There is a new shawarma spot on West Pender Street that stays open until 3AM, and it belongs to one of the largest Mediterranean chains in the country.
Tahini’s has officially opened its first Vancouver location at 488 West Pender Street in downtown, just steps from Waterfront Station.
This marks the chain’s fourth location in British Columbia, joining existing spots in Kelowna, Surrey, and North Vancouver.
We first reported on the upcoming Tahini’s expansion when the brand was spotted setting up in Vancouver, and now the doors are open.
For anyone unfamiliar, Tahini’s was founded in 2012 in London, Ontario by brothers Aly and Omar Hamam and their cousin Ahmed Dessouki.
What started as a small shawarma shop has grown into a 74-plus location chain stretching across Canada, built on the tagline “Eat Unbland.”
The menu runs deeper than a standard shawarma counter. Beyond the classic chicken and beef shawarma wraps and bowls, Tahini’s is known for creative fusion options like butter chicken shawarma, Jamaican jerk chicken shawarma, and Korean BBQ shawarma.
There is also a current feature called the Blueberry Flame Shawarma, billed as “Where Sweet Meets Heat,” which was on display outside the new location.
Definitely an interesting mix…
The 3AM closing time is worth highlighting. Downtown Vancouver has a limited number of late-night food options, and a full shawarma operation running that late fills a gap that the after-hours crowd has been missing.
Tahini’s also has a Renfrew Station location in the works, though that spot has not opened yet.
Tahini’s joins other recently opened food spots in Vancouver, including Nami Coal Harbour, Kinton Ramen Waterfront Centre, and Rongsi.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Address: 488 W Pender St, Vancouver BC