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Restaurants

Shawarma Empire

Rating: 2.7/5 (35 votes)

Posted by Chris Orbz / Reviewed on June 20, 2008

Shawarma Empire in ScarboroughShawarma Empire serves what is possibly Scarborough's best option for falafel and shawarma. They are located in a Middle Eastern stretch of Lawrence Avenue's east end, on the Scarberian side of the Scarborough/North York border.

Their popularity is reflected in how busy the modestly-sized restaurant can get - especially around meal times. Luckily, the staff is clearly used to this and knows how to work quickly and efficiently under pressure.

The sandwiches aren't the largest around (2 falafel balls per pita), but they are made from all freshly-prepared ingredients and served cleanly stuffed into round pita pockets that are capped with an extra bit of pita to allow for easier transportation.

The smaller size is compensated for by the fact that deals are available if you're grabbing more than one. In fact, "one falafel" and "one shawarma" aren't even options on the menu, with the 2-for-1 deal being the default. 4 falafels and 2 drinks (AKA dinner for two) came to $14.

If you like it spicy, make sure to ask them to really load on the hot sauce - although the curry sauce packs a lot of peppery flavour, it doesn't bring much heat with it.

Discussion

14 Comments

K / October 14, 2008 at 01:55 pm
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I just came back from Shawarma Empire and I was really impressed. The place doesn't look that good to be honest, but it's run by two delightful ladies. Beef Shawarma was the best I had in years. Nice amount of meet used, fresh condiments and salad. Definitely going back soon.
naomi / December 3, 2008 at 06:39 pm
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This place owns <3 i love the beef shawarmas and their falafels every saturday i'm there it's become a ritual lol gives me something during the week to look forward too =)
Avineil / June 15, 2009 at 07:02 pm
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I am ALWAys going to Shwarma empire. The guy who works there is like my new friend!
i have to say, chicken shwarma is THE BEST!
i woudl reccomend going here!
excellent customer service, lovely food, humorous and welcoming and warm hearted people ready to serve you! unlike around nasibs...last time i went there was after synagouge services, and im CRAVING for shwarma. i walked passed nasibs wanting to buy their baklawa. before i stepped in. i got a dirty look from four guys standing outside. and the young guys working in there.. i think they were saying some insults about me... im Jewish and wore a kippot...

anyways, i got a question. i asked my friend there if the round silver plate enar the fryer is baklawa. he said no. i forgot the name of this particular desert, but it was delicious!
it had orange shredded..something ontop of white cheese. does anyone know what this desert is called ?

CHE / May 4, 2010 at 12:01 pm
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Go down the plaza, east, to Nasib's, trust me, WAY better shawarma even though Empire is very good I admit... best way to compare, go with a friend, get two from each place, then try one of each and you'll see Nasib's is better (bigger, more toppings, tastier)
CHE / April 5, 2011 at 12:02 pm
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I rescind, Nasib's isn't good anymore, fatty, tasteless, sloppy, just not a good meal anymore, the care just isn't there, going across the street today to try a new one that opened in an old place, I'll let you know... .
Nazmul / April 20, 2011 at 09:40 am
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I went to Nasib last week, only because there was a huge lineup in Shawarma Empire. Next time I won't complain about the lineup, Shawarma Empire all the way. Don't understand why they are only in 5th position.
Mark / April 26, 2011 at 01:08 pm
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One of the most unique and delicious tasting concoctions I've ever been introduced to! I miss this place and MUST return soon!!! Chicken and Beef are equally delicious, as well as the hot sauce is homemade, which just rawks!!!
Daniel / June 8, 2011 at 11:24 am
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I used to visit weekly - as it is unquestionably the best (in my mind) in the city. I've since switched jobs and am working downtown, and going through serious withdrawls from this place... Please open a DT pop-up resto!
drdan / September 20, 2011 at 07:06 pm
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The only thing that bothers me about the Empire is that they're closed mondays. Best Shawarmas around
ardy / October 14, 2011 at 09:59 pm
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There is this new place that opened in front of farhat the last plaza on lawerance near the intersection of warden and lawerance, its called Al-tanoor.. it has the best shawarma in the area for only 2.99 and they put WAY more meat then empire.
Stayclassy / February 2, 2012 at 01:50 pm
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While in Scarborough over the Christmas holidays, I decided to head over to Nasib’s but it was closed. I noticed a lot of people going into Shawarma Empire and remembered my husband’s colleague raved about the place so I decided to give it a try.

I had the spicy beef shawarma and it was out of the world. The meat was so lean, perfectly spiced and just so fresh tasting. It was well worth the cost – two for $5.99 I believe. I went again on the weekend and it was just as good! I just wished they were in the west end.

Note that there is a long wait but worth it and it’s only cash.
Scarbro / March 18, 2012 at 05:11 pm
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The Empire is the best Shawarma joint in the city. Staff are friendly, funny and quick to serve. I'm there at least once a week, picking up a chicken Shawarma, less the delicious hot sauce, for my 88 year mother. She tells me it's what keep her alive. I prefer them with the hot sauce.
Cm / March 24, 2012 at 07:23 pm
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It was delicious, but I don't appreciate getting changed double the cost everyone else is charged. Interesting reading these posts about how 'cheap' it is.
Aliyah / May 4, 2012 at 09:48 am
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amazing food. we come from barrie to eat it.

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