Are you on the hunt for the ultimate shawarma experience in Buenos Aires? Whether you’re a globe-trotting digital nomad, a curious traveler, or a savvy expat, our article “The 10 Best Shawarma Restaurants in Buenos Aires,” featured on ExpatPathways, offers you a gastronomic roadmap to the city’s finest shawarma spots.
Unearth the hidden culinary treasures of Buenos Aires and savor shawarma that tantalizes your taste buds with its rich spices and succulent meats.
Step into the bustling streets and quaint neighborhoods with us, and prepare to transform your meal times into a vibrant exploration of Middle Eastern delights right here in the heart of Argentina.
The Best Shawarma Restaurants in Buenos Aires
1. Shawarma al Nabek
Location: Venezuela 1702, Monserrat.
Shawarma al Nabek in Monserrat stands out not only for its excellent shawarma but also for its quick and friendly service.
Located just steps from Avenida Entre Ríos, this neighborhood gem offers a variety of shawarma sizes, with options to enjoy your meal on a plate or in a combo with fries and soda.
Their shawarma is praised for its generous portion sizes and great taste, with a delicious garlic sauce and an option of tasty fries on the side.
They also serve Arabic bread and hummus and plan to introduce American-style chicken soon. Regulars appreciate the affordable prices and the warm, attentive service that adds to the overall dining experience.
2. Shami
Location: Av. Rivadavia 4721, Caballito.
On the other hand, Shami, which is located on Av. Rivadavia in Caballito, is a rising chain with 11 outlets specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine. They use high-quality cuts of beef and also offer chicken, lamb, and falafel options.
Shami is known for its authentic touch, importing spices like the ‘7 spices’ directly from the Middle East and baking their own high-quality pita bread. Their shawarma is not only delicious but also abundantly served with super crispy fries.
They also cater to the vegetarian palette with falafel shawarmas and take extra care in packaging, wrapping items in several plastic bags to keep customers’ hands clean.
The Fatay combo, including two shawarmas, various dips, and drinks, highlights their commitment to generous portions and high-quality food at fair prices.
3. Al Zein
Location: Sánchez de Bustamante 2014, Recoleta.
Al Zein, conveniently located in the upscale Recoleta neighborhood near Avenida Santa Fe and Avenida Coronel Diaz, has garnered acclaim for its excellent shawarma offerings.
The restaurant delivers a mix of exceptional flavor and affordability, with standout dishes like the mixed shawarma (featuring both chicken and beef) and other Middle Eastern staples such as kibbeh and “empanadas.”
Guests rave about the freshness of the ingredients and the attentive service. The ambiance of the place is delightful, with fast and friendly staff enhancing the dining experience.
Regular patrons often recommend Al Zein, praising its well-seasoned and sizable shawarma, the delicious hummus, and perfectly balanced spicy sauces, making it a weekly destination for many.
4. Sultán Shawarma
Location: Arenales 2607, Recoleta.
Just a short distance away, Sultán Shawarma in Recoleta presents itself as a cozy and bustling venue with a young, efficient team.
Although it’s a small establishment, it’s well-regarded for the generous fillings in its shawarma and the overall quality of its Arab cuisine, including fresh ingredients that shine in their traditional dishes.
Customers highlight the excellent garlic sauce and the well-stuffed mixed shawarma, with added commendations for their hummus and falafel.
The restaurant’s street-side dining setup provides a calm atmosphere, perfect for enjoying their diverse menu options, which promise to bring people back to try more.
The shawarma here, especially noted for its fair pricing and substantial size, receives high praise, with the chicken variant being a particular favorite among regulars who appreciate the quick service and friendly demeanor of the staff.
5. Medio Oriente
Location: Cabrera 4702, Palermo.
Medio Oriente, located in Palermo’s bustling Cabrera street, has carved out a reputation for serving the city’s finest shawarma, available only on Fridays and Saturdays at noon.
This exclusive availability adds to the allure, encouraging patrons to arrive early to savor the limited offerings.
The shawarma’s standout features include exceptionally high-quality bread and a filling of juicy, marinated beef, complemented by onions, tomatoes, tajine, and a blend of secret spices.
The atmosphere of the venue, described as familial and welcoming, with only standing tables, captures the essence of a traditional Middle Eastern eatery.
Patrons are particularly fond of the simple yet scrumptious menu items like falafel and the variety of small sweets such as spiced walnut cookies, enhancing the culinary experience.
