A CULTURAL & CULINARY MEDITERRANEAN ICON
A DELICIOUS WRAP
THE HUMBLE GYRO
To some, the humble gyro is just a delicious wrap. To others, however, it represents much more. Several people maintain that the perfect parcel of roasted meat in most ways has become a culinary icon of Greece. The fact remains however, that the simple fast food is a delectable meal, sprouting from the roots of the Mediterranean diet.
A FUSION OF FLAVOURS
A FUSION OF FLAVOURS
Serving as a testament to the rich culinary history of Greek people, the gyro reflects the fusion of flavours and traditions of Hellenism. It has remained synonymous with the Greek and Cypriot cuisine. As its popularity soars, new adaptations continue to emerge, so to many contemporaries it remains a relevant food today.
A BLEND OF SPICES, OLIVE OIL & VINEGAR
MARINATED FOR SEVERAL HOURS
Essentially a fast food, the traditional gyro consists of meat that is typically pork, chicken, or lamb. The meat is marinated using a blend of spices, olive oil, and vinegar for several hours. This infuses the flavour and creates a unique taste. Other variations of the gyro include the Turkish doner that uses beef and the Lebanese Shawarma that typically uses chicken.Â
VERTICALLY ROASTED
THE GREEK WORD FOR TURNING
The term ‘gyro’ derives from the Greek word for ‘turning’. This directly refers to the method used for cooking the marinated meat. The gyro is prepared by layering sections of meat onto a large rotisserie skewer. It is then slowly vertically roasted while turning.Â
A CRISPY OUTER LAYER
PERFECTLY COOKED SUCCULENT MEATS
The differing degrees of heat culminate in perfectly cooked, succulent meats. Once the meat forms a crispy outer layer, it is shaved off for serving. The shavings are then combined with fresh tomatoes, onions, and sometimes fries, along with a generous drizzle of rich creamy tzatziki sauce. All of these simple ingredients are then tightly packed into a specific type of circular flat pita bread that resembles a wrap.
A FRESH HOMEMADE SAUCE
ENHANCING THE OVERALL GYRO EXPERIENCE
The tzatziki sauce is usually homemade. It typically contains cucumber, garlic, and dill. This sauce is usually served cold over the meat. This offsets the often-vibrant spices. The sauce often adds a refreshing contrast that enhances the overall gyro experience.
CONTEMPORARY COOKING METHODS
ROASTING MEAT ON OPEN CAMPFIRES
Contemporary methods of this type of cooking have existed throughout the centuries. The roots of roasting marinated meat over open fires, as we know it today, are traced back to ancient Greece. Historical documents suggest that ancient Greeks were practising cooking in the ‘kebab’ sense, as far back as the 5th century BC. Greek soldiers, mainly during campaigns of war, would butcher their allocated animal. They would then place sections of the meat on their swords and roast it on open campfires. Whilst this is mainly accepted for the conventional horizontal form of kebab preparation, the story of the vertical rotisserie is quite different.Â
A RAPID DEVELOPMENT
A CRUDE VERSION OF VERTICLE ROASTING
The Ottomans are thought to have been the first to introduce the vertical rotisserie for roasting meat. This is supported by the fact that Greek migrants, particularly from the City of Izmir, are thought to have introduced a crude version of the vertical rotisserie to Greece. This continued throughout the the late 19th century and the vertical rotisserie continued to evolve throughout the early part of the 20th century. It reached its current form by the mid-20th century allowing the wholesome wrap to establish itself as the main staple of the fast-food industry of Greece.Â
CULTURAL EXCHANGES BETWEEN GREECE & CYPRUS
A STAPLE OF CYPRIOT CUISINE
The Greek gyro was introduced to Cyprus by further mainland Greek immigration, particularly during the mid-20th century. While the exact individual or event that brought the gyro specifically to Cyprus isn’t well-documented, it is widely believed that the dish became popular among the Greek-Cypriot community. This was as a direct result of cultural exchanges between Greece and Cyprus. The dish has since become a staple in Cypriot cuisine, enjoyed for its delicious flavours and ease of preparation.
SPREAD ALL OVER THE WORLD
AN AMERICAN DREAM
Further migration of Greek people away from Greece, helped to spread the gyro phenomenon throughout the world. In 1970, a Greek immigrant, who adopted the name John Gyro, opened the first dedicated gyro fast-food outlet in the United States. As other gyro outlets followed, this marked a significant recognition of Greek cuisine globally.
Interesting Facts about the Gyro
A Global Phenomenon: The gyro’s popularity has made it a common sight in many international food cultures today. Gyro fast-food outlets are now commonplace all over Europe, North America, and parts of the Middle East.Â
Different Variations: New versions of gyro have incorporated different meats, such as beef. Shawarma gyros and several Indian versions incorporate different spices. Vegetable gyros have also become popular, creating vegan options for vegetarians. Other adaptations have replaced the pita bread with gluten-free wraps and the serving of gyro on conventional plates is a testament to its versatility and accommodating culinary nature. Appealing to several diverse preferences, different fusions of gyro, featuring different styles have also emerged. These include the ‘gyro bowl’ and the ‘gyro platter’, and these have created interesting twists while staying true to gyro roots.Â
The Largest Gyro:Â In 2017, the town of Katerini in Greece played host to the world’s largest gyro weighing over 40 kilograms.Â
Health Benefits: It is generally accepted that gyros are a healthier fast-food option, especially when filled with lean meats, fresh vegetables, and yoghurt-based sauces. The incorporation of probiotics from yoghurt also offers digestive benefits, while the use of herbs and spices adds anti-inflammatory properties to the meal.
Cooking Variations: The process of making gyros shares similarities with traditional practices like those used to make Greek souvlaki and other kebabs. The vertical rotisserie method is not solely about cooking, but also about preserving the flavours and juiciness of the meat.
Cultural Significance: In Cyprus, gyros often symbolise communal dining. The act of sharing food, especially in the form of gyros, is a significant aspect of Cypriot hospitality.Â
THE SPIRIT OF GREEK CULINARY CULTURE
The Greek gyro today represents the spirit of Greek culinary culture. In most ways it also serves as a good example of modern Greek culinary innovation. The popularity of fast food remains relevant and as the gyro continues to be adopted by various other cultures, it continues to remain relevant in world food culture. Good examples of other variations are the Turkish döner kebab and the Middle Eastern shawarma kebab. These both greatly resemble the gyro and they share not only in its concept but also its origin. The gyro’s significance in today’s food courts continues to be recognised as an embodiment of Greek flavours. Enchanting taste buds from all around the globe, it is fair to say that from its ancient origins to its modern-day status, the versatile fast food continues to stand as a representaton of both Greece and the Greek people. Ultimately, whether a gyro is enjoyed at a humble food stall in Athens or a trendy eatery in New York, it remains a delicious reminder that Greek food in all of its forms, holds the power to connect people from all over the world.
