Gyros vs. Doner Kebab: What’s the Difference and Which is More Popular?

Greek Gyros or Turkish Doner Kebab: Which Should You Try First?

If you’re a fan of Mediterranean street food, you’ve probably come across two delicious favourites: Greek Gyros and Turkish Doner Kebab. Both are made with tender meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, served in bread with fresh toppings and sauces. At first glance, they might look similar, but if you’ve ever tried both, you’ll know that the flavours, ingredients, and origins tell two very different stories.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between gyros and doner kebabs, their cultural significance, and which one is the most popular in London and beyond

Doner Kebab vs. Gyros: Which Is London’s Favourite Street Food?

Gyros Vs Kebab

What is Gyros?

Gyros (pronounced “yee-ros”) is one of the most iconic dishes of Greek cuisine. The word gyros means “turn” in Greek, referring to the way the meat slowly rotates on a vertical spit until it’s perfectly cooked and slightly crispy on the edges.

Key Features of Gyros:

• Origin: Greece

• Meat: Traditionally pork or chicken in Greece. In some countries, you might find beef or lamb, but pork gyros is the classic.

• Seasoning: Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and olive oil, which give gyros their fresh and aromatic flavour.

• Serving Style: Usually served in warm pita bread, filled with tomato, onion, fries, and creamy tzatziki sauce.

• Flavour Profile: Fresh, herby, tangy, and slightly smoky.

  
  

Gyros is beloved for its light and refreshing taste. The tzatziki—made from yoghurt, cucumber, and garlic—perfectly balances the richness of the grilled meat. In Greece, it’s a go-to street food, perfect for lunch, dinner, or a quick bite with friends.

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What is a Doner Kebab?

Doner Kebab originates from Turkey, where the word döner means “to turn” or “rotate.” It is the ancestor of many other popular dishes, such as Shawarma in the Middle East, and even inspired the Greek Gyros itself.

Key Features of Doner Kebab:

• Origin: Turkey

• Meat: Commonly lamb, beef, or chicken, often mixed with fat to keep the meat juicy.

• Seasoning: A flavorful blend of Middle Eastern spices, such as cumin, coriander, paprika, sumac, and sometimes cinnamon or cloves.

• Serving Style: Often served in lavash, pita, or flatbread wraps, accompanied by fresh salads, pickled vegetables, and sauces such as garlic, tahini, or chilli.

• Flavour Profile: Rich, spiced, and smoky, with a deeper flavour than gyros.

  
  

Doner kebab has become especially popular across Europe, particularly in Germany and the UK, where it is widely known as a late-night takeaway classic.

Gyros vs. Doner Kebab: The Main Differences

Although they might look similar on the spit, gyros and doner kebab are different in origin, flavor, and experience. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Feature	Gyros (Greece)	Doner Kebab (Turkey)
Origin	Greece	Turkey
Meat	Pork or chicken	Lamb, beef, or chicken
Seasoning	Herby, Mediterranean	Warm, spiced, Middle Eastern
Bread	Pita	Lavash, pita, or flatbread
Typical Sauces	Tzatziki	Garlic, tahini, chilli
Flavor Profile	Fresh, tangy, light	Rich, smoky, spiced

While gyros focuses on herbs and freshness, doner kebab is all about spices and depth of flavour.

Which is More Popular?

When it comes to global popularity, doner kebab has the edge, thanks to the massive influence of Turkish street food culture in Europe. In cities like Berlin and London, doner kebabs are a staple late-night snack and an affordable street food option.

However, gyros is quickly gaining popularity outside of Greece, especially for those looking for a fresher and lighter alternative to the heavier, spiced kebabs. In London, authentic Greek eateries like Tasty Gyros are helping more people discover the authentic taste of Greece, complete with soft pita, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki.

Final Thoughts: Gyros or Doner Kebab?

Both gyros and doner kebab are delicious in their way. If you love spicy and rich flavours, doner kebab might be your top choice. But if you’re looking for something fresh, herby, and authentically Greek, gyros is the winner.

At Tasty Gyros in Enfield Town and Notting Hill Gate, London, we bring the true Greek gyros experience to the UK. Come and try our freshly made gyros with soft pita, juicy meat, and homemade tzatziki—and taste why gyros are becoming London’s new favourite street food!