Shawarma vs. Gyro: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 28, 2024
Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish of sliced, marinated meat cooked on a vertical spit, while Gyro is a Greek dish of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, often served in a pita.
Key Differences
Shawarma originates from the Middle East and is a popular street food there, often made with a mix of spices unique to the region. Gyro, on the other hand, hails from Greece, and it is a staple in Greek fast food, featuring flavors typical of Greek cuisine.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
The meat in shawarma is marinated with a variety of Middle Eastern spices like cumin, turmeric, and cardamom before being cooked. In contrast, gyro meat is typically seasoned with Greek spices such as oregano, thyme, and marjoram.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Shawarma is usually served in a flatbread like pita or lavash, often accompanied by tahini, hummus, or garlic sauce. Gyros are commonly served in a slightly thicker pita with toppings like tzatziki sauce, tomato, onion, and sometimes fries.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Shawarma can be made from a variety of meats including lamb, chicken, or beef, cooked slowly on a vertical spit. Gyro is traditionally made from pork or a combination of meats like lamb and beef, also cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Shawarma has gained international popularity and can vary in preparation globally. Gyro, while also popular worldwide, often retains its traditional Greek elements in its global adaptations.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
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Comparison Chart
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Shawarma and Gyro Definitions
Shawarma
Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish of marinated meat cooked on a vertical spit.
I ordered chicken shawarma wrapped in pita bread for lunch.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Gyro
Gyro is a Greek dish of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, typically served in pita bread.
I love a good gyro with lots of tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Shawarma
Shawarma meat is seasoned with a blend of exotic spices.
The shawarma's rich flavor comes from its unique spice mix.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Gyro
Gyro can be made from various meats, including pork and lamb.
In Greece, pork gyro is especially popular.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Shawarma
Shawarma can be served in various forms, including wraps and plates.
For dinner, we had a plate of shawarma with rice and salad.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
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Gyro
Gyro is a staple in Greek fast food and has gained global popularity.
You can find gyro stands in many cities around the world now.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Shawarma
Shawarma often includes a variety of meats like lamb or chicken.
I prefer lamb shawarma for its tender and juicy taste.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Gyro
Gyro meat is often flavored with Greek herbs and spices.
The gyro's distinct taste comes from traditional Greek seasoning.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Shawarma
Shawarma is a popular street food in many Middle Eastern countries.
You'll find the best shawarma at street vendors in the city's heart.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Shawarma
Meat, especially beef, chicken, or lamb, that is marinated, roasted slowly on a spit, and cut in thin slices, often wrapped in pita bread and served with various vegetables and tahini sauce.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Shawarma
A Middle Eastern sandwich-like wrap of shaved lamb, goat, chicken, turkey, beef, or a mixture of these.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Gyro
A style of Greek sandwich commonly filled with grilled meat, tomato, onions, and tzatziki sauce.
I'll have a gyro, please.
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Jan 04, 2024
Gyro
A Greek sandwich: sliced roast lamb with onion and tomato stuffed into pita bread
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Jan 04, 2024
Gyro
Rotating mechanism in the form of a universally mounted spinning wheel that offers resistance to turns in any direction
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Jan 04, 2024
Gyro
Gyro is commonly served with tzatziki sauce, onions, and tomatoes.
My gyro came stuffed with tomatoes, onions, and a generous helping of tzatziki.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the main difference in meat preparation between shawarma and gyro?
Shawarma is marinated with Middle Eastern spices, while gyro is seasoned with Greek herbs.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Can both shawarma and gyro be made with chicken?
Yes, both can be made with chicken, although gyro traditionally uses pork or lamb.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Is gyro always served with tzatziki sauce?
Tzatziki is a common accompaniment, but not mandatory.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
What type of bread is used for serving shawarma?
Shawarma is typically served in pita or lavash bread.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
What are common side dishes with shawarma?
Rice, salad, and various dips like hummus are common.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
What makes shawarma distinct in flavor?
Its unique blend of Middle Eastern spices gives it a distinct flavor.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Can vegetarians eat shawarma or gyro?
Vegetarian versions using substitutes like falafel or seitan are available.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
What's the best way to eat shawarma?
Traditionally, it's eaten as a wrap or on a plate with accompaniments.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Is shawarma a fast-food item in the Middle East?
Yes, it's a popular fast-food item in many Middle Eastern countries.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Can gyro be found outside of Greece?
Yes, gyro is popular worldwide, especially in the United States and Europe.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Are there different regional variations of shawarma?
Yes, shawarma has various regional variations with different spices and meats.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Are shawarma and gyro considered healthy?
They can be part of a balanced diet but vary in healthiness based on ingredients and preparation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
How do you pronounce 'gyro'?
It's commonly pronounced as "yee-roh" in English.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Is shawarma typically spicy?
It can be, depending on the spices used, but it's not inherently spicy.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
What kind of vegetables are served with gyro?
Onions, tomatoes, and sometimes lettuce are common.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Is shawarma available in gluten-free options?
Yes, when served on a plate without bread or with gluten-free bread.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Can gyro be made with beef?
Yes, though less traditional, beef can be used.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
How is the meat for gyro and shawarma cooked?
Both are cooked on a vertical rotisserie but at different speeds and temperatures.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Is gyro considered a street food in Greece?
Yes, it's a popular street food in Greece.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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