Day Five: Sami’s Lebanese Deli

Food: 10/10

Price: $

Accessibility: 8/10

Service: 10/10

On the south bank of the river Thames, hidden down a side street near the tower bridge, is a small Lebanese Deli. Our group had a hankering for some falafel and low prices so when it popped up on google maps we decided to stop by. Small, clean, and tucked away, we sat on the only chairs in the Deli– a few high stools looking out onto the empty street– as we enjoyed what is my favorite meal that I've had in London so far.

Food:

I ordered a chicken shawarma wrap for 6 pounds 50 and it didn’t disappoint. Hand-delivered on a paper plate, the two wrap wedges came stuffed full of a satisfying mix of vegetables and seasoned meat. The sauce was proportioned well, the pita was both tender and sturdy enough that it didn’t fall apart, and I left feeling very full and satisfied. Honestly, it was so filling that, depending on your appetite and what other sides you ordered, you may have an extra half a wrap to take home for another time. I don’t have a single complaint about this place –which is really impressive because I love complaining– and no member of my group had any as well. Food was to die for, the prices were good, and the location was perfectly peaceful after a busy day.

Accessibility:

There are no stairs, but the roads near the deli can be a little rough on a wheelchair. Good news for all my Muslim friends, the store is labeled halal, but if you have any questions feel free to ask the owners/workers they are very kind.

Service:

As I mentioned in the last section, the men who ran the register were both very kind and accommodating. The food came quickly and everything we ordered was correct. I will say that the way they charged us was unconventional (we all paid at the register after our food was delivered and eaten), but we had no problems with the method. It's my new favorite place and an amazing experience all around!!

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Extra: A Lazy History of Shawarma:

While roasting meat on poles or sticks has been a practice since caveman days, Shawarma (the spelling varies) meaning ‘turning’ in Arabic, first appeared in the Ottoman Empire during the 19th century. It is a form of cooking where seasoned meat is stacked on an inverted cone and slowly roasted over a fire or grill. When served, chefs will shave slices of meat off the central spit which are often added in modern day to flatbreads. It is a popular street food in the greater middle east including Egypt, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. While the popularity of this dish has many factors, the introduction of Shawarma into British cuisine likely originated from Lebanese immigrants to the UK. The main part of this dish is the slow-roasted meats (lamb, chicken, ect) which are high in protein, iodine, iron, zinc, and essential fatty acids. It's infinitely customizable and you can add anything to accompany the meat, cultivating an infinite combination of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients depending on your preference. Personally, I love to add lemon, tomatoes, lettuce, and Greek yogurt, which has protein, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.