Metro Detroit's Best Shawarma Showdown Reaches Final Round

My Big Fat Shawarma and Al Ameer compete for the coveted title

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:26pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a single, iconic shawarma dish repeated in a tight grid pattern, rendered in a bold, neon color palette that captures the energy and excitement of a culinary competition.The final showdown between two of metro Detroit's most beloved shawarma spots will determine the region's reigning champion.Today in Detroit

After a citywide competition, the 2026 Free Press Shawarma Showdown has reached its final round, pitting two beloved metro Detroit restaurants, My Big Fat Shawarma and Al Ameer, against each other to determine who serves the best shawarma in the region.

Why it matters

Shawarma, a popular Middle Eastern dish of seasoned meat roasted on a vertical spit, has become a beloved staple in Detroit's diverse culinary landscape. This showdown highlights the city's thriving food culture and the passionate competition between local eateries to claim the title of metro Detroit's top shawarma spot.

The details

The Free Press Shawarma Showdown launched earlier this year, inviting readers to nominate their favorite shawarma spots across metro Detroit. After several rounds of voting, the competition has narrowed down to the final two contenders: My Big Fat Shawarma and Al Ameer. Both restaurants are known for their authentic recipes, high-quality ingredients, and loyal customer bases.

  • The Free Press Shawarma Showdown launched in early 2026.
  • The final round of the competition is taking place on March 30, 2026.

The players

My Big Fat Shawarma

A popular Middle Eastern restaurant in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood, known for its traditional shawarma dishes and vibrant atmosphere.

Al Ameer

A long-standing family-owned restaurant in Dearborn, Michigan, renowned for its authentic Lebanese cuisine, including its highly acclaimed shawarma.

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What they’re saying

“We're honored to be in the final round of the Shawarma Showdown. Our team has worked hard to perfect our recipe and provide an exceptional dining experience for our customers.”

— Nadia Haddad, Owner, My Big Fat Shawarma

“Shawarma is more than just a dish for us - it's a family tradition passed down through generations. We're excited to showcase our authentic flavors and compete for the title of metro Detroit's best.”

— Khalil Ameer, Owner, Al Ameer

What’s next

The final round of the 2026 Free Press Shawarma Showdown will take place on March 30, 2026, with the winner being announced later that day.

The takeaway

This showdown highlights the vibrant and diverse food culture in metro Detroit, where local restaurants are passionately competing to elevate the city's reputation as a culinary destination. The competition not only celebrates the art of shawarma-making but also the strong community ties and family traditions that are woven into the fabric of these beloved eateries.