Shawama Empire

Best Shawarma sandwich I have ever had! Love the hot sauce. It elevates the shawarma without being overpowering. Have not been here since before Covid. Price has risen but still worth it for what you get. Be sure to get 2 sandwiches, 1 just isn't enough!

Every time I place an order, it is prepared incorrectly. When I call to address the issue, I receive repeated apologies, but the same mistakes continue to happen.

I always provide simple and clear instructions—both through the app and by phone—yet the orders are not followed properly. Ingredients that I specifically request to be excluded are still added, which is especially concerning as I have allergies. On top of this, the food often arrives soggy and unappetizing.

This is not acceptable or fair to customers. I strongly urge improvements in order accuracy and food preparation, especially when health and safety are at risk.

I can see why this place is iconic in the area! Their prices are amazing and the portion sizes are very generous. I really enjoyed all the fresh toppings they provide with the shawarmas. I found the chicken shawarma to be juicy, but it was a little short on flavour for me. Tried their lentil soup as well and found it to be decent. I still recommend this shop for good value meals.

The food was great and we really enjoyed the service! The restaurant is a little crammed as well as the parking lot. They also only take cash or Canadian debit.

Neighborhood has a lot of shawarma options making my lunch decision very hard. I ended up choosing Shawarma Empire, and I have no regrets. The pita bread is soft, and their approach is unique. You can get one wrap for $8 or two for $15—one is definitely enough to fill you up. They really pack in the protein (see my second picture). I’ll definitely be back!

Saw Shawarma Empire listed as one of the top shawarma spots in the GTA, so my friend and I decided to check it out. First time trying the pita pocket style shawarma. I got the beef shawarma, while my friend went for the chicken, and both were pretty solid. The portions were great for the price, and you definitely get your money's worth.

That said, I found the beef a little dry, especially compared to the juicy, flavorful chicken, which was hands down the better pick. If I go back, I'll be grabbing the chicken for sure! Overall, it's a solid spot, good value, and worth trying if you're in the area.

Visited recently as one of the highly rated shawarma spots in the Lawrence West/Scarborough area. Shawarma Empire is one of the many Middle Eastern spots along Lawrence, and best known for their shawarma wraps and shawarma plates.

Their shawarma plates come fully packed in a takeout box, fully filled to the top with rice (or fries), salad, hummus, garlic sauce and choice of meat along with a pita on the side. What was great was the rice, which was a marinated rice dish that paired very well with the meat chosen as part of the shawarma plate. The value alone for this is well worth it given the quantity provided in a single takeout box. If you are looking to try their shawarma plates, getting the Mix Sharwarma is a good way to try both of their meat offerings at the same time.

Highly recommended just for the portion size and value alone. Note that they mainly take cash or debit, and seating is limited inside their restaurant so expect to take any orders to-go.

If you’re craving authentic shawarma, this place is a must-visit! The food is consistently amazing — perfectly spiced shawarma, fresh, pillowy bread, and some of the best falafel I’ve ever had. But what really sets this place apart is the people. The staff is genuinely warm, welcoming, and incredibly attentive. It’s the kind of place that keeps you coming back, not just for the food but also for the experience. Highly recommend and big than you to people working here 👏

I got a mixed shawarma sandwich and my sister got the mixed plate. This was the best dinner!! The salad is super fresh, rice was so flavourful, and the protein portions are generous. I also really liked their hot sauce. Highly recommend!!!

Best in Scarborough

the best chicken shawarma plate in town.

I don’t know why I haven’t written a review for this restaurant. I’ve been here hundreds of times over a decade and not only is it hands down still the best shawarma and falafel, but don’t sleep on the lentil soup! Liquid gold I tell you. I’ve probably tried every lentil soup in the city at this point in my life and nothing - NOTHING compares. I come here regularly after work and pick up 6 soups to bring home and freeze. They’re gone that week. You just can’t beat it. Do yourself a favour and run - don’t walk!

Treat yourself to a mixed plate with beef and chicken and a lentil soup today. Don’t forget the Vimto!

Delicious shawarma wraps at a reasonable price. The falafel are great!
Service is quick and friendly.

Ive been here 3 times. Solid solid shawarma! Always the same, very good consistency! Great pricing, and great taste! Not too spicy, not too sweet and good veggie to meat portion!

Yes it always busy, and yes the place is small but for a good shawarma its worth it.

I recently tried the shawarma from this place, and while the taste was decent, it reminded me more of shawarma from Kerala, India, rather than an authentic Arabic flavor. If you're a fan of Kerala-style shawarma, you might enjoy it, but if you're looking for something more traditional, you might be a bit disappointed.

The biggest downside, though, was the size. For the price they charge, the portion was surprisingly small and not worth it. Overall, it's okay if you're craving Kerala-style shawarma, but the value for money isn't quite there.

Going with 4 stars because I felt the chicken was a bit on the dry side, have said that I'm no expert and maybe the is de rigeur for chicken shawarma. Service was excellent; french fries were straight out of the deep fryer so also excellent. The small chicken shawarma was the perfect size. Would definitely return. BTW 3 adults dined for under $30.

A small restaurant in a plaza. Quite clean. Few tables for sitting. Very busy with few people ordering, always a good sign.
Both the chicken shawarma and the falafel topping were excellent. The pitas are on the small size but quite stuffed. Very reasonably priced. Only cash or debit, no credit cards accepted. The servers are pleasant and quite polite.

The quality of the shwarma is excellent. They don’t hold back on the meat. Great toppings. Grilled. Delicious. 8/10

One of the best Shawarma spots in the city.