What's The Difference Between Gyros And Shawarmas?

If you've ever had the pleasure of biting into a piping hot pita sandwich filled to the brim with spiced meat, vegetables, and yogurt sauce, you know how delicious of an experience it can be. According to Gulf News, walking down the streets of New York City or many cities across Europe, you're likely to see halal carts with gyro, shawarma, or doner kebab. 

Both gyros and shawarma feature meat that is cooked on a flaming hot rotating spit with seasoning, then shaved off thinly, piled high on pita bread, and topped with veggies and sauce. While both gyros and shawarma are cooked and prepared in a similar fashion, both feature different types of spices that are added at different times, which can create a different flavor profile. 

But what differentiates these savory meat sandwiches and platters from one another? One of the biggest factors is where both dishes originate.

Gyros hail from Greece and are usually made from lamb, beef, or chicken, says Healthline. Shawarma hails from the Middle East and can be made from lamb, chicken, veal, or turkey. Both dishes tend to use fattier cuts of meat because the cooking method allows for a juicier product when the meat has a higher fat content, says Foods Guy. The usual spices are different between the two cuisines as well, as shawarma is typically made with warming spices like turmeric, cloves, cardamom, and even curry powder, while gyro meat is usually seasoned with spices like oregano, marjoram, thyme, and rosemary, per Foods Guy.

The toppings are also different. Shawarma is typically topped with a variety of slightly pickled fruits and vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions. Gyros, on the other hand, get a fresh flavor and hint of crunch from raw onions, tomatoes, and sometimes shredded lettuce. The two also use different sauces. Gyros get a healthy dose of tzatziki sauce, a creamy sauce of dill, garlic, and usually cucumber, while shawarma is usually topped with a big dollop of fresh hummus and maybe some tahini for a little hint of creaminess, per Healthline.

It's easy to get confused about gyros and shawarma since they tend to take on a similar appearance and make good use of a time-honored cooking technique for tender meat. The list of ingredients for making a gyro or shawarma is neither long nor complicated, and if you're inclined, you could easily make some to enjoy at home. 

Originally known as popular street food, gyros and shawarma have become increasingly Americanized and easier to make at home as a result, per Mel. While you may not have access to a spinning pit roast, you can still bring together a delicious take on chicken shawarma or grilled chicken gyro. Or, you can use lamb with a blend of spices to your liking. Serve the meat, veggies, and sauce on your choice of a fluffy piece of pita bread, or keep it light and serve it on a bed of lettuce or couscous.