Chicken Gyro vs Chicken Shawarma: A Flavorful Lunch Choice in Scottsdale

The debate of chicken gyro vs chicken shawarma is one many food lovers face when deciding what to order for lunch. While both dishes are served in bread with savory toppings, their flavors, origins, and seasonings make them very different. At De Babel in Scottsdale, we proudly serve both, offering customers the chance to enjoy authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine in one place.

What Is a Chicken Gyro?

A chicken gyro is a Greek specialty made by cooking marinated chicken on a vertical rotisserie. Thin slices are placed in warm pita bread and topped with fresh vegetables such as tomato, onion, and lettuce. What truly defines a gyro is its sauce: tzatziki, a creamy yogurt-based mixture with cucumber, garlic, and herbs. The overall flavor of a chicken gyro is refreshing, light, and tangy, making it a balanced option for lunch. Paired with sides like fries or a chopped salad, it becomes a complete meal. At De Babel, our Gyro Sandwich and Gyro Plate are customer favorites. Both bring the authentic taste of Greece to Scottsdale with the freshness and quality we are known for.

What Is Chicken Shawarma?

Chicken shawarma originates in the Middle East, especially in Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey. Like gyros, it is cooked on a spit, but the seasoning is the key difference. Shawarma is marinated with spices such as cumin, paprika, cinnamon, coriander, and garlic, giving it a warm and aromatic flavor. The chicken is shaved into thin slices and served in flatbread or pita. Instead of tzatziki, it comes with tahini or garlic sauce, along with pickles, tabbouleh, or hummus. The result is a richer, spiced dish that has become one of the most iconic Middle Eastern meals worldwide. At De Babel, you can enjoy Chicken Shawarma Sandwiches or a Chicken Shawarma Plate for lunch, both made with authentic spices and flavors.

Chicken Gyro vs Chicken Shawarma: Key Differences

Although similar in preparation, there are clear differences between chicken gyro vs chicken shawarma.

Feature	Chicken Gyro	Chicken Shawarma
Origin	Greece	Middle East
Seasoning	Oregano, lemon, garlic	Cumin, paprika, cinnamon, garlic
Sauce	Tzatziki (yogurt-based)	Tahini or garlic sauce
Flavor	Light, refreshing	Warm, spiced
Bread	Pita	Flatbread or pita
Best Sides	Greek salad, fries	Hummus, tabbouleh, grape leaves

At De Babel, customers often order both to compare the two flavors side by side.

Read More: Mediterranean Food vs Middle Eastern Food

Flavor Profiles: Light vs Spiced

• Chicken Gyro: A lighter flavor thanks to tzatziki, herbs, and citrus. It feels refreshing and balanced.
• Chicken Shawarma: A bold and aromatic dish with spices that bring depth and richness. Garlic sauce or tahini makes it even more intense.

This difference in taste means choosing chicken gyro vs chicken shawarma depends on whether you prefer refreshing Mediterranean flavors or rich Middle Eastern spices.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

Health-conscious diners often ask which is healthier: chicken gyro vs chicken shawarma. The answer depends on preparation and toppings.

• Chicken Gyro: Often lower in calories, especially with yogurt-based tzatziki and fresh vegetables.
• Chicken Shawarma: Higher in protein and flavor, though sauces like garlic cream may increase calories.

Both are healthy lunch options when paired with fresh sides such as:

• Taboulih (parsley, bulgur, lemon, olive oil)
• Chopped Salad
• Hummus or Baba Ghanoush
• Fried Cauliflower

At De Babel, we focus on freshness and balance, making both dishes great choices for a satisfying meal.

At De Babel, you don’t have to choose. Try both dishes and discover your new favorite flavor combo. Explore the De Babel Menu now!

Cultural Origins of Gyros and Shawarma

The chicken gyro traces back to Greece but was influenced by the Turkish doner kebab. Over time, it became a staple of Greek cuisine with its distinct use of tzatziki and pita bread. The chicken shawarma has Levantine roots and represents the street food culture of the Middle East. Its spice mix reflects centuries of culinary traditions, making it one of the most celebrated dishes in the region. De Babel – Best Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Restaurant in Scottsdale – celebrates both cuisines by preparing them authentically while adding the quality and presentation that Scottsdale diners expect.

Lunch in Scottsdale: Where to Try Both

For those searching for chicken gyro vs chicken shawarma in Scottsdale, De Babel has quickly become a local favorite. Since opening in July 2021, we have earned a five-star rating on Yelp and were recognized as one of the Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. Our menu is designed to highlight both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, offering dishes like:

• Chicken Shawarma Plate with Taboulih
• Gyro Sandwich with Fresh Cut Fries
• Mezza Platter with Falafel, Hummus, and Baba Ghanoush

Whether you want something light or richly spiced, you will find it here.

Which Should You Choose for Lunch?

The choice between chicken gyro vs chicken shawarma comes down to personal preference.

• Choose chicken gyro if you prefer a lighter, yogurt-based flavor with a Mediterranean touch.
• Choose chicken shawarma if you enjoy bold spices and Middle Eastern authenticity.
• Or try both at De Babel and experience the best of two worlds.

Read More: Best Places to Eat Lunch in Scottsdale

About De Babel: Authentic middle eastern and Mediterranean food in Scottsdale

De Babel opened in July 2021 and quickly became one of Scottsdale’s top-rated restaurants. With a five-star Yelp rating and national recognition, we are proud to represent the richness of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Our mission is to provide remarkable dining experiences through authentic flavors, healthy ingredients, and exceptional service. Our vision is to lead the Middle Eastern fast-casual segment by focusing on quality and authenticity in every dish. When you choose De Babel, you are not just enjoying lunch. You are experiencing passion, tradition, and excellence on every plate.

Conclusion

The debate of chicken gyro vs chicken shawarma is not about finding a winner but appreciating the differences. Gyros bring refreshing Greek flavors, while shawarma offers bold Middle Eastern spices. Both make excellent lunch options, and both are available at De Babel in Scottsdale. Visit us today to experience why our restaurant has become one of the city’s most loved destinations for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food.