shawarmas in action? Watch my full Barsha Shawarma Tour video and let me know which one is your favorite!
Arva Ahmed is the co-founder of Frying Pan Adventures, Dubai’s first food tour company, and a celebrated food explorer known for uncovering Dubai’s hidden culinary gems. Her expertise in the city’s diverse food scene has been featured in prominent publications such as CNN, Khaleej Times, BBC Travel, The Sun, The Independent and countless more. She also hosts Ditch the Silver on YouTube. Through her immersive tours and storytelling, Arva brings Dubai’s rich flavors and vibrant cultures to life.
