Inspired by the gyros and shawarma of the Middle East, Halifax Donair has become a true Maritime classic. First introduced in Halifax in the 1970s as a lamb-based Doner with tzatziki, it didn’t quite suit local tastes—so the recipe evolved. Spiced beef replaced lamb, the sweet garlicky Donair sauce was born, and a Canadian street food legend was made. Now, you can make this authentic Halifax Donair recipe at home with all the bold flavors you love!

Ingredients

• 3T Halifax Donair Spice
• 1lbs ground beef
• ¼ c bread crumbs
• 1T water  
• Pita bread
• Diced white onion
• Diced tomato
• Halifax Donair sauce (see separate recipe)

Instructions

• Mix ground meat with Halifax Donair Spice blend. 
• Preheat oven to 350°
• Form meat into a tube and wrap it tightly in tin foil. (Tip: Wrapping it tightly helps create the classic dense texture.)
• Place the wrapped meat in a loaf pan (it will leak a bit).
• Cook for 1.5 hours in preheated oven until the internal temperature is at least 160°
• Chill and let the flavours blend for at least 30 minutes to overnight in the fridge.
• Slice thinly and reheat on a grill or barbecue.
• Serve wrapped in warmed pita with diced white onion and tomato. And plenty of donair sauce. (Donair sauce recipe right here!)

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Halifax Donair

Meat Texture: For that signature dense 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

Pita Preparation: Steaming your pita bread to warm it will also make it more pliable and enhances flavor absorption. (aka less wasted sauce!) 

The History Behind Halifax Donair

The Halifax Donair traces its roots back to Peter Gamoulakos, who introduced it in the early 1970s. Originally inspired by the Greek gyro, Gamoulakos adapted the recipe to suit Nova Scotian tastes—replacing lamb with beef, adjusting the seasoning and creating the famous signature sweet garlic Donair sauce.   
Embrace this iconic Canadian street food and bring the taste of the Maritimes to your kitchen with this authentic Halifax Donair recipe!

👉 Pro Tip: Make extra! The leftovers freeze beautifully and are perfect for Donair pizza or poutine or more donair!