Gyros, Döner & Shawarma: Why Everyone Gets Them Confused

Gyros, Döner & Shawarma: What’s The Difference?

Gyros, Döner & Shawarma: Why Everyone Gets Them Mixed Up (and Why Gyros Is Special)

What’s the Difference Between Gyros, Döner and Shawarma?

Gyros, döner, and shawarma often look the same at first glance. The meat spins, the smell is amazing, and they’re all popular street foods. That’s why many people think they’re the same.

But they’re not.

At Tasty Gyros, we love helping people discover what makes Greek gyros special—and why they deserve their own name.

One Cooking Style, Three Different Stories

Yes, gyros, döner, and shawarma are all cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat slowly turns, cooks evenly, and stays juicy.

That’s where the similarity ends.

Each dish comes from a different culture, uses various spices, and delivers a very different taste.

What Makes Gyros Greek 🇬🇷

Gyros is a true Greek classic. It’s simple, fresh, and full of Mediterranean flavour.

Traditionally made with pork or chicken, gyros is marinated with:

Chicken Gyros mains

• Oregano

• Garlic

• Lemon

• Olive oil

It’s served in soft Greek pita bread with:

• Creamy tzatziki

• Fresh tomatoes

• Onions

• Crispy chips inside the pita (the Greek way!)

The taste is fresh, balanced, and incredibly satisfying.

How Is Döner Different?

Döner kebab comes from Turkey 🇹🇷 and is usually made with lamb, beef, or a mix of both.

It has a stronger, heavier flavour and is often served with sauces like chilli or garlic mayo. Döner is delicious—but it doesn’t use tzatziki or Greek herbs.

And Shawarma?

Shawarma comes from the Middle East 🌍 and is known for its warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, and cardamom.

It’s usually wrapped with garlic sauce, pickles, or tahini, giving it a rich and spicy taste that’s very different from gyros.

Why People Get Confused

They all:

• Look similar

• Are popular street foods

• Are cooked the same way

But taste tells the real story.

Just like pizza isn’t the same as flatbread, gyros is not döner—and it’s not shawarma.

Why People Love Gyros

Gyros are lighter, fresher, and perfectly balanced. It’s comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy.

At Tasty Gyros, we make our gyros the traditional Greek way—using quality ingredients and authentic recipes, just like you’d find in Greece.

Try Real Greek Gyros in London

Tasty Gyros London

If you’ve never tried real Greek gyros—or if you’ve been confusing it with döner—now’s the time.

Visit Tasty Gyros and taste the difference.

📍 Serving London 🌯 Fresh. Authentic. Unmistakably Greek.