Pitting Gyro vs Souvlaki Dishes When Ordering at a Resto
Two of the most popular dishes in Greek Cuisine are gyros and souvlakis, but how do you know which one to choose? Both are delicious and traditional, but when faced with both choices on the menu, which one should you order at a restaurant?
In case you didn’t know, both gyro and souvlaki are Greek staples that have different textures and flavors. This essentially means the better dish entirely depends on what you’re looking for, but that doesn’t mean that the debate has to end there.
When choosing between gyro and souvlaki dishes at a restaurant, there are quite a few things to consider. Keep reading to know more.
What Gyro Is
Gyro is a Greek dish made of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is typically lamb, although chicken and beef are also common. This is often served with toppings like tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce. Whether enjoying a gyro at a restaurant or making it home, it’s sure to be a delicious and satisfying meal.
What Souvlaki Is
Like gyro, souvlaki is a Greek dish as well, typically made with pork or chicken that is skewered and grilled. It is quite a delicious and satisfying meal that can be accompanied by the same toppings as gyros, like tomatoes, onions, and other vegetables. It is a delightful, healthy, and filling meal that is perfect for any time of day. If you’ve never had souvlaki before, you’re in for a treat.
How Souvlaki and Gyro Differ in Taste
The biggest difference in taste between the two dishes is the way in which they are cooked. While gyro is cooked on a vertical rotisserie while souvlaki is skewered and grilled. This gives gyro a richer flavor, although souvlaki can still stand to be more savory depending on what it’s spiced with. However, both are delicious and make for a satisfying meal.
How Souvlaki and Gyro Differ in Recipe
The ingredients in the recipes of Souvlaki and Gyro are quite different. The meat used to make Gyros is typically a combination of lamb and beef that’s been spiced. Contrarily, souvlaki is usually made using chicken or pork marinated in various herbs and spices such as garlic, onion, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, and salt. Both can vary in the type of meat it’s used.
How Souvlaki and Gyro Differ in Dish Construction
The presentation of the two dishes is most noticeably different depending on how they are served. While gyro can be featured on a stick, there are instances when the meat is typically served in a pita or a burger sandwich that is typically topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, giving a more handheld appearance. On the other hand, Souvlaki is simply served on a skewer, traditionally seen as similar to kebabs.
How Souvlaki and Gyro Differ in Popularity
The popularity of the two dishes is quite different in different parts of the world. Souvlaki is more popular in Greece and the Middle East, whereas Gyros seem to be more well-liked in the US and other Western nations. Meanwhile, souvlaki has not been introduced to the United States until the early 2000s.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a delicious, traditional Greek dish, then you can’t go wrong with either a gyro or a souvlaki. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious, authentic Greek dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
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