What is the Difference Between Gyros and Souvlaki?

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Gyros and souvlaki are both Greek dishes made with grilled meat, served with vegetables, tzatziki, and pita bread. However, there are differences in how the meat is prepared and cooked:

  • Souvlaki: Marinated pork, chicken, beef, or lamb is grilled on a skewer. It can be served on a skewer, in a warm pita, or over a salad. Souvlaki is considered a more traditional Greek dish with a longer history.
  • Gyros: Stacked meat (usually pork, but other meats are common) is cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Gyros are made by shaving slices of meat from the rotisserie and are typically served in a pita bread sandwich with vegetables like onion and tomato, and fries (sometimes). Gyros are a more recent dish, thought to have arrived in Greece in the 1920s.

In summary, the main difference between gyros and souvlaki is how the meat is prepared and cooked. Souvlaki involves grilling marinated meat on skewers, while gyros involve shaving slices of meat from a vertical rotisserie.

Comparative Table: Gyros vs Souvlaki

Here is a table comparing the differences between gyros and souvlaki:

Feature Gyros Souvlaki
Meat Type Pork, chicken, beef, or lamb Pork, chicken, beef, or lamb
Preparation Meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie Meat marinated and grilled on skewers
Serving Style Thinly sliced meat, often in a pita wrap Chunks or thick strips of meat
Accompaniments Warm pita bread, lettuce, tomato, red onions, tzatziki, and occasionally feta cheese or olives Served with a side of rice or in a warm pita

Both gyros and souvlaki are popular Greek dishes that share similar flavor profiles, featuring juicy meats and fresh vegetables. The main difference between the two lies in the preparation and serving styles. Gyros consist of slices of meat shaved from a vertical rotisserie, while souvlaki is marinated and grilled on skewers.