Halifax Donair

Halifax Donair

Donair (doh-NAIR)

Atlantic Canadian Spiced Beef Wrap

Prep Time 1 hr 30 min
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
6
🔥 Calories 522 kcal

Shaved spiced beef on a warm pita drenched in Halifax's signature sweet garlic sauce — the East Coast late-night legend officially named Halifax's municipal food.

Nutrition & Info

520 kcal per serving
Protein 30.0g
Carbs 42.0g
Fat 26.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ dairy

Equipment Needed

food processor loaf pan sharp knife skillet

Presentation Guide

Vessel: foil wrap

Garnishes: sweet sauce drizzle

Accompaniments: donair egg rolls, garlic fingers

Instructions

  1. 1

    Blend ground beef in a food processor until very smooth and paste-like (2-3 min).

  2. 2

    Mix in breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, pepper, and salt.

  3. 3

    Pack tightly into a loaf pan. Bake at 175C (350F) for 1 hour.

  4. 4

    Let cool, then slice very thin. Pan-fry slices until edges crisp.

  5. 5

    Make sweet sauce: whisk condensed milk, garlic powder, and vinegar until thick.

  6. 6

    Load warm pita with fried beef slices, diced onions, tomatoes, and generous sweet sauce.

💡

Did You Know?

Halifax officially declared the donair its municipal food in 2015, the first Canadian city to name a civic food.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • food processor
  • loaf pan
  • sharp knife
  • skillet

Garnishing

sweet sauce drizzle

Accompaniments

donair egg rolls, garlic fingers

The Story Behind Halifax Donair

The Halifax donair was created in the 1970s by Peter Gamoulakos, a Greek immigrant who adapted the traditional doner kebab for Nova Scotian tastes. His innovation was the signature sweet condensed-milk sauce, which transformed the dish into something uniquely Atlantic Canadian and spawned a devoted late-night food culture.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed late-night snack 📜 Origins: 1970s

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