One of the benefits of operating this website is that it gives us the opportunity to explore things we wouldn’t normally do before. One of then being, experimenting new tastes and flavours and with the wonderful multicultural landscape of Canada, there are so many options. Last Wednesday we spent a couple hours hiking Mt Nemo (look for that review soon) and it was agreed that after the hike we would head over to Lulu’s Shawarma in Hamilton for dinner. Marco and Toni (our partners in crime) are veterans at dining out and they mentioned that it’s a good option for eating affordable Middle Eastern food. Cheap! Good!.. I’m sold.
Lulu’s can be found within the heart of downtown Hamilton, just off John St North and it’s very easy to pass by and never really notice due to it’s small size. The inside is about 15 x 20 feet and on a busy day I can see this place being really cramped. The counter to order overlooks the small kitchen with the hot-top grill where at any given time you’ll see an assortment of meats being cooked by lovely couple who owns and operates this joint. There’s space for about 12 people (being generous) at the tables where you can sit and dine if you so choose and the place itself is very clean and welcoming. There’s a smile to greet you on entry and just the same when you leave.
A quick look on the walls and you’ll see what a popular establishment LuLu’s is, with all the awards they’ve won over the years (see pics above). While we waited for our orders to be called my senses were immediately called into action, as I could smell some sort of meat being cooked with a hint of spices and diced onions. Yes, I couldn’t wait to give this a try. We all got the Chicken Shawarma with “everything” and I also asked for mine spicy! Let’s be clear… I’m a pepper head and have been disappointed in the past with lame sauces that parade around as being spicy or hot. So I didn’t really expect much when I asked from my order to be made spicy.
Between the time we got our orders to the time I spent cleaning up the rich remnants of garlic sauce off my face, it was blank to me as I was in a trance of food goodness. You get a pita stuffed with the works and topped with layers of chicken.. so much so that it’s served in a pouch wrapped in tin foil and you’re given a fork to start the eating process. As I worked my way down the pile of food, I got a slight hint of the hot-sauce they added for me and though it was not blazing hot, it was the perfect balance for this meal. Our table was quiet, expect for the occasional “how do you like it”. We were hungry and this meal was absolutely hitting the spot!
The owners/operators glanced over and also inquired if everything was ok and they got thumbs up from our table. One couldn’t also help but notice how friendly and welcoming they made us feel. This was a true example of a mom and pop business at it’s best! I/we don’t claim to be experts in Middle Eastern cuisine, but this was truly a wonderful meal and it was relatively cheap. The Shawarma cost $4.82 + tax and it was very filling. So much so that Caron couldn’t even finish her’s onsite. BTW, if you’re dining in get the container with the garlic sauce and add as necessary… it’s outstanding.
If you look at the pics above you’ll notice that they also serve Humus, a variety of Salads, rice, Falafel and an assortment of other fast foods.
Lulu’s Shawarma
32 John Street North @King William, Hamilton, ON L8R1H3
Phone: (905) 521-4848
Mon – Fri – 11am-10pm
Sat 12pm – 10pm
Sun-Holidays – Closed.
Since LuLu’s is family owned and run by the hard working couple I touched on above, I guess they need time off on Sundays.. just wish they could clone themselves and give us the opportunity to eat here 24-7 7 days a week. I did say the food was outstanding!
