Looking for the best chicken shawarma in NYC? At Zazu Mediterranean Street Food in Chelsea, chicken shawarma is marinated overnight, stacked on a vertical spit, and slow-roasted so the outside crisps while the inside stays juicy — then carved to order into warm pita, over rice, or in a fresh bowl. Here’s what sets it apart and where to find it.
What Is Chicken Shawarma?
Chicken shawarma is a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean street-food classic: thin slices of marinated chicken thigh and breast layered onto a vertical rotisserie (the “spit”), roasted slowly as the cone turns, then shaved off in thin, caramelized strips. Unlike a gyro — which is often a pressed blend of lamb and beef — traditional chicken shawarma uses whole cuts of chicken marinated in warm spices, giving it a cleaner, more aromatic flavor.
What Makes Zazu’s Chicken Shawarma Different
Plenty of spots in New York sell shawarma. A few things make Zazu’s stand out:
- Overnight marinade. Our chicken sits in a blend of garlic, lemon, cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric for hours before it ever hits the spit — so the flavor runs all the way through, not just on the surface.
- Real spit-roasting, carved to order. The chicken roasts vertically and is shaved fresh when you order, not pre-cooked and reheated. That’s the difference between dry shawarma and juicy, crisp-edged shawarma.
- House-made sauces. Garlic toum, tahini, and a bright house harissa are made in-house — not squeezed from a bottle.
- Built your way. Get it as a pita wrap, a rice or greens bowl, or a platter with sides. Every order is customizable.
- Fresh and fast in Chelsea. Made for New York’s pace — quick service without shortcuts.
Pita, Bowl, or Platter — How to Order It
Chicken shawarma is endlessly flexible. Here’s how New Yorkers order it at Zazu:
- Pita wrap — carved chicken, veggies, and sauce rolled in warm pita. The classic on-the-go move.
- Shawarma bowl — over rice or greens with toppings; a lighter, protein-forward option.
- Platter — chicken plus sides like hummus, salad, and pita for a full meal or to share.
Prefer beef or a plant-based pick? Explore the full menu — falafel, bowls, and pita wraps are all made fresh too.
Is Chicken Shawarma Healthy?
Chicken shawarma can be one of the more balanced fast-casual choices. Grilled chicken is a lean protein, and when you build it as a bowl over greens with vegetables and a tahini or garlic sauce, you get a filling meal without the heaviness of fried fast food. Ordering it in a bowl instead of a pita, and going lighter on creamy sauces, keeps it lean. For a full breakdown of calories and protein, see our shawarma nutrition guide.
Where to Get Chicken Shawarma in Chelsea, NYC
Zazu Mediterranean Street Food is at 232 7th Avenue in Chelsea, Manhattan (near 23rd Street), and located inside Shaver Hall Midtown East. We serve chicken shawarma fresh for dine-in, takeout, and delivery — perfect for a quick lunch between meetings or a satisfying dinner. If you’ve been searching “chicken shawarma near me” in Chelsea, this is your spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between chicken shawarma and a gyro?
Chicken shawarma uses whole cuts of marinated chicken roasted on a vertical spit, seasoned with Middle Eastern spices like cumin and coriander. A gyro is typically a pressed blend of lamb and beef with Greek seasoning, served with tzatziki. Both are carved from a rotating spit, but the meat and spice profiles differ.
Is Zazu’s chicken shawarma halal?
Zazu serves halal-friendly Mediterranean options. For specific halal certification details on any menu item, just ask our team when you order.
How much is chicken shawarma at Zazu?
Pricing varies by format — wrap, bowl, or platter. Check our current menu for up-to-date prices, and note that bowls and platters generally include more sides than a wrap.
Can I order chicken shawarma for delivery or takeout in Chelsea?
Yes. Zazu offers takeout and delivery across Chelsea and nearby Manhattan neighborhoods, plus dine-in at our 7th Avenue location or Midtown East locations.