Comments on: I’ve Eaten Enough Shawarma Now to Realize I Don’t Understand Shawarma

By: Kenneth

Kenneth — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 17:21:45 +0000

there used to be a Middle Eastern grocer in Cathedral Heights named Shemali's. They made a fantastic shawarma, but when the Giant grocery store announced it would tear down and rebuild (about 15 years ago), Shemali's was forced to relocate to an office building that didn't allow them to cook. turns out, the Giant grocery store renovation STILL hasn't happened. anyway, i'd love to find a good shawarma in dc. i've been to Spot, King, George's (in g'town) and Quick Pita and they were all poor excuses for what I got from Shemali's, with pickled turnips and tahini. damn, that was good.

By: Adnan

Adnan — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:48:24 +0000

For best in DC go to MAXX's in silver spring.

Thanks,
Adnan.

By: William

William — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:49:22 +0000

Ok, I was just google searching Shawarma in the DC area and found this. I see this posting is almost 2 years old. I want to say that I used to work in NW and have been to both Spot and King. I always found that their Shawarma's, while good for an American made version, was not good for traditional versions. I have had two really good ones in and around the DC Metro Area. Both are in Virginia. One in Woodbridge at Pizza King, on route 1 across the street from Checkers. And the second at Alf Laylah Wa Laylah on Metrotech Drive in fairfax/chantilly next to Midas. Both have moist juicy meat on their shawarmas and the flavoring is perfect. Now I work in SW and want a shawarma but dont want to travel all the way to adams morgan to get one. Anyone know of a place down this way?

By: Michealle

Michealle — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:56:19 +0000

I Really Think that Shawarma spot is on top i really like their food and environment I been to the middle east too but I can See Shawarma Spot Being on top of Shawarma Restaurant in DC

By: eleventh.st

eleventh.st — Mon, 04 May 2009 00:28:40 +0000

To tell you the truth, you are right! There is no good shawarma in DC! I am from the Middle East, studying in DC. I sometimes get cravings for a really good shawarma, and get disappointed with the quality here!
The taste of a shawarma should not be compromised with toppings. A good chicken shwarma should have well spiced, THINLY sliced tender chicken, garlic sauce, tomato, and maybe slices of french fries on good freshly baked bread or wrap!

By: S

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:27:50 +0000

Maybe you just don't like shawarma? Everyone has certain foods they don't really enjoy. I really liked the Shawarma at the King. I haven't tried the Spot yet though. I heard they have legit Doner kabob at the new Urfa Tomato Kabob near Verizon Center. Remember that street food isn't necessarily supposed to knock your socks off or be gourmet. It's supposed to be a cheap, filling meal much the same (in purpose at least) as fast food is here. Unfortunately, since it's more of a delicacy, middle eastern street food isn't necessarily cheap in the States (relatively, but still ~$6).

By: CTR

CTR — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:03:20 +0000

Sounds like the shawarma issue stateside may be the same issue that prevents so many non-Texas briskets from shining: lower fat content.

By: Tim Carman

Tim Carman — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:31:25 +0000

Thanks for your insights, HCC.
-Tim

By: HCC

HCC — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:55:18 +0000

When I worked at a middle eastern sandwich shop in Boulder we were supposed to make the shawarma spits with only a little bit of lamb (though it was always a nice fatty chunk) we were told to just put one or two pieces in so that the fat would drip down and marinate the beef. We'd sneak in more lamb when the owner/boss wasn't around to yell at us and it made a huge difference.

You also have to pay a lot more attention than you think to the temp on the heating elements, bottom line is that it is really easy to dry the meat out. And at a lot of places if the outside is done or getting over done they cut it down and leave it in a pile at the bottom and then scoop that up (this happens with gyros too)

That being said I haven't had any around town in a long time so who knows, but I bet it's not you.