Gyro vs Shawarma: What's the Real Difference?

At first glance, gyros and shawarmas might seem quite similar. In fact, they both trace their roots back to the Turkish doner kebab, a dish made with meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and sliced thinly.

Even though they look alike, gyros and shawarmas are distinct sandwiches. Here’s what sets them apart:

What Exactly Is a Gyro?

A close-up of a gyro served in a pita, accompanied by a fresh salad and crispy fries.

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A gyro (pronounced YEE-row) is a classic Greek dish typically served on pita bread. Made from meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, the word 'gyro' translates to 'round' in Greek.

In Greece, gyros are traditionally made with pork, though chicken is also popular. The meat is stacked on a spit and slow-cooked. In the U.S., gyros are often made from a loaf of ground beef and lamb.

Greek gyros are typically served in a pita, filled with tomato, red onion, a few French fries, and topped with a generous amount of tzatziki (a Greek yogurt and cucumber dip). In America, lettuce is sometimes added, and fries are usually served on the side.

Gyro meat is often seasoned with traditional Greek herbs like rosemary, oregano, and thyme, adding a distinctive flavor to the dish.

The gyro gained widespread popularity in the U.S. during the 1970s, fueled by the rise of the Greek community in New York City.

"A sandwich with roots stretching back 2,000 years is attracting the attention of fast-paced eaters in Manhattan," The New York Times reported in 1971. "The Greek gyro, pronounced 'year-oh,' is a lamb, tomato, and onion creation served in soft pita bread. More than 30 Greek eateries serving the gyro have opened in Manhattan in the past year, according to the owners. In high-traffic areas like Times Square, three new shops have opened in just two months."

The same NYT article suggests that Greek historians trace the gyro’s origins to soldiers from Alexander the Great's army, "who impaled their meat on long knives and cooked it by turning it over an open flame."

Greek gyros wrapped in warm pita bread, placed on a wooden surface.

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Gyro Recipes

Craving a gyro after all this talk? We've got some delicious recipes to satisfy your hunger.

Chicken Souvlaki Gyro-Style
Traditional Gyros
Instant Pot Gyros

Discover more tasty gyro recipes here.

What Exactly is Shawarma?

A photo of a chicken shawarma durum wrap, showcasing the savory doner kebab style, with plenty of space for text.

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Shawarma, like the gyro, is made with meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and has its roots in the Middle East. The word 'shawarma' comes from the Turkish 'çevirme,' meaning 'turning.'

Traditionally made with lamb or mutton, shawarma today can feature a variety of meats, from chicken to veal. Similar to gyros, shawarmas are typically served in pitas.

Shawarma meat is known for its rich, juicy flavor, thanks to a long marinade in spices like turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and garlic.

While gyros are usually topped with a simple mix of lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, shawarmas often include a variety of pickled fruits and vegetables.

Shawarma is the precursor to tacos al pastor, a Mexican dish made with spit-roasted pork. The technique likely traveled to Mexico with Lebanese immigrants.

"In the 1960s, the children of Lebanese immigrants in Mexico began opening their own restaurants, creating a fusion of flavors," historian and author Jeffrey Pilcher explained to The World in 2015. "They adapted the vertical rotisserie they grew up with, but instead of lamb, they used pork. They marinated it in a red chili sauce, which gives it its signature color, and served it as tacos al pastor."