Every journey has unexpected detours that turn into treasured memories – and sometimes, they come wrapped in warm Saj bread. On our way back home to Noblesville after a family trip to Toronto, Canada, we made a quick stop in Windsor before crossing the Ambassador Bridge into the U.S. What started as a simple break to stretch our legs and grab a bite turned into one of the most flavorful and memorable moments of our trip.
That’s when my husband remembered a suggestion from a friend: “There’s this place you should try. It’s legendary.”
Enter Shelby’s, an Arabian eatery tucked into our travel route, offering a bold mix of traditional Middle Eastern flavors fused with global influences. As soon as we stepped in, the tagline on the wall greeted us like an old friend:
“Every community deserves legendary shawarma.”
Now that’s a promise – and let me tell you, they delivered.
We were instantly awakened, not just by the aroma of spices and sizzling meats, but by the vibrant energy of the place. With tired feet but eager appetites, we ordered a generous spread: the Legendary Shawarma Biryani served with their famous Saj bread (soft, warm, and slightly smoky), a Mac n’ Cheese Shawarma, regular poutine, and a side of conversation.
Each dish was beautifully presented – flavor-packed, warm, and seasoned with care. The fusion was evident but never overwhelming. The biryani had the depth of traditional spice, but a silky garlic sauce over the shawarma added an unexpected twist that elevated every bite. The Mac n’ Cheese Shawarma? A surprising favorite among the kids. And the poutine? Let’s just say Canada would be proud.
Photo provided by Pooja Thakkar
Then came a moment that truly made it memorable: the store manager stopped by to check on our table. Warm, friendly, and deeply proud of his work, he instantly connected with us – especially after we discovered he also spoke Gujarati, one of our native languages. That instant recognition across cultures felt like a celebration in itself.
When I shared about Taste of Community, my storytelling project that gathers memories and meals that shape who we are, his eyes lit up. He shared the story behind Shelby’s – founded in 2016, born out of a desire to bring flavorful, affordable, and quality-driven Arabian food to a wider audience. Since then, their journey has only grown stronger.
“Eighty-four percent of our customers return,” he said proudly, “and we work hard to make every bite count.”
He explained how their team does periodic flavor audits and keeps their spice blends consistent and elevated. Their goal? To keep the Taste on a Mission – one that modernizes Arabian cuisine while honoring its roots.
As a final generous touch, he offered us one of their famous veggie wraps – something we hadn’t even ordered. It was crispy, tangy, packed with grilled veggies and house-made sauces – unlike anything we’d ever tried before.
That brief stop – unexpected, unscheduled – turned into a delicious reminder of why food is so much more than nourishment. It’s a connection. A story. A cultural passport that allows you to step into someone else’s world and feel welcome.
The Thakkar family learned why 84 percent of customers return to Shelby’s, an Arabian eatery they found on their way home from Canada. (Photo provided by Pooja Thakkar)
For me, this is what Taste of Community is all about: those surprise encounters, meals that melt away fatigue, and people who remind you that we all carry flavor, culture, and kindness wherever we go.
So, the next time you’re on the road, maybe tired and restless, consider pulling over – not just for food, but for connection. You never know whose story you’ll get to hear. Or whose spice blend might inspire your next dish.
As we drove off from Shelby’s, full and smiling, I thought to myself: this wasn’t just a pitstop. It was a pause worth remembering.
And yes – I can’t wait to hear your travel food story. Good, bad, or somewhere in between – because no matter the destination, it’s the flavors and the faces along the way that make the journey truly legendary.
Pooja Thakkar is working to build connections through cuisine. You can read her column each week in the pages of The Reporter.