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Behind the Scenes

The Art of Authentic Shawarma

November 28, 2025 4 min read
Shawarma meat on vertical spit

There's a reason shawarma has been a Middle Eastern staple for centuries—thin layers of marinated meat, stacked on a vertical spit, slowly rotating next to an open flame. As the outer layer crisps and caramelizes, it gets shaved off in tender, flavorful ribbons. At Eatarra, we bring this ancient tradition to your breakfast plate.

What Makes Real Shawarma Different

Shawarma isn't just grilled chicken. It's a completely different cooking method that creates a unique texture and flavor you can't get any other way. Here's what sets it apart:

Stacked & Layered

Thin slices of marinated meat are stacked on a vertical spit, creating layers that cook and crisp from the outside in.

Vertical Spit

The meat rotates vertically next to a heat source, allowing juices to flow down and baste the layers below.

Shaved Fresh

As the outer layer caramelizes, it's shaved off in thin ribbons—crispy edges with juicy, tender meat.

Slow Cooked All Day

The spit rotates for hours, developing deep flavor and that signature shawarma texture.

Our Shawarma Marinade

Great shawarma starts with the marinade. Our chicken marinates for 24 hours in a blend of traditional Middle Eastern spices that have been perfected over generations. While we can't share our exact recipe, here's what makes authentic shawarma seasoning:

Traditional Shawarma Spices

Cumin & Coriander

The aromatic foundation of every great shawarma

Turmeric

Adds golden color and earthy warmth

Cardamom & Cinnamon

A hint of sweetness that balances the savory spices

Paprika & Aleppo Pepper

Color and mild heat with fruity undertones

Garlic & Onion

Fresh and powdered for layered depth

Yogurt Base

Tenderizes the meat and helps spices penetrate

The Vertical Spit: Where Magic Happens

Our shawarma spit is the heart of our kitchen. Here's how it works:

24hrs

Marinade Time

Deep flavor penetration

4-6hrs

On the Spit

Slow rotating perfection

165°F

Internal Temp

Safe and juicy every time

As the spit slowly rotates, the outer layer of meat crisps up against the heat while the inner layers stay moist. When you order, we shave off those perfectly caramelized edges—giving you the best of both textures in every bite.

Shawarma for Breakfast? Absolutely.

Here's where Eatarra does something different. While most places serve shawarma in pita for lunch or dinner, we put it in your breakfast burrito. Imagine perfectly spiced, freshly shaved chicken shawarma alongside scrambled organic eggs, crispy hash browns, and your choice of toppings—all wrapped up or served in a bowl.

Shawarma Breakfast Combos We Love

The Shawarma Sunrise

Chicken shawarma + eggs + hash browns + pickled turnips + garlic sauce

Mediterranean Morning

Chicken shawarma + eggs + tomatoes + cucumber + tahini drizzle

Fusion Fiesta

Chicken shawarma + eggs + avocado + jalapeños + salsa + cheese

Organic Chicken, Authentic Method

Every piece of chicken on our shawarma spit is organic. We source from farms committed to quality—no hormones, no antibiotics, just real chicken raised the right way. Combined with our traditional marinade and slow-cooking method, you get shawarma that's better for you and better tasting.

That's the Eatarra difference: authentic Middle Eastern technique meets organic, quality ingredients. Whether you've had shawarma a hundred times or you're trying it for the first time in a breakfast burrito, you'll taste why we're obsessed with doing it right.

Ready to Try Shawarma for Breakfast?

Freshly shaved, perfectly spiced, organic chicken shawarma in your breakfast burrito or bowl

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