When you’re in the mood for healthy food on the go with a Mediterranean twist, CAVA has your back. And now, they’ve got a new menu item that might keep you coming back again and again. Starting September 8, chicken shawarma lands on the menu—but only for a limited time.
You’ll be able to include this new protein option in any build-your-own pita or bowl or in chef-curated menu items: Garlicky Chicken Shawarma Bowl and Chicken Shawarma Pita. CAVA first tested the item back in April at select Dallas and western Florida locations, where it was a hit. Now, it’s rolling out nationwide for a short while.
What’s In the Chicken Shawarma Pita and Bowl?
Shawarma is trending across the U.S., popping up everywhere from The Cheesecake Factory to The Halal Guys. At CAVA, their Chicken Shawarma Pita (640 calories) is made with all-white chicken breast, marinated in a classic shawarma spice blend. It’s layered with hummus, tomato, onion, shredded romaine, garlic dressing, salt-brined pickles, pickled onions, and finished with lemon herb tahini. This is a fresh, tangy, and satisfying Mediterranean option.
They’ve also created a Garlicky Chicken Shawarma Bowl (600 calories) inspired by street-cart chicken and rice. This one comes packed with corn, tomato and cucumber, broccoli, pickled onions, arugula, red pepper hummus, Crazy Feta, and fluffy saffron basmati rice—all topped with skhug and garlic dressing.
Related: Beloved Health-Forward Food Chain Just Dropped a Fiery New Meal Based on a Fan Fave
CAVA Keeps Dropping Limited-Time Menu Items
This isn’t the chain’s first limited-time drop. In April 2025, they launched Hot Harissa Pita Chips for the summer. They’re spicy, smoky, and made to pair with their Harissa Avocado Bowl or Steak + Hummus Bowl.
Over the past year, they’ve also introduced a Mediterranean-style grilled steak nationwide, plus steak-forward items like the Steak Mezze Salad and Steak & Feta Pita. On the lighter side, they’ve experimented with seasonal items like a Strawberry Citrus Juice and a Spicy Greens Bowl.
For this latest offering, the chain is hosting a Shawarma Food Truck Tour across four cities and dates:
- September 8 (Monday) – New York City
- September 12 (Friday) – Washington, D.C.
- September 17 (Wednesday) – Atlanta
- September 22 (Monday) – Dallas
“Introducing this new all-white-meat chicken breast option is a natural addition to our menu. It helps to deliver on our mission to bring heart, health, and humanity to food while staying true to our Mediterranean roots,” said Brett Schulman, co-founder and CEO at CAVA.
If you’re health-conscious but still aiming for high-protein meals, CAVA should be on your radar. With shawarma on the menu, even for a short time, the chain gives fans another reason to swing by and see what’s new.
Related: Cava’s Explosion: The Restaurant Chain Everyone’s About to Know
