Toronto

Toronto takes shawarma seriously. Middle Eastern-founded chains that started in the GTA now have locations across Canada, but the city's real character is in its independent shops, many of them family-run and decades old.

The local style

Expect generous wraps and plates with garlic sauce, tahini, pickles and turnips, often with garlic potatoes or fries on the side. Iraqi spots add lemony marinades and tanoor bread; Kurdish shops get creative with shawarma calzones; Lebanese counters keep it classic. Halal is the norm at many shops, but always confirm.

Where to look

• Scarborough: the heart of the scene. A stretch of Lawrence Avenue East is known locally as “shawarma row”, and plazas in Wexford are packed with Iraqi, Lebanese and Syrian spots.
• Midtown (Yonge and Eglinton, Davisville): saj-wrap shops and quick lunches.
• The Junction and the west end: a few standout independents.

What to order

Get a chicken shawarma pita with garlic and pickles to compare shops, then try a mixed plate. Many Scarborough spots are cash only or take-out focused, so check before you go.

On our list

We're starting with Sumaq Iraqi Charcoal Grill and Shawarma Empire in Scarborough, with more coming. See them in the restaurant finder or suggest a spot.