Shawarma started out as a street food in the Middle East is now a favorite around the world because of its juicy meat, fragrant spices and sauces that are hard to resist. Shawarma has also made a name for itself in India, where it is served from busy food carts, trendy cafés, and late-night restaurants.
The Origin of Shawarma
Shawarma has its roots in Ottoman Empire, where it was first known as doner kebab. The method was easy but brilliant: marinated meat was stacked on a vertical rotisserie, where it slowly cooked as it turned. Then, thin slices were shaved off and served in bread. In the Arab world, this way of cooking is called shawarma; in Greece, it’s called gyro; and in Turkey, it’s called doner.
The name comes from the Turkish word çevirme, which means “to turn.” This is a perfect name for the spinning grill that you see in restaurants and food stalls all over the place.
The Indian Take on a Global Favourite
When shawarma reached India, it blended easily with local tastes. It quickly became a popular street snack all over the country. Early adopters were cities like Delhi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The original version usually uses lamb or chicken, but Indian shawarmas have their own twists. To name a few it has spicier marinades, extra sauces and even vegetarian options with paneer or falafel.
Today, shawarma rolls are as common as momos or sandwiches. They’ve become a part of India’s urban food culture—easy to grab, affordable, and always satisfying.
Variations Across the Country
People in Delhi and Lucknow often wrap shawarma rolls in thin rumali roti and serve them with a side of tangy chutney. In Hyderabad, you’ll find versions loaded with shredded chicken, cabbage, and a spicy mayo sauce. Mumbai’s shawarma scene adds its own charm—cheese shawarmas, extra fries inside the roll, and even double-layer wraps.
Vegetarian options are also gaining popularity, with fillings like grilled paneer, falafel, or mushrooms replacing meat. The flavours remain bold, and the satisfaction is the same.
The Healthier Side
Despite being street food, shawarma is a great healthy option. The grilled meat provides protein and the vegetables add freshness. If you skip the extra cheese or mayo, it’s a meal that’s both tasty and relatively light. Many restaurants now even serve “shawarma bowls” with hummus, rice, and salad for those looking for a healthier option.
Ordering Shawarma on Zomato
You don’t have to go far to find shawarma, which is great. Zomato lets you find real or fusion shawarmas at restaurants and street food stands near you. You can get chicken, lamb, or vegetarian shawarmas.
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