Have you ever tried a Halifax donair? The meaty snack is a favourite amongst Haligonians and a surefire way for visitors to eat like a local. Keep reading to learn all about the donair and where to find the best ones when visiting the East Coast.

Chances are, you have had a donair kebab, shawarma, or gyro before. These types of dishes have become a go-to for food lovers, making a name for themselves across North America as one of the best “late-night eats.” But there’s another player in the game. A unique, Canadian favourite that is so loved that it’s actually been named the official food of Halifax – the donair.

History of the Halifax donair

So what exactly is a donair, and where did it come from? The story goes that a man named Peter Gamoulakos came to Canada in the 1950s. After spending some time in Greece, Peter brought back an idea to sell traditional gyros in his pizza shop. The plan failed, but instead of giving up, he decided to create a new recipe that better suited local tastes. 

He switched lamb to beef and added a special sauce, and the famous Halifax Donair was born. King of Donair opened its first location on Quinpool Street in 1973, and they continue to serve delicious donairs to locals and tourists every day. 

Where to find the best donair

Once you get a taste of a Halifax donair, you’ll find yourself pulling up a search for the “best donairs near me” any chance you get. While you may have come across shops and restaurants across Canada advertising donairs, ask any Bluenoser, and they'll tell you that it’s not the real thing. The overall consensus remains the same—there’s no better place to find the best donairs than in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Since so many Nova Scotians live across Canada and get homesick for their beloved donair, King of Donair now has locations across Western Canada in Calgary, Edmonton, Grand Prairie, and Saskatoon. Donair King and Donair Dude also get shout-outs for serving up some of the best donairs in Vancouver. 

King of Donair in Halifax may be credited as the originators of the donair, but Tony’s Famous Donairs and Pizza is another top contender for the best. Known simply as Tony’s, this Robie Street institution has been serving up delicious donairs since 1976.

Donair ingredients

The secret to a Halifax donair lies in its simplicity (and of course, its unforgettable sauce). It’s the combination of just a handful of ingredients in this tasty Canadian sandwich that’s made it an icon that’s gaining popularity across the country.

To create the unique flavours of the Halifax donair, Peter swapped traditional lamb for spiced beef as the donair meat and replaced the thick tzatziki with a thinner, sweeter sauce made from condensed milk. The legendary Halifax donair features thin slices of spiced beef laid on a warm Lebanese pita, topped with diced onion and tomato, and finished with a generous drizzle of that sweet garlicky sauce. 

Donair flavours have become so popular that they’ve inspired the “donair pizza,” another late-night Halifax favorite since the early ‘90s. If you’re visiting Halifax anytime soon, you won’t want to leave without giving it a try. Chefs are getting even more creative with the donair trend, and you’ll now find donair poutine and even donair-inspired doughnuts on some menus.

Interesting facts about the donair

The original Halifax donair is so beloved by the local community that it was named the official food of Halifax in 2015. It’s been featured in National Geographic and sampled by one of the world’s most renowned travelling foodies, the late Anthony Bourdain. Famous Canadians have also been spotted enjoying a Halifax donair, including Pamela Anderson, Sarah McLachlan, McGinty, and the members of Bachman-Turner Overdrive. 

Try the famous Halifax donair on your East Coast adventure

Headed to Halifax and wondering the best spot to try one of their famous donairs? The city has no shortage of donair shops or restaurants that serve this Canadian favourite. According to many locals, including Cailin O’Neil, the best donairs can be found at the King of Donair. Check out her video for all the sloppy and delicious details. 

Without a doubt, donairs are a homegrown Canadian snack to be proud of and a must-try for anyone visiting Halifax.