Best Shawarma in Makkah
أفضل شاورما في مكة
2 min readUpdated 30 Sept 2026
Shawarma is the everyday street food of Saudi Arabia — quick, filling and eaten at any hour. In Makkah you will find shawarma counters on almost every busy street around the Haram, from small family shops to modern chains.
This guide explains the styles of shawarma you will see, how to order like a local, and where to get it delivered to your hotel.
What is shawarma?
Shawarma is thinly sliced, marinated chicken or meat stacked on a vertical rotating spit and slowly roasted. The outer layer is shaved off as it crisps and wrapped in bread with sauces and pickles. The word comes from the Turkish 'çevirme', meaning 'turning'.
Styles you will find in Makkah
- Saudi / Syrian wrap — thin saj or Arabic bread, chicken, garlic sauce (toum), pickles and fries, rolled and toasted.
- Arabi (عربي) — the wrap is cut into bite-size pieces and served on a plate with extra garlic sauce and fries. Great for sharing.
- Samoon shawarma — served in a small oval bread roll.
- Plate (sahn) — meat served with rice or fries, salad, hummus and bread.
- Meat shawarma — beef or lamb, usually with tahini sauce instead of garlic sauce.
How to order like a local
- Say 'shawarma dajaj' for chicken and 'shawarma lahm' for meat.
- Ask for 'ziyada toum' for extra garlic sauce, or 'bidoon mukhallal' for no pickles.
- 'Har' means spicy — many shops add a chilli sauce on request.
- Order 'Arabi' if you want it cut and plated.
When shawarma is best
Shawarma is a favourite evening and late-night meal. After Isha and during Ramadan nights, shawarma counters near the Haram have long queues — a good reason to order ahead to your hotel.
Shawarma delivered to your hotel
On Feast Makkah you can order from Shawarma House, SHAWERMAT, Shawarma Club and The Sandwich. Pick your hotel, send the order on WhatsApp and pay on delivery.
Frequently asked questions
What is shawarma Arabi?
A shawarma wrap cut into small pieces and served on a plate with garlic sauce, pickles and fries — ideal for sharing.
What sauce comes with chicken shawarma?
Toum, a thick garlic sauce, is the classic choice. Meat shawarma is usually served with tahini.
Is shawarma a cheap meal in Makkah?
Yes — shawarma is one of the most affordable and filling meals available near the Haram.
