Pickering has an excellent selection of South and Central Asian restaurants, with many Afghani Kebab shops in particular. Aashiana Shawarma and Kebab really stands out from the fierce local competition vying for your shawarma business. From now on, Aaishana will be my go-to place for chicken shawarma!
A small and family-run establishment, Aaishiana Shawarma and Kebab offers various Afghan specialties, as well as the euponymous shawarma. Since I was in the area at the Pickering Loblaws, I dropped by and ordered an early dinner for me and my family: 3 chicken shawarma and 2 potato bolani. Two staff, a man and a woman, both very kind and friendly, did full duty taking orders, cooking, assembling food and answering my many questions. While freshly made shawarma is the norm in most of the local Afghan places, the bolani was extra fresh, as I watched the woman rolling and stuffing the dough, then placing the hugest bolani that I've ever seen on the griddle where the man tended to it. Meanwhile, she stuffed the shawarmas according to my specifications (which were many, as each of my family members has very distinct likes and dislikes). She was very patient, and didn't hesitate to explain about various sauces and make recommendations. All in all, it took about 15 minutes, although I was the only customer at 4:30 p.m. The prices were very reasonable, and the food nicely packaged to take home.
The bolani was superb, with evenly spread potato stuffing (which is not always the case at other places) and thin, tender pastry perfectly browned, and it was as delicious as it looked. My expectations were high as I bit into the shawarma, and I was not disappointed! The nicely seasoned, flavourful chicken was generous, and the sauces and toppings (all but onions for me) complemented each other so well. The flatbread wrap was really outstanding: very fresh and thin. Unlike most places, they did not take it out of a bag, but a foil wrapped stack. It was surprisingly good, and I would not be surprised if it was prepared in-house, but if they do outsource it, they have a top notch supplier. I don't think I've ever talked about the shawarma wrapper before! In any case, both the bolani and shawarma exceeded my expectations.
Aashiana is very generous with portion sizes, and the quantity of sauces that they provide on the side, all at a very reasonable price. The small and cosy restaurant offers a few tables to eat at, or sit at while you wait for your food. Parking is rarely an issue. Aaishiana takes all types of payment. They offer a number of other Afghan specialties, such as mantoo, chapli kebab and Qabuli Palao (rice with carrots and raisins) and biryani. On their catering menu, they also offer shola (an Afghan rice and bean dish), and I will probably find out if I can make a special order of shola. With friendly service and food with outstanding freshness and quality, Aaishiana Shawarma and Kebab is a cut above the average shawarma restaurant. I'll be back for more! read more