Shawarmaji gets a home for its Jordanian fare
During its monthslong run as a popup at Oakland’s Forage Kitchen, Shawarmaji built a loyal following for shawarma that reminded chef Mohammad Abutaha of his native Jordan: slim grilled wraps holding juicy chicken cooked carefully on a vertical spit, plus garlicky white sauce and a little pickle for crunch.
They bear little resemblance to the giant shawarma overflowing with shredded lettuce and hummus that so many Arab restaurants serve — and they now have a permanent home.
Just three months after Abutaha’s popup closed, he opened Shawarmaji as a brickandmortar restaurant on Friday, taking over the former Gastropig space in Uptown Oakland.
The takeoutfriendly menu features the same yogurtmarinated, spitroasted chicken shawarma, available as a wrap ($10), on fries ($12) or as an Arabi plate ($15), with the wrap cut
With popup closed, Shawarmaji has taken over the former Gastropig space in Uptown Oakland.
up into bitesized pieces with sauce, pickles and fries on the side. Customers can also add cheese and chile sauce or request fries stuffed inside the wrap.
Lamb gets its own vertical spit, paired with tahini, red onions and tomatoes for wraps ($11), fries ($13) and plates ($16). And vegan customers aren’t left out, thanks to a falafel sandwich ($10) served on a French roll.
As a popup, Shawarmaji received a warm review from Chronicle critic Soleil Ho, who raved about the garlic sauce that “pleasingly overwhelms your senses” as well as the opportunity to build “the everelusive Perfect Bite” through the Arabi plates.
Shawarmaji: 510 p.m. Saturday, then 11 a.m.10 p.m. WednesdaySunday. 2123 Franklin St., Oakland. instagram.com/ theshawarmaji