If you’ve ever passed a halal truck or a local Mediterranean restaurant, you might have caught a mouth-watering glance at that spinning cylinder of meat. When shaved off and rolled into a pita, that grilled lamb carousel becomes the perfect on-the-go treat. Of course, shawarma began long before it joined today’s most popular street foods and has evolved over time.

Ottoman Origins

Shawarma is believed to have begun in Turkey, under the Ottoman Empire—legend has it, the meat was originally cooked on swords! In the mid-19th century, a chef named Iskender Effendi invented the technique of grilling the meat on a vertical skewer, then cutting it off in thin slices.

 In fact, “shawarma” is derived from the Turkish word for “turning”: çevirme. Back then, the meat was seasoned and stacked between layers of fat, then placed in a cage heated by coal or wood. 

European Expansion

In the 1920s, citizens of Turkey and Armenia immigrated to Europe, bringing shawarma along with them. Soon, various nations started coming up with their own versions, including the döner kebabs in Germany and the gyros in Greece.

Later on, the shawarma was brought to Mexico by immigrants from Iraq, Turkey, and Lebanon, which is what eventually evolved in the popular pineapple and grilled pork combination, “Tacos Al Pastor.” 

The American Wave

It was around the 1970s when shawarma became popular in U.S. hubs like NYC and Chicago. The Greek rendition, the gyro, was most popular here and earned its popularity through food trucks and halal eateries.

Today, shawarma is most commonly found in three forms—a wrap, sandwich, or on a plate with a side of rice. Diners may have a choice between multiple types of meat, such as lamb or chicken, and can have their meat topped with tabbouleh, tomato, cucumber, and tahini or hummus. 

The next time you’re craving a pita full of shawarma, head to Classic Red Hots Albasha. This St. Louis, MO-based Mediterranean restaurant is proud to keep the tradition alive by shaving meat off the spit, and they’ve been doing so for over 10 years. They offer both halal and kosher items, so you don’t have to worry about dietary restrictions getting in the way of your cravings. To learn more about their menu, visit the website. You can also call (314) 878-4687 to speak with a staff member at the Mediterranean restaurant today.