Shawarma and kebab show up on almost every Mediterranean menu in San Diego—but they couldn’t be more different. One is slow-roasted on a vertical spit, the other is grilled on skewers over open flame. This guide breaks down shawarma vs kebab in simple terms: flavor, cooking style, health, and how to choose between them. And if you’re in La Jolla, Del Mar, or Solana Beach, we’ll show you exactly where to try both at Micheline’s Pita House.

If you’ve ever stood at a Mediterranean restaurant wondering whether to order a shawarma wrap or a kabob plate, you’re not alone. Both dishes are iconic across the Middle East, but they’re prepared differently, taste different, and fit different cravings.

This guide covers everything you need to know:

• What shawarma actually is
• What kebab/kabob means
• The real differences in flavor and cooking
• Which is healthier
• And how to try both right here in San Diego

At Micheline’s Pita House, we serve authentic Mediterranean food made with high-quality ingredients, daily-prepared sauces, and protein-rich meals that are flavorful and nourishing.

Quick Answer: What’s the Difference Between Shawarma and Kebab?

Shawarma and kebab are both Middle Eastern meat dishes—but the cooking techniques, flavor profiles, and textures are completely different.

Shawarma is thinly sliced, marinated meat stacked on a vertical spit and slow-roasted, then shaved into wraps or plates.
Kebab (kabob) refers to seasoned chunks or ground meat shaped on skewers and grilled over open flame

Shawarma vs Kebab: Side-by-Side

Feature	Shawarma	Kebab / Kabob
Cooking Method	Vertical rotisserie, slow-roasted	Grilled on skewers over open flame
Meat Cut	Thin slices, stacked in layers	Cubed or ground meat
Flavor	Tangy, garlicky, warm spices	Smoky, charred, bolder spice mix
Texture	Tender slices, crispy edges	Chunky, grilled exterior, juicy inside
Serving Style	Pita sandwiches, wraps, plates, salads	Plates, skewers, wraps, rice, and salad combinations

Both dishes come from the broader Middle Eastern/Mediterranean region, but shawarma originated in the Levant (inspired by Turkish döner), while kebab traditions span the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia.

What Is Shawarma?

Origins

Shawarma developed in the Levant but was inspired by the Turkish döner kebab. The name comes from the Turkish word çevirme, meaning “turning”—a reference to the rotating spit used to cook the meat.

Today, shawarma is one of the most popular street foods in the world, especially in Mediterranean restaurants across San Diego.

How Shawarma Is Made

Shawarma is all about layers and slow roasting:

• Thin slices of chicken, lamb, or beef are marinated with garlic, lemon, warm spices, and sometimes yogurt.
• Meat is stacked on a tall vertical spit.
• The spit rotates slowly as the outer layer browns.
• Crisp edges are shaved off in thin slices and served immediately.

This cooking method creates tender, juicy meat with caramelized edges.

Shawarma Flavors & Toppings

Typical shawarma marinades include:

• Garlic and lemon
• Allspice, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom
• Olive oil
• Vinegar or yogurt for tang

Common toppings:

• Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers
• Pickles or pickled turnips
• Garlic sauce (toum), tahini, hummus
• Onions with sumac

At MPH, shawarma is slow-roasted and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients:

• Chicken Shawarma → available as pita sandwiches, plates, or salads
• Ribeye Steak Shawarma → rich, flavorful beef option

Pair your shawarma with hummus, Greek salad, fries, or lentil quinoa pilaf.

What Is Kebab (Kabob)?

Origins

“Kebab” (or kabob) comes from Persian and Semitic roots referring to roasting or charring meat over fire. It is one of the oldest cooking methods in the Middle East.

Unlike shawarma, kebabs can be ground or cubed, and the style varies greatly across regions.

How Kebabs Are Made

Most kebabs follow this process:

• Meat is cubed or ground, then mixed with spices like cumin, paprika, coriander, garlic, chili, and herbs.
• It is shaped onto long metal or wooden skewers.
• The skewers are grilled over charcoal or open flame, giving kebabs their signature smoky flavor.

• Shish Kabob – marinated meat cubes on a skewer
• Kofta/Seekh Kabob – ground meat with spices and herbs, shaped on skewers
• Doner Kebab – vertical spit (but milder, Turkish spices)

Grilling creates a charred crust with a juicy interior—perfect for fans of flame-grilled meats.

Kebab Styles

We serve grilled kabobs made fresh and seasoned Mediterranean-style:

• Chicken Kabob
• Ground Beef Kabob
• Combo Plate (shawarma + kabob)
• Veggie Combo Plate

Served with:

• Basmati rice or lentil quinoa pilaf
• Greek salad or house salad
• Classic hummus, baba gannoush, roasted veggies, and pita

Shawarma vs Kebab: Deeper Comparison

Cooking Method

• Shawarma: Slow-roasted on a vertical spit
• Kebab: Grilled over open flame

This creates two very different experiences:

• Shawarma → juicy, marinated, saucy
• Kebab → smoky, charred, grilled

Meat & Marinade

Shawarma uses thin slices marinated for hours.
Kebab uses chunks or ground meat mixed with spices.

