Difference Between Gyro and Souvlaki

Gyro vs Souvlaki

Gyro or gyros is a special Greek delicacy consisting of meat, onion, tomato and tzatziki sauce served with pita bread. It is a lot similar to the common sandwich. Souvlaki is also a Greek dish, but basically a fast food. It is prepared with small meat crumbs and grilled vegetables all prepared on a skewer. Souvlaki is more often than not served with garnishes and sauces or with fried potatoes or pilaf for an added taste.

Gyro is also termed as shawarma in the Middle East and tacos al pastor in Mexico. It originally evolved from the döner kebab popular in Turkey during the 19th century. Souvlaki which though has a lot of similar ingredients like gyro is basically a different dish and since has its own set of terminology as well. In some parts of the world souvlaki is also termed as shish kebab and kalamaki (in Athens).

While preparing Gyro, processed meat or thin meat strips are used in large cones for cooking. On the other hand, souvlaki though originally prepared with pork in Greece, in recent times chicken, lamb, beef and even fish is also used for preparing this fast food dish.

The preparation of gyro commences as slices of meat are placed on a large erect spatter. The spatter keeps turning before an electric burner or some other source of heat. In case the meat doesn’t have enough fat, extra strips of fat are added so that the meat retains the moistness and crispness while roasting. The rate of roasting needs to be adjusted from time to time for a juicy cooking. Once ready the surface of the meat is sliced into crispy, thin shavings served in a roll of grilled pita with butter, salad toppings and sauces. That makes the final dish. A little bit of extra condiments which include red paprika and pepper may be added only upon the choice of the customer. In contrast, for preparing souvlaki the meat is chopped into 1″ cubes and then marinated in a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice with oregano, thyme and other Greek spices through the night. Next morning the meat cubes are skewed on little reeds or wooden skewers, brawled on charcoal and then served with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Souvlaki when served goes with a lot of extra condiments like vegetables, potatoes and an array of sauces.

Summary:
1.Gyro is a special Greek delicacy served as a main dish, whereas Souvlaki is also a Greek dish by origin but more of a fast food.
2.Gyro is also known as shawarma and döner kebab. On the other hand souvlaki is often termed as shish kebab and kalamaki.
3.Gyro is primarily prepared with pork meat. Souvlaki can be prepared with a host of different meats like chicken, lamb, beef and even fish.
4.Gyro is prepared in the form of long meat strips; souvlaki is prepared in the form of meat cubes.

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