Ask ten people in West Bloomfield what they order at a Middle Eastern restaurant and most will say shawarma. It's also the dish people ask us the most questions about. So here's the short version of what shawarma is, how it's made at Royal Palace Grill, and how to order it.
Shawarma, defined
Shawarma is thinly sliced meat that's been marinated, stacked in layers on a vertical spit, and slow-roasted as it turns. The outside crisps and caramelizes while the inside stays juicy. When you order, the cook shaves the browned outer layer straight off the spit. That's why good shawarma can't be made ahead and held in a tray: the texture comes from cutting it to order.
The word comes from the Turkish çevirme, meaning "turning," and the technique spread across the Levant and Iraq. It's a cousin of the Greek gyro and Mexican al pastor, but the marinade is what makes it Middle Eastern: garlic, lemon, vinegar, and a warm spice blend built on cumin, coriander, paprika and allspice.
Chicken shawarma vs. beef shawarma
| Cut & marinade | Traditional pairing | Flavor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Boneless thigh, marinated in garlic, lemon, yogurt and spices | Served with toum (whipped garlic sauce) and pickles | Lighter, tangy, garlicky |
| Beef | Thinly sliced beef layered with fat for moisture, marinated in vinegar and warm spices | Served with tahini, tomato and onion | Richer, deeper, more savory |
There's no wrong answer. First-timers tend to love chicken because of the garlic sauce. People who grew up eating Iraqi or Lebanese food often lean beef with tahini. If you're buying for a group, get one of each.
How to order it at Royal Palace
- Chicken or Beef Shawarma Sandwich ($7.99+) — wrapped in pita, part of our daily carry-out specials from 12 to 7. The fastest lunch on Haggerty Rd.
- Chicken Shawarma Platter ($16.99) or Beef Shawarma Platter ($17.99) — a generous pile of shawarma over rice with salad and sauce. A full dinner.
- Sandwich Tray ($45+) — assorted shawarma and falafel sandwiches cut for sharing. The thing to bring to the office.
See the full list on the menu, or call (248) 438-6672 and we'll have it ready when you pull in.
Questions people ask
What's the difference between shawarma and a gyro?
Both are meat roasted on a vertical spit, but gyro is Greek, usually a pressed lamb-and-beef loaf served with tzatziki. Shawarma is Middle Eastern, made from layered whole cuts of chicken or beef, and served with garlic sauce or tahini.
Is shawarma healthy?
Chicken shawarma is lean protein with garlic, lemon and spices. Order it as a platter with salad instead of a sandwich if you want to skip the bread, and ask for sauce on the side.
Is the shawarma at Royal Palace Grill halal?
Yes. All of our chicken and beef, including the shawarma, is 100% halal.
