What do you call a protein (chicken or meat) wrapped in pita bread with some vegetables? If your go-to response is “Shawarma”, then you’re not entirely wrong. But Alex who lives in Athens would call this a “Gyros,” while Adem in Istanbul would refer to this yummy wrap-like creation as a “Doner.”
All these names are correct and refer to very similar dishes that revolve around the same theme. Keep reading to learn more about the delicious creation that is Shawarma and find out where you can get your next fix in Kuwait.
The Turkish Doner
It all began in the Ottoman Empire, where the original Doner was invented. The most important component of Doner is the meat, which is cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The word Doner comes from the Turkish word “dön-mek,” which means “spin” or “turn”.
Doner is typically served with a variety of toppings, including vegetables and pickles. It’s also served with at least one sauce, which can be put together from garlic, yogurt, spicy sauce, or tahini. Today, the Doner is a very popular Turkish street food, and has actually spread all over Europe, becoming Germany’s preferred street-snack of choice.
If you haven’t tried it before, get your Doner experience organized and try out several varieties on Talabat, as restaurants like Iskender Doner and The Doner Factory are serving some that you might like. And if you’re looking for something different, Doner & B Boutique serves a Kuwaiti-inspired spicy Maabouch Doner. Talk about fusion cuisine!
Doner Parmesan. Courtesy of Talabat
The Greek Gyros
Making its way to Greece through the Ottoman Empire, the Doner became known as “Gyros”, which means “turn” in Greek. Gyros is made of meat, chicken, or lamb wrapped up in a flatbread. Similar to Doner, Gyros is served with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki sauce, and sometimes French fries. It quickly became a popular fast food in Athens and it soon spread to the United States and across the world. Before you hop on the next flight to Athens, try ordering Gyros right here in Kuwait. Order from Mr Greek on Talabat and have your very own taste of Greece delivered right to your doorstep.
Chicken Gyro Sandwich. Courtesy of Talabat
Beef Gyro Sandwich. Courtesy of Talabat
The Arabic Shawarma
Meanwhile, in another part of the Ottoman Empire, the Arabs started making “Shawarma”. Popular throughout the Arab world, the Shawarma is in essence similar to Doner and Gyros. Thin slices of chicken, beef, or both are mounted on a vertical grill. The meat is then cut and served as a plate or wrap with a variety of toppings.
Every restaurant adds its own touch, but some of the most popular toppings include French fries, tahini, garlic sauce, and pickled cucumbers and turnips. Shawarma lovers in Kuwait are spoiled for choice. Try a classic shawarma at Abou Jassem or Wadi Rum. Fancy a twist to your Shawarma? Then check out Shawarma Matic on Talabat where you can order Caesar Shawarma, Musakhan Shawarma, or a Mexican Shawarma.
Shawarama Chicken Beiruty. Courtesy of Talabat
Dive into a world of Shawarma, Doners, and Gyros only with Talabat. Check out all the delicious restaurants delivering to you right here.
