Osmow's is the default halal shawarma chain in Ontario, and the community consensus backs it: the chicken and beef are halal.
What the record shows
Osmow's locations are commonly certified through ISNA, and the company states its meat is hand-slaughtered from certified suppliers. Halal directories across Canada list Osmow's locations, and it's been a community staple for years. We've also eaten there for the Hit List — halal status checked during our visit to the location on our list.
The caveats, honestly stated:
- CBC Marketplace's 2024 investigation found an expired certificate at one Osmow's location, and staff at another gave the wrong slaughter method (the supplier and certifier confirmed hand-slaughtered; the staffer said machine). Corporate reaffirmed hand-slaughtered meat in response.
- Franchise systems drift. The chain-level answer is yes; the location-level answer is "look at the certificate on the wall."
But is it good?
Here's where we differ from the certificate: the Osmow's we visited earned a Miss — No. 108 on the Hit List. Halal? Yes. The best shawarma available? Not on our scoreboard — see the independent spots below that out-scored it.
Osmow’s Shawarma — No. 108, verdict: Miss
We checked halal status during our visit to 10 Balsam St unit 2, Collingwood. Read the full review for scores and what to order.
Read the full review →
