Gyros

A gyro is a popular Greek food made with seasoned meat that is cooked on a tall, spinning rotisserie. Thin slices of the cooked meat are shaved off and served in warm pita bread with vegetables and a creamy sauce called tzatziki. Gyros are a favorite street food in Greece and are loved around the world.

How Gyros Are Made

To make a gyro, seasoned meat is stacked on a vertical spit that spins slowly next to a heat source. As the outside of the meat cooks and gets crispy, thin slices are shaved off with a sharp knife. The sliced meat is placed in soft pita bread. Tomatoes, onions, and lettuce are added on top. A dollop of cool, creamy tzatziki sauce finishes the gyro.

The Sauce and Toppings

Tzatziki is the special sauce that makes gyros so delicious. It is made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and lemon juice. The cool, tangy sauce pairs perfectly with the warm, savory meat. French fries are sometimes added inside the pita in Greece. Some people also add hot sauce or pickled peppers for extra flavor.

Fun Facts

• The word gyro comes from the Greek word for "turn" or "spin."
• Gyros became popular in the United States in the 1970s.
• In Greece, gyros are one of the most popular fast foods.

Did You Know?

The correct way to say gyro is "YEE-roh," which comes from the Greek word for spinning!