Shawama and Grill — Review by BeardMeatsFood
Aarhus, Denmark — Mediterranean/Pizza/Middle Eastern
BeardMeatsFood attempts Shawama and Grill's unbeaten 60cm meat lover pizza challenge in Denmark, worth 2000 Danish crowns if completed in 30 minutes. Despite the massive size and cooling pizza, he successfully finishes it and praises the quality of the pizza and homemade Lebanese cheesecake as exceptional for Denmark.
What was great: The meat lover pizza was delicious with excellent flavor combination including kebab, ham, sausage, beef and chicken; the garlic and chili sauce with tahini was outstanding; the Lebanese cheesecake made by the pizza man's mother was incredible with sweet aromatic Turkish delight-like flavors
What could improve: The pizza cooled rapidly during the challenge making it chewy towards the end, which made finishing it more difficult
The Dishes
The star of today's challenge is Shawama and Grill's 60cm meat lover pizza, an impressive beast served in its own box. The pizza is loaded with tomato, cheese, kebab, ham, sausage, beef, and chicken, creating a meat lover's dream. The reviewer notes that kebab on pizza is an unusual combination but works surprisingly well. The pizza comes with the restaurant's own garlic and chili dressing featuring tahini as a secret ingredient. Partway through the challenge, a complimentary Lebanese cheesecake made by the pizza man's mother is brought out as a reward for finishing. This dessert proves to be a highlight of the visit, with a sweet aromatic taste reminiscent of Turkish delight and an incredible flavor profile that impresses even a seasoned food challenge veteran.
The Experience
The visit generates local interest, with a journalist from the local newspaper present and curious onlookers gathering outside the restaurant to watch the challenge. The atmosphere is festive and supportive, with staff cheering on the reviewer and offering encouragement throughout the 30-minute time limit. The team members present keep track of time and provide updates. The energy is casual and fun, with good-natured banter between the reviewer and his companions. Staff remain attentive, providing water and additional sauce as needed during the challenge.
Value and Pricing
The pizza challenge costs 500 Danish crowns to attempt, with a 2000 Danish crowns prize (approximately 230 pounds) for successful completion. This represents good value for a winning attempt, and the restaurant's pricing appears reasonable for the quality and portion sizes offered.
Notable Moments
I don't want to say something that's going to get me beaten up here, but Denmark is not exactly synonymous with exceptional pizza, is it? Italy maybe, but this is really good pizza.
I love that she said, Yeah, no. No hesitation.
The most memorable moment comes near the end of the challenge when the pizza has cooled significantly, making the final pieces chewy and difficult to consume. The reviewer fights through the final stretch, particularly struggling with the last eighth of the pizza which took approximately 15 minutes to finish.
The Verdict
Shawama and Grill delivers on quality despite the challenging format. The pizza is genuinely delicious with well-balanced toppings and a exceptional sauce, making this restaurant a standout even in a country not known for pizza excellence. The homemade Lebanese cheesecake adds a special touch that elevates the entire experience. This restaurant is best for anyone willing to take on their pizza challenge or seeking authentic Mediterranean-inspired pizza and desserts in Denmark. The combination of good food, friendly staff, and a fun atmosphere makes this a worthwhile destination.