Shawarma

Shawarma is a popular Levantine Arab dish consisting of thinly sliced meat, stacked in a cone shape on a vertical rotisserie or spit. The meat is cooked slowly, rotating in front of a heat source, and shaved off in thin, crispy slices as it cooks. Common meats used include lamb, chicken, turkey, beef, and sometimes a mixture.

The shaved meat is typically served wrapped in pita bread or laffa bread, along with various toppings such as hummus, tahini sauce, pickled vegetables, chopped tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and sometimes french fries. Regional variations exist in both the types of meat used and the accompanying sauces and garnishes.

Shawarma is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire, drawing inspiration from Turkish doner kebab. It has become a widely consumed street food and fast food dish throughout the Middle East, Europe, and North America, and other parts of the world. Its preparation and presentation have remained relatively consistent, though adaptations to local tastes are common. The key components of shawarma are the slow-cooked, seasoned meat and the accompanying bread and toppings.