Petra Shawarma Kingsland Review, Authentic Jordanian Shawarma in Auckland
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A break from pies and burgers
I have been living off pies and burgers ever since I got back to New Zealand, but today it was finally time for something different. Shawarma.
I jumped in the car and headed to Kingsland to check out Petra Shawarma on New North Road. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by a lovely young lady at the counter and a relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere.
What makes Petra Shawarma different
Petra serves Jordanian-style shawarma, which is very different from what you usually get at Turkish, Persian, or Lebanese spots.
Instead of slicing meat straight from a vertical spit, the meat here is first cooked in a pan. It is then wrapped in pickles and tomatoes, lightly coated in batter, and pan-fried again. This extra step gives the shawarma a crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
It is a unique method that works.
What I ordered
Each meal comes with a choice of fries or salad. If you know me well, you already know which one I picked.
I paired the plate with a classic glass bottle of Coke Zero, because honestly, you cannot go wrong with that.
The dish also comes with a side of garlic dip called Tomya. The name literally means garlicky, and it delivers precisely that. Creamy, bold, and full of flavour, it ties the whole plate together perfectly.
Honest thoughts
I will be honest. On my previous visit, the shawarma was a little more generous than it was this time. Kitchens have their off days, and that happens everywhere.
That said, the flavour was still there, and the Jordanian twist is what makes Petra Shawarma stand out. It is different, memorable, and worth trying at least once if you enjoy Middle Eastern food.
Final verdict
If you are after something different from the usual shawarma styles around Auckland, Petra Shawarma is absolutely worth a visit.
Head down to New North Road in Kingsland, give it a try, and let me know what you think.
Google Reviews:
We had the Cauliflower, Jordanian Fajitas, and houmous! They also cater to dietaries (vegan and dairy free with vegan cheese)
My family and I, all of whom consider ourselves foodies constantly exploring new restaurants, chose Petra Shawarma for our weekend dinner, a decision I deeply regret.
We were all quite hungry and ordered an entrée and a main course each. I chose the falafel as my entrée, and it was so incredibly salty I couldn't finish it. It was practically inedible. For my main, I had the Chicken Shawarma with salad. The chicken was dry, lacked flavor, and tasted completely different from what I expected from a quality shawarma. While we were hungry enough to somehow finish off the main courses, the overall poor quality of the food immediately put us off.
We had initially planned on ordering desserts, but after the awful mains and entree, we didn't even bother looking at the dessert menu.
To top off a frustrating meal, my wife had a very unpleasant interaction with the server on our way out. As my wife politely said "Good night" while leaving the restaurant, the waitress questioned her in a way that made her feel uncomfortable and targeted.
This dinner was a terrible experience from start to finish. The food quality was far below acceptable standards, and the poor service, culminating in the awkward exchange on exit, ensured we will never be returning to Petra Shawarma.
Rating: 1/5
Had hummus and pita, kibbeh, falafel on rice and lamb mandi between two and it was perfect. Love the fresh salad as well.
FAQ:
What style of shawarma does Petra Shawarma serve
Petra Shawarma serves Jordanian style shawarma, which is pan cooked and then pan fried for extra crispness.
What is Tomya sauce
Tomya is a traditional garlic based sauce. The name literally means garlicky, and it is rich, creamy, and full of flavour.
Does Petra Shawarma serve fries or salad with meals
Yes, each shawarma plate comes with a choice of fries or salad.
