Shawarma Arabi
شاورما عربي (sha-WAR-mah AH-rah-bee)
Saudi-Style Shawarma
Thinly shaved marinated chicken or lamb stacked on a vertical rotisserie, served in warm bread with tahini, pickles, and garlic sauce. Saudi shawarma stands are an institution of late-night street food culture.
Nutrition & Info
Allergen Warnings
Equipment Needed
Instructions
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1
Combine yogurt, vinegar, olive oil, cumin, paprika, cardamom, turmeric, and salt to make the marinade. Toss the sliced chicken thoroughly.
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2
Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight in the refrigerator, for maximum flavor penetration.
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3
Thread marinated chicken tightly onto skewers or layer on a roasting pan. Roast at 220C for 25 minutes until charred at the edges.
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4
Shave or slice the cooked chicken into thin strips, capturing all the caramelized crispy edges and juicy interior pieces.
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5
Warm the flatbreads on a hot griddle. Layer with chicken, tahini sauce, garlic sauce, pickled turnips, tomatoes, and lettuce.
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6
Roll tightly into a wrap, pressing on a hot griddle for 1 minute to seal and crisp the outside. Serve immediately.
Did You Know?
Saudi Arabia has more shawarma shops per capita than almost any other country, and late-night shawarma runs after evening prayers are a cherished social ritual.
Chef's Notes
Equipment Tips
- oven or grill
- sharp knife
- mixing bowl
- skewers or rotisserie
The Story Behind Shawarma Arabi
While shawarma originated in the Ottoman Empire, Saudi Arabia has developed its own distinctive style that reflects local taste preferences. Saudi shawarma tends to use a lighter spice profile with more cardamom and less heavy seasoning than its Levantine counterparts, and the garlic sauce is often made with extraordinary intensity. The late-night shawarma run has become a defining feature of Saudi social culture, particularly among young people who gather at favorite stands after Isha prayers. The best shawarma shops in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam develop cult followings, with customers traveling across cities for their preferred vendor.
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