Shawarma and burritos are both massively popular in their own right. They are quick to prepare and clean to eat, making them great for street food! However, from a distance, these two dishes may look to be the same. So, what are the differences between shawarma and burrito, and which is better?
Shawarma is typically roasted meat served in a flatbread, although burritos can be with or without meat. Burritos often use a variety of ingredients, whereas the meat in shawarma takes center stage. As a result, burritos are more versatile, whereas shawarma is more suited to meat enthusiasts.
The Origin Stories
Shawarma is a Levantine cuisine that became popular during the Ottoman Empire (roughly modern-day Turkey). This is when the practice of roasting meat in a vertical stack on a spit first appeared. This is how shawarma meat is prepared. In reality, the word "shawarma" comes from the Turkish word for "turning." This refers to the entire process of carefully flipping the meat on the spit. Shawarma is a popular street snack in Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, and many other Middle Eastern nations due to its origins.
The origins of burritos are also a fascinating story. The Maya civilisation employed a tortilla (the same flatbread used to serve tacos) to wrap various foods thousands of years ago. As a result, the concept is quite old. However, the modern burrito's origins are murky. According to popular folklore, modern-day burritos were invented by a man named Juan Mendez. Mendez travelled on a donkey and sold tacos, according to the tale. He'd wrap the dish in tortillas to keep it warm. As a result, it became known as "meal of the burrito" (Spanish for donkey), and the moniker was subsequently adopted for the real dish.
Regardless of their actual origin, burritos are strongly associated with Mexican culture and are frequently featured in Mexican cuisine.
Preparation
As previously said, the first step in producing shawarma is to prepare the meat. Traditionally, the meat is chopped into thin slices, stacked vertically, and then roasted on a slowly turning spit or rotisserie. To make the meat more flavorful, various spices and fat are often added. When it's time to serve, the chef uses a long knife to cut a chunk of beef from the spinning stack. The meat is then complemented by additional components such as vegetables, spices, and sauces. All of these ingredients are wrapped in a wrap, which is commonly a flatbread like a pita or laffa. One side is left exposed to make eating it simpler.
A burrito's ingredients can be significantly more varied. To begin with, it is not always made with a meat filling. Many popular dishes contain no meat at all. Beans, cooked rice, vegetables like tomatoes and lettuce, and so on are significantly more common. Lamb, hog, and chicken meat, on the other hand, are popular fillings for burritos. Of course, you can combine the elements to make your own recipe. This is why burritos are far more versatile than shawarmas. Burritos are always wrapped on a tortilla and can be served hot or cold. The wrap usually, but not always, completely covers the filling.
Shawarma and burrito are two of the most popular street food options around the world. Shawarma is more common in Asian and Middle Eastern countries, but burritos are more common in Latin American ones.
Burritos are more well-known in the United States as a result of their close relationship with Mexico. Shawarma, on the other hand, has become a popular street food option in the United States.
Both recipes can be made with the same basic components. If you enjoy kebab-style meat preparation, shawarma is the dish for you. Burritos, on the other hand, are more versatile and offer more choices, which can be especially important for vegans and vegetarians. Both of these dishes provide something unique to the tongue. So, if you're looking for a different flavour, give one of these a shot. Whether it's the traditionally Arabic flavour of shawarma or the Latin flair of a burrito, your palate is in for a treat.