National Shawarma Day

Celebrated on 10/15/2026

Quick Fact

National Shawarma Day is celebrated annually on October 15th. Shawarma originated in the Middle East, with its name coming from the Turkish word 'çevirme' meaning 'turning'. It is estimated that over 10 million shawarma sandwiches are consumed worldwide each day.

Origins and Establishment of National Shawarma Day

National Shawarma Day was established in 2016 by the Shawarma Society of America to honor the beloved Middle Eastern dish. The date, October 15th, was chosen to coincide with the end of the peak summer tourism season in many shawarma-loving regions. The holiday was created to celebrate the rich culinary tradition of shawarma and to promote cultural appreciation.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, National Shawarma Day has grown from a niche observance into a global celebration. Social media campaigns using #NationalShawarmaDay have encouraged restaurants and home cooks to share their shawarma creations. Many eateries offer discounts or special menu items, and food festivals often feature shawarma-making demonstrations. The day has also become a platform for exploring regional variations, from classic chicken and beef to fusion versions like shawarma tacos.

Facts & General Observations

• Shawarma is typically made by stacking marinated meat (often chicken, beef, or lamb) on a vertical rotisserie, which is then shaved off as it cooks.
• The first known shawarma restaurant in the United States opened in 1970 in Dearborn, Michigan, a city with a large Arab-American population.
• According to a 2022 survey, shawarma is the third most popular street food globally, after pizza and tacos.

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