Shawarma Time Restaurant - Winnipeg

It was a nice place, I had never had Shawarma before and after reviewing options on Trip Advisor chose this restaurant which was two block further than another Shawarma place we walked past on the way here. The food was good, but the menu somewhat unclear.The Food-------------The food was good, I had never had Shawarma before and wanted to give it a shot. I ordered a "Shawarma Time Classic", which was a baked crust, similar to a pizza crust folded in half (Think Calzone), filled with beef Shawarma (the meat) (they also offered Lamb for the Classic, and Chicken for other Shawarmas). The classic appeared to be at least a footlong and was very filling. The Classic contained green stuff (a spinach I think), onions, and turnips and/or beets. The only thing I didnt' care for was the Turnips/Beets. But it was good. I ordered a mild shawarma but found that I used a fair bit of hot sauce that they provided to kick it up a notch. The hot sauce was Franks RedHot in a mustard dispenser.The crust on the Classic was great, top notch.While I enjoyed the Classic (minus the turnips/beets) I would probably go back and order it again as a wrap, trying the beef, lamb, and chicken, maybe with some fries to fill me up, (though the fries were nothing special).First Impression and Atmosphere---------------------------------------------Walking into this restaurant my first impression is of a small pizzeria, with a faux stone reception, yellow paint and red tables and chairs. The restaurant is small. This is when I start to notice details indicating it is not a pizzeria (despite the fact I walked there specifically for Shawarma). There is a hoka on the counter, and there are paintings or patterns on the wall that do not look Italian. On the east counter beside the door are about 40 pictures of dishes prepared by the restaurant with prices beneath them. If you look carefully off to the side is a poster, and if you look closer at it, you realize it offers the "Shawarma Classic". You order at the reception counter, if you are eating in, you sit down wait for the food and pay at the reception counter when done. There is a pop cooler on the north wall where you can select a drink if you purchased one.There was middle eastern music playing at a reasonable volume (I'm not a big fan) that contributed to the atmosphere, but it was low enough that our group was able to easily engage in a discussion amongst the two tables that we had pulled together.Service----------The staff (owners?) are very nice and friendly, it is obvious they care about your experience and want to make a good impression, but aside from taking your order, taking your payment, preparing your order and delivering your tray to your table there isn't really any service.I went as part of a group just prior to noon, and the food was fairly slow. It could have been that several of us ordered the Shawarma Time Classic which was prepared in the oven and seemed to be a bit of a rush for them to get all of our food out and once. Shawarma's that were not prepared in the oven came out sooner, even from tables that were seated after us.Price-------The price was reasonable, though maybe a little high compared to purchasing a Gyro wrap in a food court vs a Shawarma wrap ($5.99 vs $8.99) but this restaurant offered Shawarma which I hadn't tried, and the Shawarma was good, and a food court likely wouldn't offer the great Classic with the fresh baked crust that Shawarma Time offered.The Classic I purchased was $11.99 for Beef, or $13,99 for Lamb.Recommendations-------------------------I think that this is a good place to eat if you like Shawarma or have never tried it. I would suggest the Shawarma wrap and maybe a plate of fries to fill you up if one isn't enough.The pictures of the food are good, but would be even better in a menu or book that listed what the food actually was and the ingredients inside it. It would make the place more welcoming for newcomers and also more educational for those wondering what they are getting, and it would be a plus for the atmosphere as the prices are handwritten, the plastic inserts aren't professional, and it makes the wall and pictures themselves seem dirty, and thereby the restaurant, but I don't actually think the restaurant was dirty.I would also suggest a Shawarma sampler, either 3 wraps (maybe smaller) or a wrap that was a mixture of the chicken, beef and lamb. I think it would be a big seller!I encourage you to try out this restaurant if you are looking to try Shawarma.

I phoned Shawarma Time and spoke with the owner, Majeet, asking her to help me plan a Lebanese dinner for a friend. she was so helpful, so pleasant, so genuinely caring with her advice, and her manner. She planned a feast for 4 of us to enjoy. The food was delivered at the exact time requested, it was hot, labeled and in easy to heat pans.the taste was fabulous !!! Every dish that she suggested was excellent. The amount suggested was perfect. i would definitely recommend their food. It was all top quality and taste.

Fast food that is homemade and delicious. Friendly and quick service and reasonably priced. It could use some updates with the decor.

I have tried lebanese cuisine across winnipeg, by far this has to be the better ones. They have all traditional dish which taste great. The sitting area is just average, nothing fancy so don't expect an ambiance here, but its decent. But if you want to pick up ot grab a bite, the food is recommended! The owners are a great bunch, always greeting with you with a smile and very hospitable.If you are around Ellice/down town, this is your shawarma place.

I love the way these folks run their business. The best shawarma hands down. I love garlic and this place makes their own garlic sauce for their dishes. My favourite is #30- a big plate of hummus and chicken with veggies and fresh pitas. No joke... Every bite makes me so happy!