Looking for the best Shawarma near you? Then you should have an idea about its origin and types before you venture into a particular restaurant that serves Middle Eastern cuisine in your locality. Having knowledge about this dish will not only help you in identifying the quality of the shawarma that will be served to you but will bring a lot of relevance to the plate, making it a tad more delicious.
Originating in the Levant periphery of the Middle East, including countries like Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, it is believed to have been shaped by the Turkish doner kebab and was primarily introduced to the region by Ottoman Empire soldiers in the mid-19th century. Yet, the claim of the exact location of its roots is still questionable between the cities of Kastamonu and Bursa.
The unfiltered recipe
If you get hold of its core recipe, you will find that it is basically meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Here, the meat (whichever among- chicken, lamb, or a combo) is strategically roasted for several hours, stemming into juicy and tender slices. Once properly cooked to the level, the meat is then tactically shaved and served on the plate with a plethora of condiments.
A taste of the origin
To get the raw original taste you should try out the traditional styles right from the Middle Eastern Zone, or someone who knows the technical aspects of the recipe. Here are three recipes that a true Middle Eastern citizen can relate to-
The Amman Method
The best chicken shawarma one can master if one follows this technique. It is served with fried potato chips spread in the meat and roasted horizontally above charcoal till it gets a crispy texture on the outside and juicy on the inside. The extra smokiness will enhance your every bite.
The Jordan/Lebanon Method
Shawarma in the Jordan method generally implies- layers of thin meat stacked on a blade-like formation and rotating either horizontally or vertically over a heating spit. When the outside portion of the meat is cooked properly, the hard smoked part is shaved off with a knife and usually served with wrapped bread typically seasoned with tahini or garlic sauce and certain pickled veggies.
The Istanbul Method
If your Google search results against your input shawarma near me showcase the Istanbul style of recipe, you should consider it right away as it is a tasty feat, just like the other two. Here, your nearby restaurant should be slow-cooking the mutton slices and serving you with grilled tomatoes. The whole item will be wrapped into a cigar shape by a subtle and moist bread. This recipe is well known for its substantial filling and juicy nature.
Now that you have come across the original versions of shawarma out there, let us introduce you to the adaptations that have been in practice in recent times and probably is available in the restaurants near you-
The Most Popular Kind
Chicken Shawarma
It involves tender chicken thighs marinated in garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, and a plethora of spices (from turmeric to cinnamon). It’s the most versatile one out there in the market as it can be enjoyed in a wrap or can be served with rice and salad.
Tawa Shawarma
Going by its name, it involves cooking on a tawa (a flat griddle), in place of a vertical rotisserie. This recipe is generally made in domestic kitchens and small eateries where there is the absence of a rotisserie. Once the marinated meat (beef or chicken) is cooked on the tawa, it is then treated with the usual compliments to taste better.
Lamb Shawarma
In this, the juicy lamb is marinated in a mix of Middle Eastern spices such as cardamom, coriander, and cumin, which imbue the meat with an aromatic flavor. Strategically cooked with time, the lamb is minutely sliced and served with tahini sauce, vegetables, and pickles, all enveloped in warm pita bread.
Paneer Tikka Shawarma
This kind of shawarma is another adaptation in Indian culture, for the ones who love the vegetable option. This innovative version combines the traditional flavors of this exotic dish, with the Indian touch of paneer tikka. After the marination of paneer is done with yogurt, it is then grilled till charred perfectly. Encased in a flatbread with raw vegetables and chutneys, this recipe offers a rich fusion of Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
A typical street-style shawarma in the Middle East would be the Arabic Shawarma, without any second thoughts. The unique selling point of this recipe lies in its marination where they use garlic, vinegar, and a fine blend of regional spices. Here the meat is churned slowly, giving time and space for the flavors to develop thoroughly, and it is then served with a plethora of side dishes such as pickles, garlic, and fries, all wrapped in thin and doughy bread.
Your Google results might showcase the best restaurants in your locality after you have placed the keywords- shawarma near me, in the search bar. You might also select one from the above variety described in a list. But that doesn’t make the whole experience count. Yes, you hear it right- to actually make your shawarma quest a cent percent success is to add a classic side dish for the same. Now these side dishes are complimentary but they bring out the true flavors of the meat. Below are the most notable ones-
- Garlic Sauce It’s a must if you are having almost any form of shawarma. Its blend of lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic fuses into a flavor that leverages the overall spicy treat of a shawarma.
- Hummus This classic chickpea dip never fails to amaze shawarma lovers as it gives a smooth contrast to the outer portion of the shawarma itself.
- Pickled veggies Their crunchy and tarty texture offers a pleasant contrast to the spicy flavors of the meat. Carrots, turnips, and cucumbers are the most preferred choices, but you can pick something similar to suit your taste.
- Fresh Salad Fresh salad can be a game-changer when it is inclusive of onions, tomatoes, and parsley. They offer a perfect and fresh counterbalance to the rich smack of the shawarma.
- French Fries A more new-age improvisation in the whole shawarma savory is to add french fries as a side dish. They add a crispy and salty experience to it.
Conclusion
If you have read the blog till here, you have got a thorough idea of how to succeed in your shawarma quest. To make things more seamless for you, a quick tip would be to take your first step from our Swiggy Dineout website as it not only showcases the best-rated shawarma serving restaurants within your area but also provides the latest feedback from people who have tried and tasted it. Gather pictures, menu, and other minute insights within minutes and just by the flawless UI that we promise. Sounds interesting right? Well, you never know if you don’t try, right? Start by sharing your location and see how your shawarma quest unfolds with your devices, right from the comfort of your home.
