Flaming Stove

Flaming Stove is a small counter tucked into the back of a convenience store at 21 Davisville Avenue, near Yonge and Davisville. It is run by Costa Warwar, a Palestinian Christian raised in Israel, who ran a grocery store in the same space before training as a chef.

The shawarma

The draw is the saj, an unleavened flatbread cooked on a domed griddle, which Warwar makes himself and finishes with za'atar. His chicken shawarma is marinated in yogurt rather than vinegar, and the wraps can be built with toppings such as parsley and pickled cabbage. Sauces include a sour green mango amba, tahini and a sharp house hot sauce. blogTO ranked it second in its guide to the best shawarma in Toronto and describes the chicken shawarma as halal.

Good to know

• There is also herb-heavy falafel and a selection of vegetarian and vegan salads.
• Pickup and delivery are available through online ordering platforms.

Sources: Toronto Life, blogTO and public ordering listings. Not yet scored by Shawarma.com. Confirm halal status and hours with the restaurant.