The Ultimate Halifax Donair — Sweet, Garlicky, Addictive (with Halifax Donair Spice)
Alexandra ClarkShare
Inspired by the gyros and shawarma of the Middle East, Halifax Donair has is a true Maritime classic and grown to be part of the Canadian cuisine. Now, you can make this authentic Halifax Donair recipe at home with all the bold flavours you love!
The History Behind Halifax Donair
First introduced in Halifax in the 1970s as a lamb-based doner served with tzatziki, it didn’t quite suit local tastes. So the recipe evolved. Spiced beef replaced lamb, the sweet, garlicky, addictive donair sauce was born, and a Canadian street food legend was made.
Embrace this iconic Canadian street food and bring the taste of the Maritimes to your kitchen with this authentic Halifax Donair recipe!
Ingredient Spotlight
Star Ingredient: Halifax Donair Spice Blend
This handcrafted blend carries the soul of the East Coast with smoky paprika, aromatic garlic, oregano, and just a whisper of heat—essential to that iconic donair flavour. (Don't worry if you can't do heat, we have a Zero-Heat version too)
Halifax Donair with Donair Sauce
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Main Dish
Cuisine
Canadian
Author:
Alexa “Lex” Clark
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
105 minutes
Sweet, garlicky, and utterly addictive—this Halifax Donair is the taste of late-night Maritimes wrapped in a pillowy pita. With our signature Halifax Donair Spice blend, you can whip up this up in your own home kitchen and add East Coast legend to your name.
Ingredients
-
3 Tbsp Halifax Donair Spice - adjust to your taste
-
450g (1lb) lean ground beef
- ¼ cup (30g) bread crumbs
-
1 Tbsp water
- Pita bread, for serving
- Diced white onion
- Diced tomato
-
Halifax Donair sauce (see Pro Tips)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°
Mix ground beef with Halifax Donair Spice blend, bread crumbs, and water thoroughly.
Shape the meat mixture into a tube and wrap it tightly in tin foil. (Wrapping it tightly helps create the classic dense texture.)
Place the wrapped meat in a loaf pan (it will leak a bit and this saves cleanup time).
Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 hours, or until internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C).
Rest and let the flavours blend for at least 30 minutes and/or chill and put in the fridge overnight. (for easier and thinner slicing).
Serving
Slice thin, then reheat slices on a hot skillet or grill to caramelize the edges for extra flavour.
Serve wrapped in warmed pita with diced onions, tomatoes, and plenty of homemade donair sauce. (Donair sauce recipe right here!)
Recipe Note
Pro Tips - restaurant kitchen tips
- Make extra! The leftovers freeze beautifully and are perfect for Donair pizza or poutine or more donair!
- 2 Tips for that Perfect Donair Texture:
- Mix the meat in a stand mixer on low for 5-7 minutes before shaping. You can do it by hand, but it's a lot of work.
- Wrap it tightly in that foil tube. The tighter you wrap it, the easier the slicing and the texture
- Pita Preparation: Steaming your pita bread to warm it will also make it more pliable and enhances flavour absorption. (aka less wasted sauce!)
- Crispy Edges: Reheat sliced meat in a dry pan to develop crispy, caramelized edges like a pro. Cast iron is great for this, so is your BBQ.
Hot Tips - hacks that make things easier or cheaper
- Pita Prep: microwave your pita wrapped in a damp towel for 10 seconds to warm and soften it.
- Straight From the Freezer: Freeze leftover sliced donair meat and throw it straight into a hot pan. Have it in a donair wrap, on pizza, with eggs. Hell, you could make a full wrap and slam it in the freezer and then just warm it up whenever you wanted - no waste, no delay, no delivery fees!
Make it Vegan
- Tofu Donair: Dave had a great idea - freeze & grate your tofu, then marinade in the Halifax Donair Spice blend, to make a vegan halifax donair with all the texture and flavour you are craving!
Did you make Halifax Donair?
Tried the recipe? Rate it and tag so we can share! We love seeing your tasty creations. Tag your pics #FromLexsPantry and @FromLexsPantry or leave a review with a photo on our Halifax Donair product page. Your delicious moments inspire us and the community!
Have questions, want sauce tweaks, or have blending stories to share? Leave a comment - Lex reads and replies to every one.
Don’t forget—our blends are hand‑crafted in small batches for maximum flavour, aroma and ease. Let's make delicious easy!
