The East Mountain has some surprisingly decent shawarma. It’s surprising to some of us downtown folk who never have any need to go over there, but it’s true. One of the highest ranking places we’ve reviewed on the site is Cedar on Upper Ottawa. And just down the street from them is the well established, and local favourite: Neighbour Shawarma. (I went to their second location on Rymal today because it has seating.) I first had Neighbour as chicken and rice takeout at a friend’s house as was really impressed. I’m excited to see what their wrap is like.
The inside is well decorated and spacious enough for a decent amount of seating. (The Ottawa location is less spacious.) The gentlewoman at the counter quickly greeted me and took my order, asking if lettuce, tomato, onion, hot sauce, and garlic sauce are okay, then gesturing to a variety of other options asking if I’d like them. I passed, trusting in the default order to represent them well. After a few minutes my food was ready for me.
The shawarma had been warmed on the grill (a good thing), and warmed quite well indeed. It was a little difficult to hold onto it due to the heat and some of the bread was sticking to the foil. The bread was very nice and delicious, with nice stretchy texture that was pleasant without become tough or challenging. It was a large sandwich, which is nice, but the wrap had trouble holding all the ingredients. That paired with the heat and foil clinging to make this become a messier affair as it went on. I got some sauce on my pants and the sandwich collapsed in the final stretch.
The chicken and sauces were all very good. Rich and flavourful, and all playing well together complimenting each other. All in all, this was a very tasty and filling shawarma, but the logistic challenges of holding the shawarma in my hands and eating it are going to hurt it a little on the scoreboard. Having had it before, the chicken and rice is probably the superior choice here, but we’re not reviewing chicken and rice yet on this website. Neighbour Shawarma is excellent and deserves a visit if you’re in the area for some reason. 8/10.
hamiltonshawarma.com 