If you’re craving a mouthwatering, authentic halal shawarma sandwich in the U.S., these destinations consistently earn top praise from food critics and reviewers:
1. King of Falafel & Shawarma – Astoria, Queens, NYC
Started as a food cart and now a landmark food truck, this NYC favorite is lauded for its mixed chicken, beef, and lamb shawarma that’s perfectly spiced and generously portioned. Critics highlight the crisp yet tender meats and the famously spicy falafel it shares the truck with. It’s frequently named among New York’s best shawarma spots Wanderlog.
2. The Halal Guys – Manhattan, New York
A global halal street‑food phenomenon that began in Midtown Manhattan in 1990. Their chicken or gyro wrap with rice, pita, famous white sauce, and red spicy sauce has become iconic. Consistent quality and depth of flavor make it a go‑to for many shawarma loversThe Halal Times.
3. Naf Naf Grill – Chicago, IL
A fast-casual chain trusted for its clean, kosher-style halal ingredients. Naf Naf has made Foursquare’s “Top 15 Shawarma” list multiple times and is praised for its clean, fragrant chicken shawarma and modern dining experience mashed.com.
4. Sincerely Syria / Ara’s Shawarma – Los Angeles, CA
Reviewers from The Infatuation name Sincerely Syria (formerly Hollywood Shawarma) as the best shawarma in LA thanks to its tender, pepper-spiced lamb and beef layers that melt in your mouth. Ara’s Shawarma is also regularly listed among top LA spots for true flavor seekers theinfatuation.com.
5. Wally’s Cafe – California (Emeryville, Rocklin, Costa Mesa)
A small Lebanese‑run restaurant that earned Yelp’s “Top 100 U.S. Restaurants” ranking in 2025. Known for their deeply flavorful beef shawarma and family recipes passed down generations, Wally’s provides large portions and consistent excellence sfgate.com.
6. Halal Food Guru (Michigan – TikTok Verified)
According to recent social media buzz, this Michigan spot serves possibly the best beef shawarma in the U.S.—noted for its bold spice blend and proper texture, this offering has gone viral in food circles instagram.comtiktok.com.
Why These Shawarma Spots Stand Out
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Authentic Recipes & Marination: From Syrian and Lebanese spice profiles to balanced meats and sauces.
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Halal Certification: Many of these businesses proudly source from halal-certified suppliers.
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Consistency & Community Roots: Established by immigrant families or founder-owned trucks with decades of experience.
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Flavor Reviews Across Cities: Consistent rankings in “best-of” lists across major food media platforms.
Quick Comparison Table
| City / Region | Top Shawarma Spot | Specialty & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York (Astoria) | King of Falafel & Shawarma | Best for mixed meat wraps, top-rated cart |
| New York (Midtown) | The Halal Guys | Iconic white sauce, global fast-casual hit |
| Chicago | Naf Naf Grill | Clean halal fast food, spicy chicken shawarma |
| Los Angeles | Sincerely Syria / Ara’s Shawarma | Tender lamb & beef, spice-forward flavors |
| San Francisco Bay Area | Wally’s Cafe (Rocklin, Emeryville) | Family recipes, high Yelp rankings |
| Michigan | Halal Food Guru | TikTok-famous for best beef shawarma |
Where to Grab Your Next Shawarma Fix
Whether you’re traveling or at home, these top spots offer some of the most authentic, flavorful, and well-reviewed halal shawarma sandwiches in America. From the iconic NYC carts to hidden gems in California and viral Michigan favorites, you can’t go wrong.
Next time you’re craving shawarma, check out one of these destinations—and taste what makes them stand out.