FOR THE LOVE OF SHAWARMA

Photo: Darshan Chakma

From the ancient Turks to the random wannabe hipsters of Dhaka, there are few hearts and tummies that shawarmas haven't managed to warm. Those who are not fans, their loss. For the rest of you, we've gone through the trouble of compiling the definitive list of the best shawarma places in town.
Risking death, disease (cholera, typhoid, diarrhoea…you know the drill) and bad traffic, we managed to compile this list. First stop, Dhanmondi. This place has been unanimously voted the “shawarma hub” of the city and there's no disagreement with that. There's the ever present Shawarma House at the Rangs Anam Plaza. If you haven't come across at least one Shawarma House in your life, you're either not a Dhakaite or currently living under some stone. The shawarmas they serve are pretty good, bordering on fantastic. The filling is good, the meat nicely cooked, well sauced and the proportions of meat and veggies is quite balanced. We give it an arbitrary rating of 6/8.

Photo: Darshan Chakma

Next stop: Arabian Fast Food, a nice cosy eatery. It's actually pretty noticeable, given how it's on Mirpur Road. You just need to keep an eye out for it. They also serve Arabian shawarmas, but they're distinct from the rest because of their spiciness. Shawarmas aren't inherently spicy, so the ones at Arabian Fast Food are a nice surprise, although could be a tad dry for some. Do try it out (if you haven't already); it's a nice place for hanging out with friends or for a date. Our arbitrary rating meter puts it at a 5/8.
Sausly's offers a great shawarma (slightly on the veggie-er side, though) too, and is one of my personal favourites. Sit down and take a bite out of that delectable wrap (as I promptly did). You won't be disappointed. Our rating: 6/8.
The heady smell of shawarma meat led me into a dingy little eatery that goes by the name Kostary Orchid, right beside Rapa Plaza, next. Hygiene is definitely not a priority for these guys, so try it out at your own risk. But do try it out, because it is magnificent! Students on a budget cannot afford propriety and hygiene all the time. The same things can be said about the shop next door, Fu Wang Shawarma. Another dingy place with some more mind-blowing shawarmas. These shawarmas have a larger proportion of salad in them but the mayo-ish sauce and delicious chicken is just ah-mazing! 8/8. Enough said.
Lastly, I ended up in Banani. Turkish Bazaar lured me in with its authentic Turkish décor. It's rather like sitting in a dimly lit Turkish coffeehouse in some corner of Istanbul. The shawarma is a bit expensive, but it comes in large portions (the largest shawarma I had all day) and the meat is as close as it gets to its Turkish counterparts. Loaded with herbs, onions and meat, the shawarmas are full of strong, bold flavours. I ordered myself a lamb shawarma (highly recommended) and chowed down happily on the delicious wrap while looking around dreamily at the exquisite Turkish merchandise put up for sale. Now here's a place I'd like to frequent if I wasn't so broke. Rating: 6/8.
After a long and arduous day of eating, I wondered: was it worth all this trouble? Were the shawarmas good enough to put myself through the heat, dust and possible cholera? I don't know, but I did go back to Fu Wang Shawarma the next day for another chicken wrap. Don't judge me.

Photo: Darshan Chakma