What is shawarma? It is a Middle Eastern dish of spiced meat, roasted on a turning spit. First, cooks stack marinated meat onto a tall vertical skewer. Then it slowly roasts as it turns. Next, they shave off thin, crisp slices. Finally, they wrap them in bread or serve them with rice. It is loved as street food across the region.
In this guide, we explain where shawarma comes from and how cooks make it. We also cover how it tastes and how it is served. Finally, we show you where to try it in Kuala Lumpur.
The origin of shawarma
Shawarma has its roots in the Ottoman era. In fact, it grew from the Turkish döner kebab. Over time, the Levant made it their own. Today, you will find it across the Middle East and beyond. Still, the turning-spit method remains the same.
What is shawarma made of?
So what goes into shawarma? It relies on a few key parts:
- Meat: chicken, beef or lamb.
- Marinade: garlic, spices and yogurt or oil.
- Bread: soft flatbread or pita.
- Toppings: garlic sauce, pickles and salad.
Together, these parts create a rich, savoury bite. Above all, the slow roasting locks in flavour.
How it is cooked
The cooking method is what makes it special. First, cooks stack the marinated meat on a vertical spit. Then it roasts slowly as it rotates. As the outside crisps, they shave off thin slices. So each serving is tender inside and crisp at the edges.
What does it taste like?
It tastes savoury, smoky and deeply satisfying. The spiced meat stays juicy and tender. Meanwhile, garlic sauce adds a creamy, tangy note. Because the edges crisp up, every bite has texture. So it never feels dull.
Shawarma at Lalezar
At Lalezar, we serve shawarma wrapped in fresh bread with crispy fries. Choose the one you love best:
- Our seasoned beef wrap: tender and savoury.
- Our spiced chicken wrap: juicy and flavourful.
So there is a wrap for every craving.
Is shawarma halal?
Is shawarma halal? Yes, when the kitchen prepares it that way. The meat and marinade can all meet halal standards. Of course, a halal kitchen sources every ingredient carefully. At Lalezar, we prepare every dish halal.
Where to try shawarma in Kuala Lumpur
Feeling hungry? Then come and try shawarma at Lalezar, a halal Turkish, Mediterranean and Persian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. Alongside it, you will also find kebabs, rice dishes and fresh mezze. So explore the full Lalezar menu, or find your nearest branch. We welcome you across three locations: Ampang, USJ Heights and Centrepoint Bandar Utama.
Frequently asked questions
What is shawarma in simple terms?
Simply put, it is spiced meat roasted on a turning spit, then shaved thin and wrapped in bread.
Is it the same as doner?
They are closely related. Both roast meat on a vertical spit. However, doner is Turkish, while shawarma is the Levantine version with its own spices.
What sauces go with it?
Garlic sauce and tahini are classic. Pickles and fresh salad also add a bright, tangy contrast.