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Photo cred - avlxyz
Montreal is a vibrant, multi-cultural city full of good food, including delicious Middle-Eastern dishes like shish taouk. It's worth clarifying that while traditional shish taouk is actually brochettes of chicken and by no means any less tasty, what we Montrealers know and love is actually called chicken shawarma. Shwaarma is slow cooked on a giant skewer and shaved into delectable pieces of chicken on order. It is then served in a pita bread and garnished with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickled turnip, and garlic sauce, or directly on a bed of rice and salad. Together with some garlic potatoes, the mighty shish taouk, aka chicken shawarma, is readily available in the downtown core and here are some of our top choices.
Boustan
Boustan is amazing, just the right amount of grease, delivery until 4am, this is by far one of Montreal's favourite shish taouk spots. It's basically a Montreal institution of sorts, feeding and satisfying the masses in the Crescent Street area. Whether you're eating lunch or nabbing some drunchies, you just can't beat a boustan sandwich. I mean if it's good enough for the Trailer Park Boys, it's definitely good enough for you.
Amir
1333 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest & 705 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest
There are many Amirs all over Montreal, which is clearly a sign that they are doing something right. Yes, Montrealers insist on uniqueness, but stop into any one of their locations and you will find delicious shish taouk everytime. Tender chicken, great seasoning and garlicky garlic. Consider getting the shish taouk plate because it will fill you up and then some.
Al Taib
Al Taib has been serving up daytime students and late-night munchers alike for years. Known more for their pizzas, but their shish taouks are definitely worth it, especially considering that Al Taib is a lebanese place after all. Open 24 hours a day, Al Taib is great for a quick and cheap wrap to eat after a night of partying.
Basha
1202 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest
977 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest
225 Avenue du Président-Kennedy
Everyone knows Basha's scimitar-wielding, fez-wearing shawarma guy. While he can be a little intimidating, Basha's shish is legit. Originally opened in 1977, you can now find a Basha just about anywhere in this city which means that yummy slow-cooked chicken is never far at hand, and their garlic sauce will have you coming back time and time again.
Adonis
2173 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest
Adonis is an amazing grocery store specializng in mediteranean and middle-eatern food, with their own bakery, fish market, deli counter and butchers. They also have a plethora of prepared meals and dishes including but not limited to, chicken shish taouk, and it's delicious. So while you are loading up on your weekly groceries, make sure to pick up one of their famous sandwiches.
Dahlia’s Mediterranean Bistro
575 Boulevard Maisonneuve Ouest
If you've got a serious craving for some warm shish taouk in and around your mouth, look no further than Dahlia’s Mediterranean Bistro. Dahlia's chicken shawarma is meaty, flavourful, and pleasantly crispy. The super friendly owner can usually be found behind the counter and his garlic sauce just might be the best in the city.
Shawarmaz
Sharing a location with a Subway restaurant, Shawarmaz is conveniently located on Peel Street, making it very easy to pick up some of their quality shish taouk on your office lunch break or after a good shopping sesh at the Eaton's Centre up the street. Shawarmaz also plays habs games on their giant big screen so you won't miss any of the action.
Restaurant Nilufar
While Nilufar prides themselves on their awesome falafels and vegetarian dishes, you will also find really tasty shish taouk sandwhiches made with fresh, healthy ingredients, offered at really good prices. Nilufar remains a popular staple for many a Concordia Undergrad.
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Photo cred - Ernesto Andrade