Montreal-based shawarma chain Boustan claimed the top prize at the Ottawa Shawarma Festival competition held on June 7, 2026. The festival, which took place in downtown Ottawa, featured dozens of vendors from across Ontario and Quebec vying for the title of best shawarma.
Boustan's victory marks a significant achievement for the chain, which has been expanding its presence in Quebec and beyond. Judges praised the restaurant's traditional preparation methods and high-quality ingredients.
The Ottawa Shawarma Festival has become a popular annual event, drawing food enthusiasts eager to sample a variety of shawarma styles. This year's competition was particularly competitive, with several local Ottawa restaurants also receiving accolades.
Boustan's win is expected to boost its brand recognition in the Ottawa region, where it has been looking to grow its customer base. The chain plans to use the award as a marketing tool to attract new patrons.
Other winners included second-place finisher Shawarma Palace from Ottawa and third-place Shawarma Plus from Gatineau. The festival also featured live music, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities.
