Hey Wanderers!
National Shawarma Day is the perfect excuse to dive into one of Calgary's most beloved eats—donairs.
Whether you’re a fan of the OG donair style or love trying new twists on this iconic dish, Calgary has some serious spots to get your fix.
We tried three different locations that have their own unique spin on this Middle Eastern classic: Jimmy’s A&A, Cedars Deli, and Urban St. Donair. Here’s what we found!
1. Jimmy’s A&A: The OGs of Donairs
Jimmy’s has been a staple in Calgary for years, and it’s safe to say they’ve set the standard for donairs in the city. If you’re looking for size and satisfaction, this is your spot.
Their donairs are massive—seriously, the size of your head! Packed with perfectly spiced meat, you’ll never feel like there isn’t enough to go around. Plus, their famous whipped sauce, made fresh every 15 minutes, takes the whole experience up a notch.
While finishing the whole thing in one sitting might be a challenge, it’s definitely leaves you more than satisfied.
Price: Large donair $20 (chicken and beef)
Location: 1401 20 Ave NW, Calgary, AB
2. Cedars Deli: Family-Owned and Full of Flavour
Cedars Deli on 32nd Ave is a family-owned gem that offers a more manageable (yet equally delicious) donair experience.
Their meat is sliced thinner than at Jimmy’s, but don’t let that fool you—each bite is packed with flavour, especially thanks to their unique in-house sauce that adds something extra.
We loved how easy it was to eat, making it the perfect grab-and-go option when you’re on the move. While it may be smaller in size, it’s still super satisfying and won’t leave you hungry.
Price: Jumbo donair $15.49 (chicken and beef)
Location: 3508 32 Ave NE, Calgary, AB
3. Urban St. Donair: A Crispy Twist on a Classic
Urban St. Donair brings something a little different to the table with their crispy, chunk-style beef donairs.
They serve it up with a unique mix of BBQ and chipotle sauces that gives it a smoky, tangy flavour. What really stood out to us was how they crisp up the pita bread on the outside, giving every bite a satisfying crunch.
The beef is super tasty, and their two-layer thinner pita bread makes it easy to handle while still offering that extra crunch factor.
Price: Large donair $17.50 (chicken and beef)
Location: 4105 4 St NW, Calgary, AB
Which Donair is Your Favourite?
We had an amazing time trying out these three spots, each bringing its own special flavour to the table. Whether you're in the mood for a giant, filling donair from Jimmy's, a more refined bite at Cedars, or something crispy and saucy at Urban St. Donair, Calgary has you covered.
Did we miss your favourite donair spot? Let us know in the comments or send us an email at info@wanderinginyyc.ca! We'd love to hear your recommendations.
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