Where Did Shawarma Come From? Origin, Facts & More About This Middle Eastern Snack!

If you live in the UAE, chances are you’ve had shawarma cravings at least once a week. It’s the go-to after a long shift, post-gym, or at 1 am when nothing else hits the spot. But ever stopped to think where this glorious roll of meat, garlic, and carbs actually came from?

Where Did Shawarma Come From? Here’s the Juicy Story Behind the UAE’s Favourite Snack

Here’s the real story behind shawarma and some fun facts to drop the next time you’re standing at the cafeteria counter waiting for your number to be called.

How It Started: From Ottoman Spits To UAE Streets

Do you think UAE’s favourite snack originated in Dubai or Abu Dhabi? Well, no. Shocking, we know. It actually came from the Ottoman Empire, modern-day Turkey, to be exact. Back then, it was called “çevirme,” which simply means “to turn” because, well, the meat turned slowly on a spit.

And then came the Levant: Lebanon, Syria, Jordan. Each brought their own little magic. Think creamy toum that hits like a punch of flavour, pickles with a crunch that cuts through the fat, all wrapped in soft, warm Arabic bread. That’s when shawarma stopped being just a meal… and started becoming a memory.

By the time it hit the UAE? We didn’t just accept it, we rolled out the red carpet. From tiny cafeterias in Sharjah to late-night spots in Ras Al Khaimah, every place gave it its own spin. Before we knew it, shawarma wasn’t food anymore. It was a craving. A ritual. Something we planned our nights around.

 And now? Shawarma’s pretty much part of our national identity. You’ll find it everywhere,  from petrol stations to five-star hotel lounges.

Shawarma Facts That’ll Blow Your Mind (and Maybe Make You Hungry)

• Shawarma is not the same as doner or gyro. They’re similar but not twins. Doner is Turkish. Gyro is Greek. Shawarma is Levantine.
  
• Lamb came first. Chicken came later because it’s cheaper, lighter, and easier to cook.
  
• You can now find beef, fish, falafel, or even vegan shawarma in Dubai if you know where to look.
  
• The meat spins for hours. And that crispy edge they slice off? That’s the best part. Always ask for the crispy bits.
  
• Many joints now stuff fries inside the shawarma. Whoever first stuffed fries inside a shawarma? Legend. Give that person a gold star and free garlic sauce for life.

Also Read: Make Spicy Garlic Sauce To Top Your Falafel & Shawarma With Egyptian Chef’s Simple Recipe!

Wrap It Up

So no, shawarma didn’t start here. We didn’t invent shawarma, but let’s be real, we’ve owned it. It’s not just a snack anymore. It’s how we do late nights, lunch breaks, and road trips. Some like it drowning in toum, others want it spicy enough to clear their sinuses. Fries inside? Yes, please. Pickles only? That works too.

Bottom line? In the UAE, shawarma speaks straight to the soul. So the next time you unwrap one, take a second. That humble roll has travelled through time and tastebuds just to end up in your hands and somehow, it still feels like home.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images