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The Ultimate Guide to Syrian Shawarma

Writer: Mooring EatsMooring Eats

If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern food, you’ve probably heard of shawarma—that mouthwatering, spice-packed, juicy meat wrapped in warm flatbread. At Mooring Eats, we take shawarma seriously, especially Syrian-style shawarma, which has a unique twist compared to other versions.

In this post, we’ll break down what makes Syrian shawarma special, how it’s made, and why you need to try it at Mooring Eats. Plus, we’ll answer some FAQs to help you become a shawarma expert.


What is Syrian Shawarma?

Shawarma is a Middle Eastern street food classic, traditionally made by stacking marinated meat on a vertical rotisserie, slowly roasting it, and shaving thin slices off as it cooks. While lamb was the original choice, today you’ll find chicken, beef, and even turkey shawarma. It’s usually served in flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and other toppings.

How is Syrian Shawarma Different?

Syrian-style shawarma has its own special marinade and unique serving style. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Citrus-Based Marinade: Syrian shawarma includes lemon and orange juice, making it extra flavorful and slightly tangy.

Aromatic Spice Blend: It uses warm spices like coriander, cumin, cardamom, paprika, and clove for a rich, deep flavor.

Smoked Finish (Optional): Some Syrian recipes add a smoky touch by briefly infusing the cooked chicken with hot coal smoke for extra depth.


How We Make It at Mooring Eats

At Mooring Eats, we stay true to traditional Syrian shawarma flavors while making sure it’s packed with freshness and quality. Here’s how we do it:

1️⃣ Marinating the Chicken: We mix fresh lemon & orange juice, hot pepper paste, and an authentic spice blend to create the perfect marinade. The chicken sits in this for hours to absorb all the flavors.

2️⃣ Cooking to Perfection: We grill our chicken to get that perfect charred crust, keeping the inside juicy and tender.

3️⃣ The Right Bread & Fillings: We use thin saj or pita bread and pack it with our signature garlic sauce, pickles, and a hint of hot sauce (if you like spice!).

4️⃣ Rolled & Toasted: Once wrapped, we toast the shawarma to seal in all the goodness, giving it a crispy outer layer.

Every bite is flavor-packed, smoky, tangy, and ultra-satisfying!

How to Enjoy Syrian Shawarma

Shawarma isn’t just a sandwich—it’s an experience. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

🥙 Wrap it up – The classic way! A warm pita filled with shawarma, garlic sauce, fries, and pickles.

🍛 On a plate – Prefer to skip the bread? Get a shawarma platter with a side of rice, salad, and hummus.

🔥 With a spicy kick – Add extra shatta hot sauce or drizzle some pomegranate molasses for a sweet and tangy contrast.

No matter how you like it, we’ve got the perfect Syrian shawarma waiting for you at Mooring Eats!

FAQs About Syrian Shawarma

1. What’s the difference between Syrian shawarma and other shawarmas?

Syrian shawarma has a citrus-based marinade, a smoky flavor, and sometimes crispy fries inside the wrap, making it different from Lebanese or Turkish shawarma.

2. Do you serve authentic Syrian-style shawarma at Mooring Eats?

Yes! At Mooring Eats, we make our shawarma true to its Syrian roots, with fresh ingredients, bold spices, and the best flavors.

3. Is Mooring Eats' shawarma spicy?

Our classic Syrian shawarma isn’t very spicy, but you can add shatta hot sauce if you like some heat!

4. What’s the best sauce to pair with Syrian shawarma?

Garlic mayo (toum) is a must, but you can also try it with pomegranate molasses, tahini sauce, or hummus for extra flavor.

5. Do you offer a vegetarian version?

Yes! Our falafel pita is a great plant-based alternative, made with crispy falafel, garlic mayo, pickles, and fries—just like our shawarma!


Close-up of a Syrian shawarma wrap – A freshly made Syrian-style shawarma wrap with juicy marinated chicken, crispy fries, pickles, and garlic in warm pita.


 
 
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© 2023 by Mooring eats. 

2481 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, Ontario. M8V1C5

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