Marinated and spit-roasted, shawarma is a delicious Middle Eastern meat treat whose origins can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire era, while its name stems from the Arabic pronunciation of the Turkish word çevirme (lit. to turn; turning), and refers to the rotating skewer on which the meat is cooked.
Shawarmas are made with either lamb, turkey, chicken, beef, or a mix of different meats which are slow-cooked for hours and basted in their own juices and fat, gaining an incomparable succulence, but the real secret to a perfect shawarma is in the marinade.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Tamari kaak, a sandwich-type sweet, is considered one of the most popular foods in the old neighborhoods of Damascus. It is one of the most notable street foods in Syria, consisting of a pancake and a filling. The pancake is made with flour, sugar, and water, while the filling consists of tahini, grape or date molasses, and banana slices, topped with toasted sesame seeds and powdered sugar.
Recently, some vendors have also started adding condensed milk and chocolate to enhance the flavor. This sandwich is popular only in Damascus and is hard to find in other Syrian cities. Most vendors are located in the Al-Fahama district and the Al-Hamidiyah market but are also spread throughout the capital.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Kibbeh sqaqieh is a popular and affordable street food of fried bulgur patties in Aleppo, Syria. The term "sqaqieh" derives from "sqaq," a colloquial adaptation of the Arabic word "zqaq," meaning "alley" or "narrow street." This name reflects its widespread availability in the city's alleys and markets, making it a staple among daily laborers and those seeking cost-effective meals.
Unlike other kibbeh varieties that may feature fillings or complex preparations, kibbeh sqaqieh is straightforward. It's made from bulgur wheat mixed with spices, formed into patties, and fried in oil. This simplicity contributes to its low cost and popularity among locals.
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 3 Syrian Sandwiches and Wraps” list until March 20, 2025, 1,875 ratings were recorded, of which 577 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.