Best Donair/Shawarma in YYC

[EverfresH15]

Originally Posted by crazy_eoj

They are 350 m apart and the menu is very similar... too bad even if it was a family feud they would have been far better off further away. If BB sold out already I guess that answers the question.

I have no idea if the two owners are related, but if they are i bet their recipes are pretty similar. I am not sure how you don't think their not even close being the same place. Honest question.

Either way both are very good and i will continue to support both as i live a few blocks away.

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by DownInFlames

Any good donair places in the Sundance or Chaparral area? I often find myself around there at lunchtime and don't know of any decent ones that far South.

Nothing in either Sundance or Chaparral.

I like the Original Donair in Silverado.
The Donair Place in Shawnessey is also pretty good. The donair is much better than the Shawarma I have found that this location though.

I noticed the other day that a Jerusalem Shawarma is going to open in Shawnessy right by Shawnessey Vietnamese, which I am looking forward to.

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by EverfresH15

Go to Mazaj which is located at 230 7 Ave SW.

Beirut Bakery and Little Lebanon are pretty much the same place and both are delicious. Donair Hut in Deer Run is pretty fantastic as well, amazing homemade hot sauce which I wish more places had instead of just sriracha.

Huh, when I tried it I found it to be one of the worst I have ever had. Tiny donair for the price. The whole place stank of cigarette smoke as well.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

Imo Jimmys is one of the worst in Calgary but it's popular in Calgary for some reason. Tastes like a lettuce sandwich if you're lucky enough that it doesn't turn into a salad in your hands.

You know, you can tell Jimmy to hold the lettuce, or anything else you don't want. I find Jimmy's provides the most meat for the price - a huge helping.

It does get sloppy.

[Sled]

Scotian Style Pizza up in Marlborough and 52nd is awesome. East coast style with some brothers hot pepperoni in it is to die for. The do a pretty good pizza as well. https://www.yelp.ca/biz/scotian-style-calgary

Oh and Donair eggrolls they are to die for.

[calgaryblood]

Originally Posted by troutman

You know, you can tell Jimmy to hold the lettuce, or anything else you don't want. I find Jimmy's provides the most meat for the price - a huge helping.

It does get sloppy.

Yeah I can but then there is the microwaved taste of the meat. Wasn't a fan of Jimmys. They wouldn't even make my top 10 list.

Any place that puts their meat in a heated container gets automatically shunned.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Boblobla

The whole place stank of cigarette smoke as well.

Ah an authentic feel

[EverfresH15]

Originally Posted by Boblobla

Huh, when I tried it I found it to be one of the worst I have ever had. Tiny donair for the price. The whole place stank of cigarette smoke as well.

That is very bizarre. I agree that it might be a tad overpriced but have never had bad food there or ever smelt smoke and have been there lots over the years. He even sells his hot sauce. Mmmm

[crazy_eoj]

Originally Posted by EverfresH15

I have no idea if the two owners are related, but if they are i bet their recipes are pretty similar. I am not sure how you don't think their not even close being the same place. Honest question.

Either way both are very good and i will continue to support both as i live a few blocks away.

That wasn't me who thought they weren't similar, I thought they were almost identical which was why I was so confused they opened right next to each other , especially if they were family members.

More likely scenario in my mind is that Beirut is trying to capitalize on the success of Little Lebanon by being a decent imitation of the original.

[Hack&Lube]

Who's got the best meat? I know the very definition of most Donair meats is that it's basically a giant meat loaf that's carved up but it seems more and more are getting spongier and dough-ier indicating more and more hydrolyzed soy and starch and fillers are getting put in compared to actual meat.

[ThatsRobbery]

Gotta give some love to the place I always go to for donairs, My Donair in Montgomery (off of 16th Ave and Home Rd.) Been going there since university (so 8 years or so) and I still go there once a week or so to get one as I think I am addicted. The owner is also one of the nicest guys you will meet and we always have a good conversation while he goes and makes me fat.

[FireGilbert]

I tried a few shawarma/donair places when I was recently back in Calgary. I was very impressed at how shawarma has grown from a few places in the inner city to now occupying strip malls throughout the suburbs to an extent rivaling Vietnamese restaurants.

My favourite place used to be Shawarma Station in Kensignton however it is under new management and it not quite as good anymore. For example you used to be able to get Parmesan cheese on your wrap which was amazing but now they just have some generic white processed cheese. I also tried Jerusalem Shawarma in Acadia and it was excellent. A buddy recommended Shawarma Palace on 17th saying it was the best in the city but I didn't have a chance to make it there.

As far as donairs go I was really impressed with one I had from Fast Lane Pizza in Willow Park. They put banana peppers on it which I thought was a great addition. They also only cost $5 Monday to Wednesday.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

Yeah I can but then there is the microwaved taste of the meat. Wasn't a fan of Jimmys. They wouldn't even make my top 10 list.

Any place that puts their meat in a heated container gets automatically shunned.

Fair point - I understand all donair has to undergo a “second cooking” which usually would involve a microwave?

http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/...ng-donairs.pdf

[EverfresH15]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

Little bit of a family feud and they're not the same place not even close.

They are indeed brothers and he said the two are exactly the same but little Len has more items. They also have a store in Airdrie, just a short 15 min drive away.

I also asked about his donair meet and he said he buys it from a place in Edmonton.

[CMPunk]

Originally Posted by troutman

Fair point - I understand all donair has to undergo a “second cooking” which usually would involve a microwave?

http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/...ng-donairs.pdf

Shawarma Palace throws it on a flattop. So good....

[calgaryblood]

Originally Posted by troutman

Fair point - I understand all donair has to undergo a “second cooking” which usually would involve a microwave?

http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/...ng-donairs.pdf

Yes but there are other ways to do it. Shawarma Palace puts it on a flat top and cuts them up a bit and makes sure they are cooked well. It also makes it a hotter sandwich which is nice.

I actually went there today and about 10 people in line and out the door. I think I should stop giving them positive reviews....kiddiing...no matter what time you go there will be a lineup.

[Cole436]

The lack of The Donair Place in shawnessy in this thread is criminal.

[LanceUppercut]

Originally Posted by CMPunk

Shawarma Palace throws it on a flattop. So good....

Pita Grill in Riverbend does the same. I can't say I would enjoy a Donair with microwaved meat.

[lazypucker]

Anyone knows of a good place for lamb shawarma?

[_Q_]

Originally Posted by lazypucker

Anyone knows of a good place for lamb shawarma?

I remember Shawarma King in Kensington and Shawarma Knight on 14th Street used to do a fantastic lamb shawarma.

I'm not sure if anything has changed since I was last in town.

Edit: looks like Pita Grill in Chinook & Riverbend does it as well.