Where Palestinian tradition meets Canadian comfort food — only at Habibiz Cafe. Our Shawarma Poutine takes the classic Canadian dish and elevates it with layers of freshly carved shawarma meat, squeaky cheese curds, rich gravy, and our house-made garlic sauce. Built on a foundation of perfectly crispy fries, every forkful delivers the savoury depth of Middle Eastern spices alongside the indulgent, melty warmth of a loaded poutine. This fusion creation has become one of the most talked-about dishes at our Portage Ave location in Winnipeg's West End — a dish that didn't exist before Habibiz, and one you won't find done better anywhere else in the city.
The Shawarma Poutine at Habibiz Cafe represents something deeper than a menu item — it's the story of two cultures coming together on a single plate. As owner Ali Zeid explains: "It came with our modern life living here in Canada with our culture, our roots — we combined it." The result is a dish that honours both Palestinian culinary heritage and the Canadian comfort food tradition. Crispy golden fries are piled high with freshly carved shawarma meat, seasoned with a proprietary blend of Middle Eastern spices, then topped with real cheese curds, rich gravy, and Habibiz's signature house-made garlic sauce.
Every component is prepared in-house and assembled to order. The shawarma meat is slow-cooked on a vertical spit until tender and packed with flavour, then carved fresh for each serving. The fries are fried twice for maximum crunch, the cheese curds are sourced for their signature squeak, and the garlic sauce is made daily from scratch. It's 100% Halal-certified and has quickly become one of the most photographed and reordered dishes on the Habibiz Cafe menu.
Fusion food can go wrong when it feels forced, but Habibiz Cafe's Shawarma Poutine succeeds because it's rooted in authenticity on both sides. The shawarma is prepared with the same care and traditional technique as any standalone shawarma plate — slow-roasted, perfectly spiced, freshly carved. The poutine base is built with the same standards you'd expect from a dedicated poutine shop — double-fried fries, real cheese curds, proper gravy. Then the house-made garlic sauce ties everything together in a way that feels completely natural. It's not a gimmick; it's a genuine expression of what happens when Palestinian flavours and Canadian comfort food are prepared with equal respect. Winnipeg has embraced it wholeheartedly, and it's easy to see why.
"This place is amazing! Consistent food, friendly atmosphere and great high quality hookah! Falafel is amazing and the sage tea is a must!"
"Great food!!!!!! Some of the best food in the Peg no contest! Unique & great portions. Great Service! One of Winnipeg's best kept secrets..."
"A standout spot with fantastic food, impeccable service, and a vibrant atmosphere, definitely recommend! 10/10!!"
Order online for pickup or delivery, or visit us for dine-in at 1373 Portage Ave in Winnipeg's West End. Open daily 11 AM – 1 AM.