Gyro vs. Shawarma: Which One Wins Brooklyn’s Heart?

Home / Gyro vs. Shawarma: Which One Wins Brooklyn’s Heart?

Every neighborhood in Brooklyn has its go-to for street food favorites. And when it comes to bold wraps, two names always rise to the top: shawarma and gyro. At first glance, they seem almost interchangeable – both feature seasoned meat, pita bread, and crave-worthy sauces. But ask any real food lover, and they’ll tell you: the difference is in the details.

Below, we break down the difference between shawarma and gyro, explore their Middle Eastern and Greek roots, and explain why Shawarma Mia is fast becoming the local pick for the best shawarma in NYC.

Middle Eastern vs. Greek Food – A Tale of Two Flavorful Worlds

Shawarma has its roots in the Levant, where slow-roasted meat, warm spices, and garlic-forward sauces are staples of everyday meals. It’s the kind of food meant to be eaten with your hands, surrounded by friends, and layered with flavor.

Gyros, on the other hand, come from Greece. Traditionally made with pork or lamb, they’re often milder in spice, served with tzatziki sauce, and topped with onion, tomato, and sometimes even fries.

Both are cultural icons – but the experience and flavor profiles couldn’t be more different.

Shawarma vs. Gyro – Key Differences

Here’s a quick guide to help you compare the two:

Feature	Shawarma	Gyro
Origin	Middle Eastern	Greek
Flavor Profile	Spiced, smoky, layered	Herby, creamy, tangy
Sauces	Garlic tahini, amba, hummus	Tzatziki – a cucumber-yogurt blend
Meat Options	Chicken shawarma, lamb, beef, falafel	Gyro meat like lamb, chicken, beef
Toppings	Pickles, tabbouleh, onion, tomato, sumac	Tomato, onion, sometimes fries
Base	Served in pita, bowls, or plated meals	Wrapped in pita or served plated with rice or fries

How Brooklyn Eats It: Local Love for Both

Brooklyn’s food scene makes room for both shawarma and gyros – and each has its die-hard fans. But when it comes to authenticity and Middle Eastern tradition, Shawarma Mia stands out.

Locals love our take on Turkish-inspired shawarma:

Slow-roasted meats cooked fresh daily
Pita shawarma wraps with layers of crisp veg and pickles
Customisable bowl options for lighter meals

Everything’s designed to taste homemade – because it is. And whether you’re on your lunch break or catching up with friends, the vibe at Shawarma Mia feels like a quick trip abroad (no passport required).

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Try?

Still torn between shawarma vs gyro in Brooklyn? It depends on what you’re craving:

Want something bold, smoky, and spice-driven? Shawarma’s your move.
Prefer herby, creamy comfort? A classic gyro could hit the spot.

That said, if you’ve only tried gyros, now’s the perfect time to switch it up. At Shawarma Mia, we offer everything from chicken shawarma and beef wraps to vegan options – so there’s something for everyone. Ready to taste the difference? Contact us to place your order or swing by Shawarma Mia and join Brooklyn’s shawarma revolution.