What Makes Syrian Shawarma Different?

If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern food, chances are you’ve heard of shawarma—juicy, spice-marinated meat slowly cooked and wrapped in warm bread with bold sauces and pickles. But not all shawarma is the same. At Mooring Eats, we specialize in Syrian-style shawarma, a version known for its bright citrus notes, aromatic spices, and deeply satisfying flavor.

In this post, we’ll explain what Syrian shawarma is, how it differs from other styles, how we make it at Mooring Eats, and the best ways to enjoy it. By the end, you’ll understand why Syrian shawarma has such a loyal following—and why ours has become a local favourite in South Etobicoke.

What Is Syrian Shawarma?

Shawarma is a Middle Eastern street-food staple traditionally made by stacking marinated meat on a vertical rotisserie and slowly roasting it until tender. Thin slices are shaved off as it cooks and served in flatbread with sauces and toppings. While shawarma can be found across the Middle East, Syrian shawarma stands out for its marinade, spice balance, and finishing techniques.

Chicken is the most popular choice in Syrian shawarma, though beef and lamb are also common. The focus is on bold seasoning without overpowering heat, allowing the citrus and spices to shine.

How Is Syrian Shawarma Different?

Syrian-style shawarma has its own identity, setting it apart from Lebanese, Turkish, or Greek versions. Here’s what makes it unique:

Citrus-Forward MarinadeSyrian shawarma typically uses lemon and orange juice, giving the meat a bright, slightly tangy flavor that cuts through the richness.

Warm, Aromatic SpicesInstead of heavy heat, Syrian shawarma relies on spices like coriander, cumin, cardamom, paprika, and clove for depth and warmth.

Smoky Finish (Optional but Traditional)In some preparations, the meat is briefly infused with smoke using hot coals, adding a subtle smokiness that elevates the final flavor.

How We Make Syrian Shawarma at Mooring Eats

At Mooring Eats, we stay true to traditional Syrian flavors while focusing on freshness and quality in every step.

We start by marinating our chicken in a blend of fresh lemon and orange juice, hot pepper paste, and an authentic spice mix. The chicken is left to absorb these flavors for hours, ensuring every bite is well seasoned.

Next, the chicken is grilled to perfection, creating a lightly charred exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. We then wrap it in thin saj or pita bread, layering it with our house-made garlic sauce, pickles, and optional hot sauce for those who like a little heat.

Finally, the wrap is rolled and lightly toasted, sealing everything together and giving the shawarma its signature crisp finish.

The result is a shawarma that’s tangy, savory, smoky, and deeply satisfying—exactly how Syrian shawarma should be.

The Best Ways to Enjoy Syrian Shawarma

Syrian shawarma is incredibly versatile, and there’s no wrong way to enjoy it:

Enjoy it wrapped in warm bread with garlic sauce, fries, and pickles for the classic experience.Order it as a plate with rice, salad, hummus, and extra protein if you want a heartier meal.Add shatta hot sauce or pomegranate molasses for an extra layer of spice or sweet-tangy contrast.

No matter how you order it, Syrian shawarma delivers bold flavor in every bite.

FAQs About Syrian Shawarma

What’s the difference between Syrian shawarma and other styles?Syrian shawarma uses a citrus-based marinade, warm spices, and sometimes a smoky finish, making it brighter and more aromatic than other versions.

Is Mooring Eats’ shawarma authentic Syrian-style?Yes. Our shawarma is inspired by traditional Syrian recipes, using classic marinades, spices, and preparation methods.

Is Syrian shawarma spicy?Not by default. It’s flavorful rather than hot, but you can add shatta if you want extra heat.

What sauce pairs best with Syrian shawarma?Garlic sauce (toum) is essential, but tahini, hummus, or pomegranate molasses also pair beautifully.

Do you offer a vegetarian option?Yes. Our falafel pita is a popular plant-based alternative, made with crispy falafel, garlic sauce, pickles, and fries.

If you’re searching for shawarma near me in Etobicoke or Toronto, Mooring Eats offers authentic Syrian-style shawarma made fresh every day.