An epochal development: kosher food manufacturer Yarden has produced a cook-at-home shawarma product. I first heard of this momentous news when Yarden’s new product won a ‘Shawarma Showdown’ organised by Israel Connect. The blind-tasters preferred it to that of leading joints Solly’s and White House Express.
I bought some Yarden shawarma while I was in Golders Green recently and tried it last night. It only needs three minutes frying in a pan, so even someone as culinarily-catastrophic as I was able to prepare it. I also added some rice, hummus and salad to the plate. That’s the sort of confident mood I was in.
Oh, it was delicious. It was as if I had teleported from east Berkshire to Golders Green. I highly recommend that shawarma aficionados – that’s all of us, right? – try it out. Let me know what you think.
Meanwhile, I’d be curious to hear what your favourite shawarma joint is. I wrote of some of my favourite British places last year, including White House Express (whose manager once dubbed me their ‘shawarma ambassador’).
However, my favourite shawarma place in the world is Hakosem in Tel Aviv. On the corner of King George and Shlomo HaMelch, Hakosem serves shawarma that is almost grotesquely luscious. Their falafel is also amazing. They will often hand you a free sample of falafel as you queue. I believe Hakosem means ‘magician’ – and it is well-named.
What’s your favourite shawarma eatery?
Sami’s on Brent Street.
I must try there, I hear many good things about it. I’ve only been to Hamifgash in Hendon.
Try this one next time you’re in Israel:
http://www.haaretz.com/news/the-doctor-is-in-for-shawarma-too-1.264849
I will indeed – thanks! I love Dr Shakshuka, I went there last summer.
Definitely Samis in Brent Street…..so near to your White House Express!
I am not sure if ” do it yourself” Shwarma is a good idea for you. if you are addicted to something, isn’t it a little dangerous to have easy access to it! lol
Indeed! Though luckily I will still have to travel (that’s English for shlep) to Golders Green to buy it.
Still, that’s Xmas dinner sorted!
I concur about Samis, but would add K Grill in Edgware where they also do an amazing Jerusalem mix, which includes lamb and chicken liver grilled – wonderful taste.
I am no expert on shawarma, but i have always enjoyed the one served at a joint on the corner of Yehuda HaLevi and Allenby in Tel Aviv. For falafels does anyone know the little caf near the gates of Hebrew U on French Hill in J’lem. Even I, no lover of falafels, find those moreish.
Where do i get this cook at home shawarma product????
I got it at the Yarden store on Golders Green Road. Worth trying the kosher fridge at your local supermarket though. You’re Essex, innit?
Tesco sell Yarden products, even in Essex. I do think Chas is being a bad influence though, either that or his just got some Yarden shares!;-)
Has anyone tried the new kosher pork made from duck? Apparently it was taste tested by non Jewish chefs to authenticate its taste.
No doubt, it has to be HaShamen in the German Colony in Jerusalem. I challenge any shawarma to be as succulent and oily, hence the name!
I love this post ! My favorite schwarma place is in Hong Kong. It’s a little place off the central and mid level escalators call Beyrouth cafe. It’s only got room for three people so plan on taking it to go!
Get the chili and garlic sauces together with the chicken schwarma, it’s awesome.
Oooh! my son is in Hong Kong and I didn’t know that. I either eat at the Community Centre or their flat. Now I know about the new place I will go next time I am there. Thanks for that!
I drive an hour each way from Berkshire to Golders Green to visit Solly’s. It’s in my “favourite places” on my sat-nav, not that I need directions when my car drives there on autopilot. Best things – the choice of chicken or lamb; the salads. Worst things – they stopped the fried aubergine salad about a year ago; the place is not exactly local for me. I must try the Yarden product. Might save on fuel.
Pull over at Datchet sometime – I’ll hop in!
The best shwarma I ever had was in a little town called Kiryat Malachi near Ashkelon. I was in Yeshiva not far away, and used to go tutor some kids there once a week. The bus stop was conveniently right next to the shop. I only wish I could remember the name. Having said that, this is now 17 years ago, so I don’t even know if the place exists any more!
As far as the UK is concerned, I second the votes for Sami’s and K Grill in Edgware. Although – no-one’s mentioned Adam’s, also in Hendon. Has a very Israeli feel to it too…
I bet I’ve been there too. My friends live on a moshav called Kfar Warburg and their plot of land backs onto Kiryat Malachi and after a long day out with them, we stopped in Kiryat Malachi for shwarma – delicious. This was in 2007 I think so it might be the same place – Kiryat Malachi is not very big.
While sitting there, we saw a black guy who could easily have been Bob Marley’s double, except he was dressed from head to foot as a Charedi – black hat, suit, white shirt – I did a complete double take.
In fact, one time you spoke at Mill Hill or Stanmore shul Chas, I was going to offer to take you to K Grill in Edgware, but a lady had trapped you in a corner and was relentlessly talking at you, so in the end, I decided it would have to wait till another occasion.
Sorry – I could have rescued you and fed you too!
OK Chas,
Firstly, we both know that, by definition, Shawarma has to be roasted on a spit. Yarden’s version of this is more of a stir-fry. You should know better Chas
.
Secondly, best shawarma – Solly’s. otherwise try maroush in edgware rd!
Not shawarma-related, but the best falafel in Israel and therefore the world is Trito at 54, Jerusalem Street in Tzfat.
party pooper alert
How could at home shwarma have anything on its street superior, roasted with old, reused oil, soaking up the grime of the street?
I find eating meat disgusting, and this has to be its most disgusting form.
Hahahaha
Jamil!! definitely! Best Shawarma in the world! in uptown hertzlia
yum yum