Shoarma vs. Shawarma — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on September 30, 2023

Shoarma and Shawarma refer to the same spiced, grilled meat dish; however, "Shoarma" is the Dutch spelling, while "Shawarma" is the more globally recognized spelling from Arabic.

Difference Between Shoarma and Shawarma

Table of Contents

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Key Differences

Shoarma and Shawarma are two terms that are often used interchangeably, and while they describe a similar dish, their origins and spelling are distinct. Shoarma is the term commonly adopted in the Netherlands and some parts of Europe, likely influenced by Dutch language phonetics.

Sep 30, 2023

Shawarma, on the other hand, derives from the Arabic term "شاورما," indicating the turning or rotating method used to cook the meat. This word is more globally recognized, being prevalent in many countries and cultures with Middle Eastern cuisine influences.

Sep 30, 2023

Both Shoarma and Shawarma refer to a delectable dish consisting of thinly sliced cuts of meat (often beef, chicken, or lamb) stacked in a cone-like shape on a vertical rotisserie. As the rotisserie turns, the meat is grilled slowly, allowing the outer layers to be shaved off as they become crispy.

Sep 30, 2023

The differences in naming largely come down to linguistic preferences and regional adaptations. In essence, while the method of preparation and the taste profile remain consistent, the term you might encounter can vary based on the geographic location.

Sep 30, 2023

Summarizing, Shoarma and Shawarma refer to the same delightful meat preparation, with the distinction largely rooted in regional language variations. Both terms, however, bring to mind a dish beloved by many across the globe.

Sep 30, 2023

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Comparison Chart

Spelling Origin

Dutch

Arabic

Sep 30, 2023

Geographical Use

Primarily in the Netherlands and parts of Europe

Globally recognized

Sep 30, 2023

Pronunciation

Sho-ar-ma

Sha-war-ma

Sep 30, 2023

Common Dishes

Often served in Dutch "kapsalon"

Common in Middle Eastern dishes like pita wraps

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Primary Difference

Linguistic adaptation

Original term from the Arabic language

Sep 30, 2023

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Compare with Definitions

Shoarma

Sliced meat prepared on a rotisserie, used in Dutch cuisine.

Shoarma with garlic sauce is my favorite.

Sep 19, 2023

Shawarma

Thin slices of meat stacked and cooked on a vertical spit.

The Shawarma meat was tender and flavorful.

Sep 19, 2023

Shoarma

A Dutch variation of grilled, spiced meat.

I love getting Shoarma after a night out in Amsterdam.

Sep 19, 2023

Shawarma

A Middle Eastern dish of spiced, rotisserie-grilled meat.

Let's grab some Shawarma for lunch!

Sep 19, 2023

Shoarma

A popular fast food in the Netherlands.

Have you tried the Shoarma pizza here?

Sep 19, 2023

Shawarma

A popular street food in many countries.

Nothing beats a Shawarma wrap on the go.

Sep 19, 2023

Shoarma

Meat often used in the Dutch dish "kapsalon."

I'd like a kapsalon with chicken Shoarma, please.

Sep 19, 2023

Shawarma

Meat preparation method, meaning "turning" in Arabic.

The art of making Shawarma takes years to master.

Sep 19, 2023

Shoarma

Dutch adaptation of the Middle Eastern Shawarma.

Shoarma rolls are the perfect quick meal.

Sep 19, 2023

Shawarma

Often served in pita bread with tahini or garlic sauce.

I love my Shawarma with extra garlic sauce.

Sep 19, 2023

Shoarma

Alternative form of shawarma

Jan 30, 2023

Shawarma

Shawarma (; Arabic: شاورما‎) is a Levantine Arab dish consisting of meat cut into thin slices, stacked in a cone-like shape, and roasted on a slowly-turning vertical rotisserie or spit. Originally made with lamb, mutton or chicken, today's shawarma may also be turkey, beef, or veal.

Jan 30, 2023

Shawarma

Meat, especially beef, chicken, or lamb, that is marinated, roasted slowly on a spit, and cut in thin slices, often wrapped in pita bread and served with various vegetables and tahini sauce.

Jan 30, 2023

Shawarma

A Middle Eastern sandwich-like wrap of shaved lamb, goat, chicken, turkey, beef, or a mixture of these.

Jan 30, 2023

Common Curiosities

Which meats are commonly used in Shawarma?

Commonly used meats include beef, chicken, and lamb.

Sep 30, 2023

Are Shoarma and Shawarma the same dish?

Yes, they refer to the same dish but have different regional spellings.

Sep 30, 2023

Is Shoarma a popular dish in Europe?

Yes, particularly in the Netherlands and surrounding regions.

Sep 30, 2023

Why is it spelled Shoarma in the Netherlands?

"Shoarma" is the Dutch adaptation, influenced by Dutch language phonetics.

Sep 30, 2023

What is the origin of the word Shawarma?

Shawarma originates from the Arabic term indicating the turning or rotating method of cooking.

Sep 30, 2023

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.