Falafel wrap
The falafel wrap is one of the clearest repeatable highlights, with one visitor calling it amazing.
الصاج الشامي Al Saj Al Shami
Mirdif
Al Saj Al Shami is a Syrian/Levantine restaurant in Mirdif, serving shawarma, daily dishes and other Levantine food. Reviews make the falafel wrap and mandi rice stand out, while the food-court setting suits a quick mall meal rather than a dedicated dining atmosphere.
Reputation Score
4.0
★★★★☆
111 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Mandi rice
The mandi rice was described as flavorful and authentically Arabic.
Juicy shawarma
A review praised the shawarma for being juicy and warm, with thin fries and plenty of pickles.
Shish tawook
The shish tawook over rice was singled out as absolutely delicious.
Fresh sandwiches
One returning customer said the sandwiches still tasted fresh after two years and found the fries especially tasty.
Friendly staff
Several reviews mention courteous, helpful service, including a visit where the staff were described as very friendly.
Falafel
A separate review called the falafel the best the customer had tried in Dubai so far.
What to Eat at الصاج الشامي Al Saj Al Shami How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For الصاج الشامي Al Saj Al Shami, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
These items at الصاج الشامي Al Saj Al Shami got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 1
-
Chicken shawarma Net +4
“first time trying their chicken shawarma ..its good 😊”
Positive 4Negative 0
Review excerpts
“first time trying their chicken shawarma ..its good 😊”August 2023
“For me it was the best chicken shawarma”May 2024
Honorable mentions (13)
-
Arabic shawarma Net +1
“The quality of the food is top-notch. The Arabic Shawarma is a highlight, featuring juicy chicken wrapped in Saj bread with a generous amount of garlic sauce. The Chicken Sandwich is another delight, with a thick patty nestled in a soft, fluffy burger bun. The food presentation enhances the dining experience, making each bite not only flavorful but also visually appealing.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The quality of the food is top-notch. The Arabic Shawarma is a highlight, featuring juicy chicken wrapped in Saj bread with a generous amount of garlic sauce. The Chicken Sandwich is another delight, with a thick patty nestled in a soft, fluffy burger bun. The food presentation enhances the dining experience, making each bite not only flavorful but also visually appealing.”July 2024
-
Batata Net +1
“The batata on the side was really good as well.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The batata on the side was really good as well.”March 2024
-
Chicken sandwich Net +1
“The quality of the food is top-notch. The Arabic Shawarma is a highlight, featuring juicy chicken wrapped in Saj bread with a generous amount of garlic sauce. The Chicken Sandwich is another delight, with a thick patty nestled in a soft, fluffy burger bun. The food presentation enhances the dining experience, making each bite not only flavorful but also visually appealing.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The quality of the food is top-notch. The Arabic Shawarma is a highlight, featuring juicy chicken wrapped in Saj bread with a generous amount of garlic sauce. The Chicken Sandwich is another delight, with a thick patty nestled in a soft, fluffy burger bun. The food presentation enhances the dining experience, making each bite not only flavorful but also visually appealing.”July 2024
-
Falafel Net +1
“The best falafel in Dubai so far !”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The best falafel in Dubai so far !”January 2025
-
Falafel wrap Net +1
“I was feeling to eat some rice and just saw the mandi rice in the counter. I was tired of eating from all other restaurants around, thought of giving a try here. They have amazing falafel wrap. Mandi is so flavorful. Gives the authentic Arabic taste. A MUST TRY if you’re in Mirdif city centre.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I was feeling to eat some rice and just saw the mandi rice in the counter. I was tired of eating from all other restaurants around, thought of giving a try here. They have amazing falafel wrap. Mandi is so flavorful. Gives the authentic Arabic taste. A MUST TRY if you’re in Mirdif city centre.”July 2026
-
Fatoosh salad Net +1
“I have tried fatoosh salad today it was amazing I really like the way the staff is treating the customers really appreciate the staff Ahed for amazing service.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I have tried fatoosh salad today it was amazing I really like the way the staff is treating the customers really appreciate the staff Ahed for amazing service.”September 2024
-
Kebbe Net +1
“So good, i loved the shawarma ot tastes just like in Syria, kebbe also very good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“So good, i loved the shawarma ot tastes just like in Syria, kebbe also very good.”May 2023
-
Lentil soup Net +1
“the molokhia was amazing so lentil soup appetizer platter was good except yalenji and tabboule”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“the molokhia was amazing so lentil soup appetizer platter was good except yalenji and tabboule”August 2023
-
Mandi rice Net +1
“I was feeling to eat some rice and just saw the mandi rice in the counter. I was tired of eating from all other restaurants around, thought of giving a try here. They have amazing falafel wrap. Mandi is so flavorful. Gives the authentic Arabic taste. A MUST TRY if you’re in Mirdif city centre.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I was feeling to eat some rice and just saw the mandi rice in the counter. I was tired of eating from all other restaurants around, thought of giving a try here. They have amazing falafel wrap. Mandi is so flavorful. Gives the authentic Arabic taste. A MUST TRY if you’re in Mirdif city centre.”July 2026
-
Mexican shawarma Net +1
“The Mexican Shawarma here is truly exceptional! The staff is incredibly kind and respectful. I wish all restaurants staff were as wonderful as them. The only downside is the atmosphere, as it's located in a food court. Nevertheless, I would still rate it a perfect 10/10! BTW: Thanks for bottle of Water 😉”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Mexican Shawarma here is truly exceptional! The staff is incredibly kind and respectful. I wish all restaurants staff were as wonderful as them. The only downside is the atmosphere, as it's located in a food court. Nevertheless, I would still rate it a perfect 10/10! BTW: Thanks for bottle of Water 😉”September 2023
-
Molokhia Net +1
“the molokhia was amazing so lentil soup appetizer platter was good except yalenji and tabboule”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“the molokhia was amazing so lentil soup appetizer platter was good except yalenji and tabboule”August 2023
-
Shawarmas Net +1
“The shawarmas had a good amount of garlic and chicken and was made very well.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The shawarmas had a good amount of garlic and chicken and was made very well.”March 2024
-
Shish tawook over rice Net +1
“Got the shish tawook over rice, and it was absolutely delicious. Highly recommended.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Got the shish tawook over rice, and it was absolutely delicious. Highly recommended.”April 2025
Drinks 1
-
Avocado juice Net +1
“I ordered a Chicken Shawarma and Avocado Juice. Both items very tasty and as per expectation. I would recommend this place.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I ordered a Chicken Shawarma and Avocado Juice. Both items very tasty and as per expectation. I would recommend this place.”December 2024
What to Avoid (6)
Food 6
-
French fries Net −1
“The French fries were also lacking seasoning properly; they should be crispy and flavorful. I suggest the management re-evaluate their recipes and cooking methods to improve the quality of their food. A well-seasoned shawarma and perfectly fried fries would make a huge difference!”
