Run by Sami, Kris, and manager Mufdi, La Shawermeria serves authentic Palestinian shawarma — and a slice of culture — in Algirós, on the edge of the University Quarter. By Eugene Costello. Photos by Paul Knowles

From London to Valencia, From Dream to Reality

Owners Sami and Kris moved from London to Valencia nearly three years ago, chasing the sunshine and a better pace of life. The pair already ran online businesses, but both shared a deep passion for food. One thing they immediately noticed? Valencia had no true shawarma.

Handmade, No Compromises

The philosophy is simple: “We only serve what we personally love. No compromises.” Every element — from marinades and salsas to falafel, kibbeh, and sweets — is homemade. Nothing is pre-made or processed. The meat comes from Valencia’s best halal Arabic butcher and is marinated for 24 hours before being slow-cooked and fire-finished.

Palestinian Pride

Palestine is woven into everything at La Shawermeria. The décor nods to heritage, the fridge stocks Palestinian Cola instead of Coca-Cola, and the team proudly hires Palestinians whenever possible. “This isn’t just food,” Sami says. “It’s a piece of our identity.”

A Family Effort

Every member of staff is Palestinian, supporting families back home through their work. Sami and Kris provide the vision, while Mufdi keeps the kitchen running with a team who consider it more than just a job.

Customers and Community

The clientele is a lively mix of locals, students, and international visitors aged 20 to 55. Many tourists seek La Shawermeria out after reading reviews online. Every day at 2pm, when the shutters roll up, there’s already a line.

Looking Ahead

Sami and Kris are not stopping here. The franchise process has already begun, and they’ll be announcing it publicly this week. Expansion plans include Madrid, Barcelona, and beyond.

🍴 Tasting at La Shawermeria

When we arrived just before opening, the first customers were already waiting from 1:30pm. By the time the shutters rolled up at 2pm, a queue of around twenty people had formed patiently outside. Manager Mufdi welcomed us in and introduced the all-Palestinian team: chef Samer, alongside Adham, Ahmed, and Mohammed. Together, they guided us through a tasting of La Shawermeria’s handmade dishes, paired with unmistakably Palestinian drinks.

Drinks: Palestinian Cola, Cola Zero, and Orange — plus even a Palestinian energy drink.
Shawarma: Marinated for 24 hours in a blend of 20+ spices (cardamom, Valencia orange, cloves, cinnamon).
Falafel: Crisp outside, bursting with cumin, parsley, and coriander.
Kibbeh: Minced beef, cinnamon, and the traditional seven-spice mix.
Baklava: Layers of filo pastry with pistachios, sweet but balanced.

Conclusion

La Shawermeria is not just another kebab shop. It’s food as memory, as resistance, and as love. From marinated meats to Palestinian Cola, every detail speaks of home. In Valencia, far from Palestine, it’s a place where food tells a story — and that story is worth hearing, and tasting.
📍 La Shawermeria
Carrer del Clariano, 6, 46021 Valencia
Neighbourhood: Algirós / University Quarter
🌐 shawermeria.es
📱 Instagram: @lashawermeria
⏰ Open daily from 14:00