Grilled · Wrapped
Shawarma
Photo via Pexels/Unsplash — free for commercial use
The vertical spit was engineered so the meat bastes itself as it turns — every slice comes pre-basted in its own dripping fat.
Thin-shaved layers of marinated chicken or lamb are stacked on a vertical rotisserie, shaved to order, and rolled into flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and fries. In Saudi cities it's sold from small storefront counters and roadside kiosks that stay open late into the night.
Why it's made this way: The vertical spit design traveled from the Levant and Turkey with migrant workers and traders, and it caught on in Saudi Arabia because it let one cook serve a constant stream of customers fast, with the meat self-basting as it turns.
Roughly what's in it
500kcal
28gprotein
45gcarbs
24gfat
Estimated per typical street-vendor portion — not lab-tested.
More from Saudi Arabia
Part of World of Street Food — 690 dishes from 118 countries.
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Photo credits.