Gyros or Souvlaki: What’s the Correct Word to Use?

tastygyros54
Nov 1
2 min read

Discover the difference between gyros, souvlaki, and kalamaki! Learn how Greeks use these words and how we serve authentic gyros in Enfield Town and Notting Hill Gate, London

The Great Greek Debate: Gyros or Souvlaki?

Gyros or Souvlaki: What’s the Correct Word to Use?

If you’ve ever visited Greece — or even just a Greek restaurant — you’ve probably noticed that people use the words “gyros”, “souvlaki”, and sometimes even “kalamaki” when ordering their favourite Greek wrap. But what’s the difference between them? And how do Greeks really use these words compared to people in the UK?

Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all!

🇬🇷 In Greece: It Depends on Where You Are

In Greece, both gyros and souvlaki are popular, but they don’t mean the same thing — and their meanings can change depending on the region!

Gyros (Γύρος) literally means “turn,” referring to the rotating vertical spit of meat — usually pork or chicken, sometimes lamb or beef — cooked slowly and sliced thin.➤ When you order a “gyro pita”, you get shaved meat from the spit wrapped in warm pita bread with tomato, onion, fries, and tzatziki.
Souvlaki (Σουβλάκι) means “small skewer.” Traditionally, it’s meat cubes grilled on a stick — often pork, chicken, or lamb.➤ You can eat it straight off the skewer (that’s called “kalamaki” in Athens) or wrapped in pita — that’s called a “souvlaki pita.”

Now here’s where it gets funny:

In Athens, “kalamaki” means the skewer, and “souvlaki” means the wrap.
In northern Greece, especially Thessaloniki, people just say “souvlaki” for both the skewer and the wrap.

So yes — even Greeks sometimes argue about what’s “correct!”

🇬🇧 In the UK (and at Tasty Gyros in London)

In London, most Greek restaurants — including us at Tasty Gyros — use the word “Gyros” because it’s the most familiar term internationally.

When our customers order a gyros wrap, they expect delicious slices of marinated meat from the rotisserie, wrapped in soft pita bread with all the classic Greek fillings: tzatziki, tomato, onion, and golden fries.

If you’d like meat grilled on a skewer, you can ask for souvlaki, and we’ll serve it either on the stick or in a pita — your choice!

"Gyros or Souvlaki: What’s the Correct Word to Use?

🧿 So, What’s the Correct Word?

There isn’t one single “correct” word — it depends on what you mean and where you are:

Item	Greece (Athens)	Greece (Thessaloniki)	UK / International
Meat from rotisserie	Gyros	Gyros	Gyros
Meat on a skewer	Kalamaki	Souvlaki	Souvlaki
Meat in pita wrap	Souvlaki (or Gyros pita)	Souvlaki or Gyros pita	Gyros wrap

💛 Taste the Real Thing at Tasty Gyros

No matter what you call it — gyros, souvlaki, or kalamaki — what truly matters is the authentic flavour and passion behind it. At Tasty Gyros London, we bring you the true taste of Greek street food right here in Enfield Town and Notting Hill Gate.