The Flavor You Didn't Know You Were Missing

JASHANPREET KAUR
Mar 28
3 min read

Feature Article | Kebab & Shawarma, Woodstock

Written by: Jashanpreet Kaur

The building is modest, and the street is peaceful; there are no flashing signs or buzzing sidewalks. Perhaps you're driving along Devonshire Ave, your mind preoccupied with tasks. Perhaps you're browsing lunch venues in search of something quick. Then, it occurs.

A gradual, methodical smell wafts in. Garlic, charred pork, roasted cumin, lemon, and maybe an unidentified ingredient. It doesn't shout for your notice. It persists long enough for you to pause, look, and ask yourself, "What is that?"

The fragrance isn't that of quick food. It has the scent of something handmade and inherited.

And you're more than simply hungry at that point. You want to know.

Because what you just discovered is more than simply food. It’s a story waiting to be tasted

What is the Story Really About?

Kebab & Shawarma has become a hidden gem in Woodstock, bringing its customers back due to its excellent offerings and welcoming atmosphere. The establishment maintains its authentic Middle Eastern roots through its family operation as it develops community relationships by serving customers good "garlic-sauced wraps." People find shawarma represents more than just food at this establishment. The establishment provides a connection that unites customers to heritage, peace of mind, and interpersonal bonds.

Middle Eastern Flavor with a Local Soul

In a fast-paced world, shawarma is often seen as a grab-and-go meal. But here in Woodstock, it’s something more — something personal.

When you step inside Kebab & Shawarma, you’re not just placing an order — you’re being welcomed.

“We’ve had customers come in once and become part of the family,” says owner Mir Liaqath Ali Shah, who opened the restaurant with a dream of sharing his culture through food. “People come back not just for the food but because we remember their name. We ask how they’re doing.”

Everyday, the restaurant produces fresh meals from Middle Eastern basics, including marinated chicken, seasoned beef, falafel, grilled kebabs, and colourful salads that utilize traditional spices with homemade family sauces unique to generations.

The Magic Behind the Shawarma

People quickly fall for shawarma because its initial combination of tender meat, pliable wrap and vibrantly tangy garlic lemon gives a delightful sensation. A rich culinary history underlies this famous food.

Shawarma originated in the Ottoman Empire as a vertical spit-roasted lamb (döner in Turkish) and spread throughout the Levant, where it was transformed into the wrap we know today. Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian communities adapted it by adding garlic sauce (toum), pickled vegetables, and flatbread, transforming it into a portable meal for sharing.

The restaurant's culinary tradition remains uncompromising each day as it prepares marinated chicken overnight, using hand-made sliced beef and fresh garlic sauce.

According to Mir, the dishes at Kebab & Shawarma represent traditional eating habits from his childhood. The restaurant team aims for people to taste the meals exactly how they bask in the conventional experience.

Comfort Food for Everyone

A surprising standout? The falafel.

Golden, crisp on the outside, herby and tender inside — it’s served in wraps, salads, or platters, often alongside creamy hummus and tahini.

“We have regulars who aren’t vegetarian but still prefer the falafel,” Mir laughs. “It’s just that good.”

Falafel evolved into a worldwide plant-based staple after emerging as a cultural icon in Egypt or the Levant (a dispute exists about its origin). The restaurant demonstrates its mission through its commitment to serving comforting, flavorful food that welcomes everyone regardless of their cultural background or dietary choices.

What the Community is Saying

With over 100 glowing Google reviews, the local love is loud and clear:

“Best shawarma in town. The portions are huge, and everything tastes fresh.”

"Service is always kind, welcoming, and quick.”

"Even during construction, I park around the block to eat here.”

From students to families, newcomers to lifelong Woodstock residents — customers aren’t just stopping in; they’re becoming part of something.

Come for the Flavor, Stay for the Feeling

In a town like Woodstock, it’s easy to miss places that don’t shout for attention. But sometimes, Most hidden spaces protect the most valuable history.

Kebab & Shawarma goes beyond serving food — it's about sharing tradition. It's about fostering a sense of belonging. It's about offering something warm, meaningful, and familiar — even if it's your first time trying shawarma.

Come hungry. Leave with something more than a meal.