Shawarma: meaning, definitions and examples

Primarily used in Middle Eastern cuisine, shawarma refers to meat that is marinated, stacked on a vertical rotisserie, and slowly roasted. It’s typically served in a wrap or pita bread with various toppings and sauces.

• I’d like a chicken shawarma wrap with extra garlic sauce, please.
• The street vendor sells some of the best shawarma in town.

A Greek variant of shawarma, gyro consists of sliced meat that is cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It’s usually served in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce.

• Can I have a lamb gyro with extra tzatziki?
• The best gyro I've ever had was in a small Greek restaurant near the beach.

Popular in Turkish cuisine, doner kebab is similar to shawarma but often has distinctive regional spices. It’s served in pita or flatbread and typically includes vegetables and sauces.

• I’m craving a doner kebab with spicy sauce and fresh veggies.
• After the party, we grabbed a doner kebab from the food truck.

Broad term that includes a variety of meat dishes from Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. Kebab generally refers to skewered and grilled meats, which can be served on a plate or in bread.

• We ordered a mixed kebab platter with chicken, beef, and lamb.
• For tonight’s barbecue, we’re making chicken kebabs with veggies.