Think You Can Handle the Shawarma?
Get ready for the first-ever Taste of Little Palestine Shawarma Eating Contest!
We’re searching for the hungriest, fastest, and most fearless shawarma lovers to step up to the table and compete for the ultimate festival bragging rights.
Contestants will go sandwich for sandwich in front of the Taste of Little Palestine crowd, racing against the clock to see who can eat their way to victory.
One table. A mountain of shawarma. One champion.
The winner will take home a prize, serious bragging rights, and make festival history as the first-ever:
TASTE OF LITTLE PALESTINE SHAWARMA EATING CHAMPION
Think you have what it takes to claim the title?
Whether you’re ready to compete or want to cheer on the contestants, don’t miss one of the most exciting events happening at this year’s Taste of Little Palestine.
Come hungry. Compete hard. Leave a legend.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Taste of Little Palestine Festival
Amos Alonzo Stagg High School
Palos Hills, Illinois
Ready to take on the challenge? Register to compete in the Shawarma Eating Contest!
Offical Contest Rules
Contestants must be 18 years of age or older.
- The competition will last five minutes.
- The contest will use chicken shawarma sandwiches served in a traditional thin flatbread wrap. All sandwiches will be prepared to approximately the same size and weight.
- Each completely eaten shawarma sandwich counts as one sandwich. Judges may award partial credit for the portion of the final sandwich consumed.
- Water is permitted during the competition. No outside food or beverages are allowed.
- Contestants may not receive outside assistance.
- Vomiting or regurgitation during the competition will result in disqualification.
- When the five-minute competition ends, contestants must immediately stop eating and follow the instructions of contest officials.
- In the event of a tie for first place, a sudden-death tiebreaker may be held.
- Contest officials’ and judges’ decisions are final.