People in Vancouver have been lining up for a crispy shawarma wrap on Denman that blew up on TikTok this month.
Some videos show crowds waiting more than 35 minutes just to order, all for a thin grilled wrap stuffed with chicken or beef and finished with a glossy pomegranate molasses sauce on top.
We stopped by Damaskino Shawarma on a rainy late afternoon and managed to avoid most of the line, but the hype behind this wrap makes it clear why people are curious.
The crispy shawarma wrap looks different from the typical shawarma you see around the city.
It uses a thinner Syrian style bread and skips the lettuce, then gets pressed on the grill until the outside turns golden and crisp.
Once it is ready, a drizzle of garlic or tahini sauce (your choice to add for extra $) gets added right on the tip of the wrap for that dramatic drip moment you keep seeing on TikTok.
Damaskino Shawarma opened earlier this year on Denman by two brothers with a focus on Damascus inspired flavours.
The menu includes chicken or beef wraps along with plates, bowls and a mix option for people who want a bit of everything.
The wrap itself is simple, quick and easy to eat, which makes it perfect for the current street food moment happening in Vancouver.
There is something addictive about the crunch from the pressed bread paired with the juicy meat and the hit of sauce at the top.
It also helps that the wrap looks great on camera, which explains why so many people are posting it online.
If you want to try it without waiting half an hour, your best bet is to visit during off peak times.
Late afternoons or early evenings seem to move faster and still give you time to grab the wrap fresh off the grill.
Damaskino’s location on Denman puts it right in the middle of a busy stretch with lots of foot traffic.
That helps explain why the line gets long quickly, especially on weekends when people are exploring the West End.
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Address: 835 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L7