Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Osmow's :: Best Shawarma in Mississauga

Here's one of the best spots to get shawarmas in -- well, probably in the world. This is Osmow's, located just south of Thomas Street on Queen Street (Mississauga Road becomes Queen Street in Streetsville). Turn down the side street and park in the back, then enter through the back door or walk around the front.

The smallish interior was fully and very smartly renovated in January and February 2007. You can eat at the counter or at one of several small tables. At first, we'd usually stand and shuffle for 20 minutes or so with all the others who are getting take out, but then we got smart and called our order in ahead of time. The shawarmas are beautifully crisp on the outside and drippily sauced on the inside, and make the best fast food dinner or late night snack. And all this for a flat $5 each. Bargain!

When we lived in Streetsville, it took us 15 minutes to walk to Osmow's. From here in Port Credit, it takes 20 minutes to drive up Mississauga Road, so it's been a few months since I've had my fix.

The address is 251 Queen Street -- but just look for Thomas, then park and walk. And if you're in a hurry, phone ahead : 905-826-6021

Update September 2008
Just brought home a shawarma - we forgot to phone ahead, and so had a long wait on a Sunday afternoon.

Not as good as in the past; the double wrap pita now carries a 50 cent fee (not a deal breaker - prices have risen generally everywhere) but the shawarma sandwiches proved NOT to have double wrapping. We even asked and inspected before leaving the restaurant.

The wrapping now is wax paper only - not foil, which keeps the shawarma hot for the 20 minute drive home. Would have paid more for foil as cold shawarma not as tasty as fresh baked, and sauces leak through wax paper.

And finally, it really concerns me when staff go from handling money, telephones, computer and boxes and bowls to handling food without first (at least) rinsing their hands. As well, the cooks tended to do same - handling common elements then using their hands instead of tongs to add various toppings.

Could be an unusually busy day, but will keep an eye out for this to become a pattern. Let me know what you find if you go.

More places to eat in Mississauga :: See Snapshot Journeys Mississauga restaurants or use the search box to find restaurants and pubs on this blog.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just to correct, the phone no. is 905-826-6021.

Karen said...

Hi Anon

Thanks so much -- fixed it!

signed,

Karen, Queen of the Typos

Anonymous said...

I tried this place last night (6/17/08) and will vouch for its excellent food. Service could use some work but the line up at the door is a testament to the quality of the delightful food they serve up.

Will visit again; will reccommend to others.

Karen said...

Hi Anon!

Thanks for letting me know the food is still great.

It's been way too long since I had my shawarma fix!

And the lineups are why we decided to phone first - and about a half hour ahead.

Cute place, though, isn't it?!

I love finding these family owned restaurants in Mississauga. A nice change from the chains.

Anonymous said...

Personally i prefer pita nutsy but thats only because it seems alot cleaner, (both the food and the interior) the major difference i found between the two is heat levels. Pita nutsy hot is a joke but osmos is pretty hot. But at least if you eat inside nutsy they give you both tzatziki and hot sauce so you can control the heat.

Karen said...

Hiya !

Is Pita Nutsy the one just down the street from Osmows? If so, I'll give it a try next time.

I haven't been back to Osmows since my last, not so happy experience.

When were you last at Osmows?

Let me know if the 'service' was any cleaner. Thanks!

About the 'heat' control - yes I always ask for mild - and friend asks for regular which is too hot for me.

Karen said...

Second Osmow's?
The sign has been up for a while on another location on south side of Lakeshore Road, just west of Cawthra in Lakeview area of Mississauga.

When I can, I'll drop by and check it out.

Peter h said...

So I've found two nearby shawarma places in Streetsville with possibly another one opening up soon beside Pita Nutso. I will say though that Pita Nutso is my favourite because I can sit and eat there and the wait time isn't long but Osmow's is a lot busier/slower.

Anyways, the other one is called Taj Wrap. It's actually on Pearl Street (opposite from Main street) but if you turn on Queen then you'll see it right away. The owner is really nice there and their chicken wraps are great. It also has a nicer exterior than the other ones and not as crowded of course

The second one is a bit north on Brittania/Queen beside the fish and chips place and it's called Isis Mediterranean Restaurant. This is I think an Egyptian place and it's more unique because of how cool the menu is. The owner/chef is a bit more of a specialist and he can prepare some very neat dishes....it's sort of like the difference between buying a pizza and a gourmet pizza. The shawarma wrap he makes isn't better than Pita Nutso but still fairly good and a lot of interesting stuff to try on their menu so all the Streetsville ones are good to go to.

Karen said...

Thanks for this - I walked past the Taj Wrap the other day and it did look nice. That particular location seems to have a new resto each year - I think it's best suited for the wrap type since there is no room for a full kitchen in the Montreal House (heritage building).

Will keep the the Isis in mind, as I do like Egyptian foods.

Thanks again, will give them a try!

Anonymous said...

Just had chefs door, new restaurant in streetsville and was absolutely delicious!
Very good service, amazing tasting food, and very friendly people.
I definitely recommend it for everyone! Wayyy better then osmows
This place is just off pearl street, and they got other locations in Oakville. Anyways, just check there website www.chefsdoor.ca and you'll find all your needs
Mikeyyy

Anonymous said...

Yes,i do agree with mikeyyy,chefs door at streetsville has the best chicken shawarma, plus, they have a good deal pita & pop for $6.00 which is a great price and delicious food.

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