X
Halifax may be known for its world-class seafood, award-winning restaurants, and waterfront patios, but the donair wears the crown as the city’s official food. Sweet, savoury, and a tad bit greasy, it’s a beloved local comfort food and late-night staple.
What Is a Halifax Donair?
A classic Halifax donair has four main components: spiced meat, toppings, donair sauce, and pita bread.
MEAT
Donair meat is made from spiced ground beef sliced off a rotating cone of meat.
TOPPINGS
A classic donair is topped with chopped onion and tomato.
DONAIR SAUCE
Donair sauce is a sweet white sauce typically made with either evaporated milk and sugar or sweetened condensed milk, along with vinegar and garlic powder.
PITA
A soft white pita wraps all the ingredients to complete the donair.
The History of the Halifax Donair
The Halifax donair dates back to the early 1970s, when Greek-style gyros made with lamb and tzatziki were adapted for local tastes. The lamb was replaced with spiced ground beef and the tzatziki with a distinctive sweet sauce, creating the Halifax donair we know today.
Where to Get a Donair in Halifax
You can enjoy a donair at dozens of locations in Halifax, and across Nova Scotia at almost any pizza place. Here’s a list of a few local favourites to get you started on your donair-tasting tour.
King of Donair
Multiple locations
Randy’s Pizza & Donair
Multiple locations
Tony’s World Famous Donairs
2390 Robie Street | North End Halifax
Real Fake Meats – Veggie donair
2278 Gottingen Street | North End Halifax
The Hungry Hut
135 Ochterloney St | Dartmouth
Mezza Lebanese Kitchen
Multiple locations