Flavor & Texture

Shawarma → tangy, garlic-forward, warm spices
Kebab → smoky, earthy, herb-rich

Shawarma is softer and saucier, while kabob has more chew and char.

Serving Style

Shawarma:

• Pitas, wraps
• Plates with rice and salad
• Shawarma-topped salads
• Bowls

Kebab:

• Plates with rice and veggies
• Skewers
• Wraps
• Mixed grill platters

Which Is Healthier: Shawarma or Kebab?

Both can be excellent high-protein Mediterranean options.

Shawarma Can Be Healthier If…

• You choose chicken
• You order a plate instead of a large pita
• You pair it with salad, hummus, or veggies
• You limit sauces (garlic sauce is delicious… and rich!)

Kebab Can Be Healthier If…

• You choose chicken kabob or lean ground beef
• You opt for a plate with salad and rice
• Grilling naturally reduces fat as it drips away

At Micheline’s Pita House, health and wellness drive our menu—we offer lean proteins, salads, veggie sides, and nourishing grains.

Shawarma vs Doner vs Gyro

People often confuse these three dishes. Here’s the quick breakdown:

Shawarma (Levantine/Middle Eastern)

Bold spices, garlic flavors, tahini or toum, pickles, pita bread.

Döner Kebab (Turkish)

Vertical spit like shawarma, but milder spices (cumin, paprika, oregano). Often served in lavash or Turkish pide.

Gyro (Greek)

Often pork or chicken, served with tomatoes, onions, fries, and tzatziki in warm Greek pita.

They look similar but come from different culinary traditions.

Read Also: Doner Vs Shawarma

How to Choose: Shawarma or Kebab?

Choose Shawarma if you like:

• Saucy, marinated meat
• Garlic, lemon, and tangy flavor
• Soft pita sandwiches or wraps
• Thin, juicy slices

Try:

• Chicken Shawarma pita
• Ribeye Steak Shawarma plate
• Shawarma Tabouli Salad

Choose Kebab if you like:

• Flame-grilled, smoky flavor
• Chunky, meaty bites
• High-protein plates with rice

Try:

• Chicken Kabob plate
• Ground Beef Kabob
• Veggie Combo Plate

Can’t decide?

Order a Combo Plate and get the best of both worlds.

Or share:

• One chicken shawarma sandwich
• One kabob plate

Perfect for couples, families, and first-timers.

How We Serve Shawarma & Kabob at Micheline’s Pita House

At MPH, everything starts with authentic Mediterranean cooking, quality ingredients, and fresh daily prep.

Shawarma Options

• Chicken Shawarma (pita, plate, salad)
• Ribeye Steak Shawarma
• Add-ons: classic hummus, chipotle hummus, garlic sauce, pickled veggies, Greek fries

Kabob Options

• Chicken Kabob
• Ground Beef Kabob
• Kabob Plates with rice, hummus, salad, pita
• Combo Plate (shawarma + kabob)

Perfect for Groups

• Family Meals
• Pita Box / Pita Box Large
• Wrap Box / Wrap Box Large
• Catering platters for parties, office lunches, and celebrations

Whether you’re dining in La Jolla, Del Mar, or Solana Beach, you’ll get bold Mediterranean flavors made with care.

Shawarma vs Kebab – Frequently Asked Questions

Is shawarma a type of kebab?

No. Shawarma is cooked on a vertical spit and shaved; kebab is grilled on skewers. They share roots but are different dishes.

Is shawarma Greek or Indian?

Neither. Shawarma is Middle Eastern (Levantine).
Gyro is Greek; Indian shawarma is a modern fusion.

Where did shawarma originate?

In the Levant (Lebanon, Syria, Palestine), inspired by Turkish döner.

Which is healthier—shawarma or kebab?

Chicken kabob is often leaner due to grilling.
Chicken shawarma can be lighter if served as a plate with salad.

What’s the difference between shawarma, doner, and gyro?

Shawarma = Middle Eastern spices
Doner = Turkish spices
Gyro = Greek seasoning + tzatziki

What’s better for a high-protein meal?

Kabob plates with chicken or ground beef offer high protein with minimal fat. Shawarma plates with salad also work great.

What should I order if it’s my first time?

A combo plate—shawarma + kabob together—is the perfect introduction.

Conclusion

Shawarma and kebab are two Middle Eastern classics with totally different personalities—shawarma is saucy and slow-roasted, while kebab is smoky and grilled. Both are delicious in their own way, and the best way to experience them is side-by-side.

If you’re in San Diego and craving authentic Mediterranean flavors, visit Micheline’s Pita House in La Jolla, Del Mar, or Solana Beach.

Try:

• A Chicken Shawarma
• A Chicken Kabob plate
• Or the crowd-favorite Combo Plate

Dine in, order online, or bring Mediterranean flavors to your next event with our catering options.