The open-faced empanadas, known for their perfect crispiness and taste, are another highlight, making it a beloved spot for both locals and expatriates.
6. Shawarma Al-Amir
Location: Montañeses 2073, Belgrano.
Shawarma Al-Amir in the neighborhood of Belgrano, near the scenic Barrancas de Belgrano and Avenida del Libertador, is equally esteemed for its culinary offerings.
The restaurant prides itself on exceptional service and a menu that features notably large and flavorful shawarmas, acclaimed as some of the best in Buenos Aires.
The shawarma here is celebrated for its juiciness and rich seasoning, and the establishment is known for its prompt service even during peak times.
Customers also praise the extra-large shawarma served with fries, a favorite for its generous size and delightful taste. The ambiance is friendly and welcoming, with staff members who serve with a smile and engage positively with every guest.
Additionally, the variety of dishes, including well-crafted hummus and falafel, complements the shawarma, making Shawarma Al-Amir a highly recommended destination for enthusiasts of Middle Eastern cuisine.
7. ShawarmaDa
Location: Av. Corrientes 5902, Villa Crespo.
ShawarmaDa, located at the bustling intersection of Avenida Corrientes and Darwin Street in Villa Crespo, offers a unique take on the traditional shawarma, distinguishing itself with its use of lavash bread instead of the typical pita.
This Armenian-style flatbread, known for its thin, flexible nature, is perfect for wrapping the generous portions of marinated rump steak mixed with a secret blend of house spices.
The venue, managed by Artur and his family, including his Armenian wife, Arus, blends familial warmth with culinary expertise, offering a menu that includes not only meat and chicken shawarmas but also traditional Armenian dishes like hummus, babaganoush, and sarma.
Customers frequently commend the restaurant for its delightful, if small, setting suitable for takeaway or enjoying a quick bite at one of the outdoor tables.
The rich flavors and ample servings make ShawarmaDa a highly recommended spot for both locals and visitors.
8. Demashk
Location: Charcas 3816, Palermo.
Demashk, nestled on Charcas Street in Palermo, just a short walk from Scalabrini Ortiz, provides a simple yet authentic Middle Eastern dining experience.
Known for offering the best chicken shawarma in Argentina, the restaurant also serves a variety of Arabic specialties such as baked keppe, falafel, and hummus.
The ambiance is casual, with options to eat at a small bar inside or at street-side metal tables. The meticulous balance of flavors in their dishes, highlighted by finely baked pita and delicious tajine, makes every meal a pleasure.
Demashk’s commitment to authenticity extends to its policy of not serving alcohol due to religious reasons, ensuring a focus on genuine culinary traditions.
Patrons appreciate the separate service for takeaway and dine-in, alongside the convenience of debit card acceptance, making it a beloved spot for both quick meals and leisurely dining.
9. Los Armenios
Location: Estado de Israel 4774, Almagro.
Los Armenios, strategically situated at the intersection of Avenida Estado de Israel, Angel Gallardo, and Avenida Corrientes, is a prime destination for shawarma enthusiasts.
This eatery, renowned for its exceptional value, offers an “extra large” shawarma that is so generous it is often recommended to be shared.
Regulars are drawn not only by the large servings but also by the quality of the shawarma, which combines meats like beef and pork in its mixed variety.
The ambiance, featuring apt music and efficient service, makes dining here a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
With its competitive pricing and premium quality, Los Armenios stands out as a favorite spot for both casual diners and shawarma purists.
10. Al Árabe
Location: El Salvador 4999, Palermo.
Al Árabe in Palermo, located on the corner of Calle El Salvador and Thames, is a family-run establishment with deep roots in Syrian culinary traditions, celebrating nearly two decades in the gastronomic industry.
The shawarma here is crafted with attention to tradition and flavor, using beef milanesa cuts marinated for over a day in a mix of seven spices and baharaj, served with tomato, onion, garlic, and a distinctive yogurt and garlic sauce.
This meticulous preparation results in a shawarma that is both rich in flavor and satisfying in size. Patrons also praise the accompaniments, such as the perfectly seasoned fries with mayo and the hummus served with fresh Arabic bread.
The simple yet spacious setting of Al Árabe, coupled with quick and attentive service, ensures a fulfilling dining experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
(Featured Image Source: Eugen Kucheruk/unsplash.com)
