shawarma
Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish consisting of meat—typically lamb, chicken, turkey, beef, or veal—that is cut into thin slices, stacked in an inverted cone shape on a vertical rotisserie, and roasted slowly. The name comes from the Arabic word 'shawarma,' which means "turning," referring to the rotating spit. It is most commonly served as a "wrap" or "sandwich" inside a pita or flatbread, accompanied by vegetables, pickles, and creamy sauces like tahini or garlic sauce. It is a quintessential street food, associated with quick, flavorful, and satisfying meals eaten on the go.
In conversation
Deciding on dinner
I'm starving. Should we grab something quick?
I'm starving. Should we grab something quick?
How about that new shawarma place on the corner?
How about that new shawarma place on the corner?
Perfect, I could really go for a chicken wrap with extra garlic sauce.
Perfect, I could really go for a chicken wrap with extra garlic sauce.
Used here to describe a casual, quick dining option.
Late night cravings
It's 2 AM and the only thing open is the shawarma spot.
It's 2 AM and the only thing open is the shawarma spot.
That's actually the best time for it!
That's actually the best time for it!
Shawarma is culturally recognized as a popular late-night snack.
Examples
I ordered a chicken shawarma for lunch.
I ordered a chicken shawarma for lunch.
The smell of spiced shawarma wafted from the street food stall.
The smell of spiced shawarma wafted from the street food stall.
He meticulously shaved thin layers of marinated meat from the rotating spit to assemble the perfect shawarma.
He meticulously shaved thin layers of marinated meat from the rotating spit to assemble the perfect shawarma.
