Yes, the shawarmas we all know as part of fast food originated in Eastern countries, and it was not initially a dish to share with friends.
The Shawarma was born amidst war
To understand the origin of shawarma, we have to go back several centuries when Muslims fought against Christians to reclaim Jerusalem.
In the war camps, men roasted the lamb meat they carried with them using their own swords, and since they lacked dishes for serving it, they used a flat, round bread as a support.
To supplement their diet, and perhaps add some flavor, these men added vegetables they found along the way and the few that their army could carry, resulting in a meal that kept their stomachs full and their energy intact.
After the conflicts, shawarma made its way to Lebanese and Arab homes, which, although they didn't need a fast dish, included it in their diet by adding more ingredients and improving its presentation.
With the spread of cultures, the dish reached Europe and other continents, always with small variations in each new destination. Thus, it became as common as the American hamburger or Chinese lumpia.
Shawarma in Two Different Presentations
One of the most noticeable variations that shawarma has undergone during its journey around the world is the type of bread used. In some countries, even in the Middle East, all ingredients are wrapped inside a round bread with an opening on top, while in others, they are placed on a thin, long bread that is rolled up onto itself.
The name of shawarma has also changed as it traveled around the world; in some regions, it is known as "kebab," a Turkish word meaning "meat pincho".