Positive 1Negative 2
Critical review excerpts
“The French fries were also lacking seasoning properly; they should be crispy and flavorful. I suggest the management re-evaluate their recipes and cooking methods to improve the quality of their food. A well-seasoned shawarma and perfectly fried fries would make a huge difference!”August 2024
“Worst shawarma i had in my life, very dry, poor flaviour, i asked for extra garlic and got a very small tiny cup, fries lacks flaviour and are not fresh.”December 2024
-
Appetizer platter Net −1
“appetizer platter was good except yalenji and tabboule”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“appetizer platter was good except yalenji and tabboule”August 2023
-
Shawarma sandwich Net −1
“Worst shawarma sandwich I've ever had in my life. The chicken was bland with no proper shawarma seasoning, making it unappetizing. The garlic cream was overwhelming, and the overall taste was just bad—I couldn't even finish the sandwich and had to discard it.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Worst shawarma sandwich I've ever had in my life. The chicken was bland with no proper shawarma seasoning, making it unappetizing. The garlic cream was overwhelming, and the overall taste was just bad—I couldn't even finish the sandwich and had to discard it.”August 2024
-
Shawerma Net −1
“Very poor restaurant comparing with other shawerma restaurants i tase the very little chicken and the rest is bread i dont suggest this place for enjoying food same shawerma or better u can get in any cafeteria 5 dirhams only”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Very poor restaurant comparing with other shawerma restaurants i tase the very little chicken and the rest is bread i dont suggest this place for enjoying food same shawerma or better u can get in any cafeteria 5 dirhams only”August 2023
-
Tabboule Net −1
“appetizer platter was good except yalenji and tabboule”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“appetizer platter was good except yalenji and tabboule”August 2023
-
Yalenji Net −1
“appetizer platter was good except yalenji and tabboule”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“appetizer platter was good except yalenji and tabboule”August 2023
Tips for a Better Visit
Try mandi. If you want more than a sandwich, consider the mandi rice; one review found it flavorful and authentically Arabic.
Try falafel. The falafel wrap is a useful first order, having been specifically praised as amazing.
Check freshness. Before ordering shawarma, ask for it freshly cooked and hot because reviews include complaints about cooking and bread freshness.
Allow time. Build in extra time during a visit, since one customer reported very slow service.
Find the outlet. Inside Mirdif City Centre, look toward the North entrance above Carrefour; the outlet is in the food court.
Consider meat. If choosing shawarma, compare the meat option with chicken; one reviewer specifically preferred the meat.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Mirdif city center
Mirdif, Dubai
| Mon | 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Tue | 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Wed | 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Thu | 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Fri | 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sat | 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sun | 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Shawarma consistency
Shawarma feedback is uneven: some customers reported undercooked, dry or burnt meat.
Slow service
At least one customer reported very slow service, so timing may vary.
Cashier service
Cashier interactions were criticised in multiple reviews, including one describing the service as among the worst.
Small portions
One customer felt the portion was small and said the bread was not fresh.
Food court
The restaurant is in a food court, which one reviewer considered the main atmosphere drawback.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Al Saj Al Shami is a Syrian/Levantine restaurant in Mirdif, located in Mirdif City Centre’s food court. You can order shawarma, falafel wraps, mandi rice, daily dishes and plates such as shish tawook over rice. The falafel wrap and mandi rice are among the most convincing choices in the reviews, while the shish tawook also received a strong mention.
Shawarma is the main draw, but the experience is notably inconsistent. One customer described a juicy, warm shawarma with thin fries and plenty of pickles, while others reported dry or undercooked meat, burnt shawarma, small portions and bread that was not fresh. If freshness matters, ask for the shawarma hot and freshly prepared rather than ordering blindly.
Service also varies. Many reviewers describe the staff as kind, helpful and courteous, but separate visits mention very slow service and poor cashier interactions. Allow extra time if you are visiting when the counter is busy.
Seating is typical food-court seating, not a quiet standalone restaurant setting. For first-time visitors, the outlet is toward the North entrance above Carrefour. There are no clear customer-reported prices in the supplied reviews; one person only said the Kinza soft drink was very expensive.