My local kebab spot is Shawarma Station on Via Merulana near Termini. In a pinch it does the trick and after many a late train arrival, it has provided sustenance. I’ll occasionally go during the day, too, for a plate of hummus or a quick tabouleh. The kebabs are decent, straight-forward, but not exceptional. For a dose of something better, head to Ali Babà on Via Carroceto, a short walk from the Arco di Travertino metro stop.
Ali Babà is a Syrian-owned kebab and fast food shop with an tempting array of appetizers and tasty kebabs wrapped in homemade lavash to order. Place your order at the register and wait for your number to be called. You can indicate whether you want chicken, lamb, or both, which will be sliced from massive rotating döner piles and wrapped tightly with the fillings of your choice such as fried eggplant, onions, tomatoes, cabbage salad, and sauces.
Ali Babà gets absolutely packed at mealtimes and to prepare for the rush they prepare a tremendous number of felafel, borek, and kibbeh in advance, which means they are soggy or flaccid before they reach your plate. Something to consider before ordering too aggressively. This is disappointing, but not tragic. More room for kebab, I say.
Ali Babà
Via Carroceto 69
















Sarah May
May 24th, 2012 at 1:28 pm
Also, they will happily make you a Turkish coffee is you ask for it. They have great falafel and this has been my post wine tour spot for years. I usually park here when I drive to Rome. I am glad to see you post about it.
Mick P
June 5th, 2012 at 2:43 pm
Hmmm… a mere 10 minutes away from our place. Kebabs ahoy!
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September 7th, 2012 at 5:46 pm
[...] cones manufactured in Germany. Beyond vile. There are very few places, however, that do it right. Ali Babà on Via Carroceto near the Arco di Travertino metro stop is one of them. In a pinch, I’ll grab [...]
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January 2nd, 2013 at 3:53 am
[...] Ali Babà: Proper Middle Eastern fast food near the Arco di Travertino Metro. Via Carroceto 69. [...]