Mr. Shawerma

Special thanks to Mr. Shawerma for extending this food review invitation.

Update: This business has ceased its operations.

Mr. Shawerma is a chain of Middle Eastern eateries in Penang. There is an outlet next to Hotel Hong Ping at Chulia Street (Lebuh Chulia), George Town. Mr. Shawerma specializes in Syrian and Turkish cuisines.

The indoor section of Mr. Shawerma is air-conditioned. Arabesques (Arabian motifs) appear prominently throughout the restaurant. Meanwhile, customers who prefer fresh air can opt for al fresco dining.

The titular dish, Shawerma, is a popular street food in the Middle East. Slices of marinated chicken are stacked on a vertical spit, which is turned continuously so that the meat is heated evenly. As the outer layer is cooked, thin slices of chicken are shaved off the stack.

The most popular way to enjoy Shawerma is to wrap sliced meat in pita bread. This is exactly what Arabica Shawerma (RM16.00) is all about. The dish is also served with crinkle-cut fries, toum (garlic sauce), muhammara (red capsicum dip), pickled gherkins and sliced tomato.

Falafel is a deep-fried snack from Egypt. The doughnut-shaped croquettes are made of ground chickpeas and spices. The taste and texture of these fritters are similar to those of Indian vadas.

The Falafel Platter (RM26.00) comes with tahini (sesame seed paste), hummus (chickpea dip), baba ghanoush (eggplant dip), muhammara and pita bread. Arab salad is provided too.

Next, Lamb Sanieh (RM27.00) is a patty of oven-baked minced lamb served in thick sauce. There are three sauces to choose from: cooked yogurt, melted cheese or tomato salsa. I opted for cooked yogurt.

Lamb Sanieh is on the salty side because it is meant to go with mandi rice. Originating in Yemen, this mouthwatering rice dish is cooked with stock and a blend of spices called hawaij. Long-grain basmati rice is used.

As for customers who prefer a meatier dish, the Mandi Lamb (RM29.00) is a good choice. The lamb is stewed with a flavorful spice mix for several hours, resulting in savory flavors that go well with mandi rice.

Mr. Shawerma has more outlets in Gurney Paragon, Queensbay Mall, Cubopark and Plaza Ivory. The restaurant also caters for vegetarians with meatless dishes like Falafel and Baba Ghanoush.

Name: Mr. Shawerma
Address: 273A, Lebuh Chulia, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-251-9590
Business hours: 11:00am-2:30am
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Mr.Shawerma.Chuliastreet
Coordinates: 5.41788 N, 100.33679 E
Directions: Mr. Shawerma is located near the intersection of Chulia Street (Lebuh Chulia) and Lorong Seck Chuan in George Town. The restaurant is right next to Hotel Hong Ping. There is street parking along nearby roads.