A quick google search in any part of Kerala will give you at least 5 to 10 places for you to get a quick bite of shawarma near you. However, I don’t remember it being so popular back when we were here for summer vacations as kids. There were very limited spots you could find. The shawarma probably came to Kerala in the mid-2000's (just an estimate). I remember this only because every time my uncle went to Irinjalakuda Town, my uncle would bring home a shawarma. We would sit waiting for them and would savour them, especially because summer vacations meant 2 months without shawarma otherwise.
But as I got older I realised how different they were from the ones we got in the gulf. The origins of the shawarma are middle eastern; however, in Kerala, it has taken a different form and taste which isn’t necessarily bad. They can't be compared because the styles are completely different. The Kerala shawarma you might notice uses rumali roti or Kuboos, which are fluffier and sweeter than the original gulf kuboos. The original tahini is substituted with mayonnaise that is flavoured with garlic. The types of shawarma - Mexican, spicy, with or without fries/vegetables/ pickled cucumbers, are commonly seen everywhere I suppose.
While this article will give you 5 places to try some really good shawarmas in Kochi, I don't claim to say that they taste like the ones you get in Dubai. They are pretty good and you should give them a try.
This place popped up in Edapally after the lockdown and I remember ordering a shawarma from them. I was immediately impressed and ate it all, regretting not having gotten a second one. The chicken was wonderfully flavoured and along with the sauces and the rumali roti, it was delicious. I have brought it a number of times afterwards as well, and they have never disappointed.
While they don’t have shawarmas, they do have excellent rolls. The beef irani and sheek rolls and the veal roll are definitely must-try items. They have a good virgin mojito as well. We have also tried their combos - rumali roti with chicken rogan rosh curry, and the ghee rice with Kodava chicken curry; these were good too.
3. The Doner
We come here often because they are so close to home and serve really good shawarma. We have tried their chicken and beef shawarma, both of which are really good. They have other combinations with cheese and have Al Faham as well. Recently they have renovated the place and added a rooftop overlooking the football practice field nearby; the ambience is perfect for a mint tea and shawarma.
This place is right on our way to our hometown Thrissur and we stop every time for the shawarma and also for their tea and snacks. The shawarma is especially good; rolled up in rumali roti, it is stuffed with enough chicken and vegetables like tomato, onions and lettuce. Not everyone likes vegetables in their shawarma, so make sure to tell them to exclude them. The chicken is uniquely flavoured and very juicy. Definitely, a must-try.
5. Shawarmer
We have only tried it once and it was quite a while back. But I really liked it. It had good flavours and an adequate amount of sauces and vegetables. I will go back to try it again and will update if I change my mind
6. Pitaworks
This place has the taste of the ‘gulf shawarma’ covered and instantly reminded me of home. Unfortunately, it was bland. Bland AF, excuse my language. The classic Lebanese had potential, the el Mexicano was actually pretty good and the falafel wrap was drenched in condiments. I put some salt into the Lebanese shawarma and it was good after that. They serve a good amount of chicken in the shawarma and one will suffice if you aren’t too hungry. I will visit again however to see if it’s gotten any better.
We tried the normal and Mexican shawarma with rumali roti. Both were good, but I prefered the normal shawarma. The chaya here was excellent. Tip while ordering shawarma: Always ask for less mayonnaise. This way you can taste the shawarama better.
We have tried a couple of other places as well but personally, they weren’t too great. Maybe because we ordered on delivery or because of inconsistencies in preparation.
They do have good google reviews, however, so posting the restaurants below
Since we have a shawarma joint every 100m or so, we still have a lot of places to try and will keep you posted on the latest shawarma joints which make the final cut.
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