Shawarma is more than just a delicious street food—it’s a dish with deep cultural roots and global popularity. Whether you’re a longtime shawarma lover or just discovering it, there’s a lot to learn about this Middle Eastern favorite. At Mooring Eats, we bring you authentic Syrian-style shawarma, packed with bold flavors and history. Let’s dive into the origins, unique styles, and where to get the best shawarma in town!
Where Did Shawarma Come From?
Shawarma traces its roots back to the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey), where it was first prepared as döner kebab—layers of meat stacked on a vertical spit and slowly roasted. This technique was later adopted across the Middle East, with each region adding its own spin. The word shawarma itself comes from the Turkish word çevirme, meaning “turn,” referring to how the meat rotates while cooking.
Over time, shawarma spread to countries like Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt, evolving into what we know today. It even made its way to Mexico, where Lebanese immigrants introduced the vertical spit cooking method, leading to the creation of tacos al pastor!
What Makes Syrian Shawarma Unique?
Each country has its own take on shawarma, but Syrian-style shawarma stands out because of its flavorful marinade and serving style. Here’s what makes it special:
🔥 Citrus Marinade: Syrian shawarma is marinated in a mix of lemon, orange juice, and yogurt, which makes the meat tender and adds a tangy flavor.
🌿 Spice Blend: The marinade includes cumin, coriander, cardamom, paprika, clove, and black pepper, giving it a rich, aromatic taste.
🥙 Thin Pita Wraps: Unlike thicker Lebanese bread, Syrian shawarma is often wrapped in thin lavash or pita, making it easy to roll and grill.
🍟 Fries Inside the Wrap: A signature Syrian touch—crispy French fries are added inside the shawarma for extra texture!
🔥 Optional Smoky Finish: Some traditional Syrian shawarma recipes use a quick hot coal smoking method to enhance the depth of flavor.
At Mooring Eats, we stick to these authentic methods to bring you real Syrian shawarma, just like you’d find in Damascus or Latakia.
How is Shawarma Made?
The secret to great shawarma is in the preparation process. Here’s how we do it at Mooring Eats:
1️⃣ Marinate the Meat – Our chicken is marinated for hours in a mix of yogurt, citrus juices, and spices, ensuring deep flavor.
2️⃣ Grill to Perfection – Instead of a vertical spit, we use high-heat grilling to achieve a beautifully charred yet juicy texture.
3️⃣ Wrap & Assemble – We fill warm, thin pita bread with sliced shawarma, garlic, pickles, and fries, then roll it up.
4️⃣ Toast the Wrap – Finally, we lightly toast the shawarma on a grill to seal in the flavors and give it a crispy finish.
Every bite is packed with bold spices, creamy sauce, and a crispy bite of fries—a perfect balance of flavors!
Where to Get the Best Shawarma in Toronto?
If you’re searching for the best shawarma in South Etobicoke, look no further than Mooring Eats! Here’s why we stand out:
✅ Authentic Syrian flavors – Traditional recipes passed down through generations.✅ High-quality ingredients – Freshly marinated chicken, homemade sauces, and hand-cut fries.✅ Perfectly grilled – Not greasy, just juicy and charred to perfection.✅ Multiple options – Try it in a wrap, platter, or bowl!
📍 Visit us at Mooring Eats or order on Uber Eats, DoorDash, or SkipTheDishes!
FAQs About Shawarma
1. Is Shawarma Healthy?
Shawarma is a protein-rich meal, but the healthiness depends on the ingredients. At Mooring Eats, we offer customizable options, so you can enjoy it with less sauce, no fries, or in a bowl with salad.
2. Can Shawarma Be Microwaved?
Yes, but it’s best reheated in a pan or oven to keep the wrap crispy!
3. Where Did Shawarma Originate?
Shawarma comes from the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey) and spread across the Middle East. Syrian, Lebanese, and Turkish versions all have unique flavors!
4. Is Shawarma Spicy?
Traditional shawarma isn’t very spicy, but at Mooring Eats, you can add shatta hot sauce if you like extra heat!
5. Do You Serve Vegetarian Shawarma?
Yes! We offer falafel wraps as a delicious plant-based alternative, made with crispy falafel, tahini, and fresh veggies.
Try Authentic Syrian Shawarma at Mooring Eats Today!
If you’re craving real, flavorful Syrian shawarma, head over to Mooring Eats for an experience you won’t forget!
📍 Location: South Etobicoke📲 Order Online: Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes
Tag us in your shawarma pics on Instagram @mooringeats and let us know how you like your shawarma! 🚀🔥
