Canada’s capital has officially added another achievement to its growing list of culinary accolades. Ottawa has broken the world record for the longest shawarma ever assembled, creating a staggering 350-metre-long line of shawarma wraps during the Ottawa Shawarma Festival held in the ByWard Market on June 7. The record-breaking display featured 2,451 shawarmas, surpassing the previous record of 2,287 sandwiches set in London, Ontario, in 2019.
The historic achievement took place as part of Ottawa’s ongoing bicentennial celebrations and showcased the city’s deep connection to shawarma culture. Organized by Shawarma Fest and local event partners, the record attempt brought together restaurants, volunteers, community organizations, and thousands of spectators eager to witness history in the making.
Often referred to as the “Shawarma Capital of Canada,” Ottawa is home to one of the highest concentrations of shawarma restaurants in the country. In 2024, Ottawa City Council officially declared the city the “Shawarma Capital of Canada,” recognizing the dish’s importance to the city’s cultural identity and diverse culinary scene.
The record-breaking shawarma stretched through the heart of the ByWard Market, creating a spectacular sight for festival attendees. Beyond the world record attempt, the festival featured live entertainment, cultural performances, local vendors, and a competition to crown the city’s best shawarma restaurant.
Festival founder Moe Mosalam described the achievement as more than just a culinary stunt. The event celebrated Ottawa’s multicultural heritage and the Lebanese community’s lasting influence on the city’s food culture. Shawarma has become one of Ottawa’s signature foods, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike for decades.
As officials confirmed the successful record attempt, cheers erupted from the crowd. The accomplishment not only earned Ottawa international recognition but also reinforced its reputation as a destination where food, culture, and community come together.
With the record now officially broken, Ottawa can proudly claim another title – home to the world’s longest shawarma, a delicious symbol of the city’s vibrant and diverse identity.