# Tell me about Greek Gyro's. What do they taste like? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 20, 2012, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347 "2012-10-20T19:27:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/1 "2012-10-20T19:27:58Z")
I’m very tempted to give a Greek Gyro place a try. This place has been a tradition in my city for decades. Biggest concern is whether it’s spicy? My last scope procedure found irritation in my esophagus and I can’t handle spicy. Even with omeprazole, spicy foods give me very bad heartburn and usually comes back up. So is traditional Gyro’s always Lamb? Menu just says Gyro meat. :dubious: Is this where Mary’s buddy disappeared to? 😃 Menu [http://www.leosgreekcastle.com/Menu-Page-2.html](http://www.leosgreekcastle.com/Menu-Page-2.html) tzatziki sauce. I think it’s made from yogurt and cucumber? Strong taste? Bland? Spicy? What’s it like? **Overall what’s a Gyro taste like? Roast beef? Or maybe some lunch meat?** ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/2 "2012-10-20T19:39:24Z")
Lamb, beef at less authentic places. Lamb is a dividing taste, but I like it. It’s a variation of kebab meat. Thick cut, not at all like deli meat. Meat is spiced, but hardly spicy at most places. Wikipedia tells me it’s often stuff like paprika, regular pepper, garlic powder. The pita can be very thick or thinner. Drenched in tzatziki. I like the taste so I don’t consider it bland, but it’s not strong at all. The strongest part of it is dill. Yogurt-y? Other cultures have similar stuff you may have tried, like raita. Don’t call it a jie-roh, like the propellor. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/3 "2012-10-20T19:42:35Z")
Just pronounce it the way it sounds and they’ll know what you mean. It’s a little spicy and has an herb-y yogurt based sauce and vegetables. Just get one and try it. ---
**Author:** ![Sahirrnee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sahirrnee/32/13937_2.png) [@Sahirrnee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sahirrnee)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/4 "2012-10-20T19:43:49Z")
I love them. It’s kind of an unique taste, I wouldn’t call it spicy. I think the best thing you can do is try one. Give it a few bites. The first bite I took wasn’t so good but then the flavors melt together and well they are yummy. I’ve had them with lamb but I’ve seen places sell a chicken version. Then it’s your typical lettuce, tomato, raw onion. The feta cheese adds a salty taste that really blends well with the sauce. I don’t like cucumbers or yogurt, but I love the sauce, it’s kind of cool and refreshing in contrast to the feta. I think it’s the blend of all those ingredients that make them so tasty. Try one, the worst that can happen is you don’t like it and you wasted a few bucks. ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/5 "2012-10-20T19:46:59Z")
I’ve never considered gyros hot, but then I like spicy. The spices on the meat are more flavor seasoning than heat. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/6 "2012-10-20T19:54:20Z")
I’ve got stomach and reflux issues to beat the band but gyros have never been a trigger. As noted above, they’re more flavorful than spicy. ---
**Author:** ![Rebo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rebo/32/13005_2.png) [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/7 "2012-10-20T19:55:04Z")
All the gyros I have eaten are made from a combination of ground beef and ground lamb. Maybe because we’re in Texas? 😉 Not spicy, unless the raw onions are too strong. Tzatziki sauce is a thin yogurt/cucumber drizzle. Served in a pita with chopped tomatoes and onions. Try it! You’ll be very pleased! ---
**Author:** ![pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/8 "2012-10-20T19:57:51Z")
The apostrophe is awful. Spit it out whenever you eat gyro’s. You’ll thank me later. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/9 "2012-10-20T20:03:20Z")
I’ve always heard the meat is a combo of ground beef and lamb, and that’s about what it tastes like to me. With lots of garlic. If garlic sets you off, stay away. Otherwise, you should be fine. ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/10 "2012-10-20T20:18:42Z")
> [@Rebo](#): > > All the gyros I have eaten are made from a combination of ground beef and ground lamb. Maybe because we’re in Texas? 😉 Possibly so. Traditionally ( and it is a very young [tradition](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyro_%28food%29#Origins) ) it is [spit-roasted meat](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/40/Gyros_C5878.jpg). ETA: Ah, but noting the entry on the [U.S](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyro_%28food%29#United_States), perhaps not so unusual. I guess I’m spoiled in that spit-roasted _al pastor_ at least is readily available locally. ---
**Author:** ![Swords\_to\_Plowshares](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b38774/32.png) [@Swords\_to\_Plowshares](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swords_to_Plowshares)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/11 "2012-10-20T20:21:47Z")
> [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](#): > > I’ve always heard the meat is a combo of ground beef and lamb, and that’s about what it tastes like to me. With lots of garlic. If garlic sets you off, stay away. Otherwise, you should be fine. It varies from place to place, could be just lamb or just beef, or a combo. Combo seems to be the most popular; I’m fine with anything other than all-beef. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/12 "2012-10-20T20:22:24Z")
It’s basically shawarma with yogurt, right? ---
**Author:** ![pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/13 "2012-10-20T20:22:46Z")
> [@Tamerlane](#): > > Possibly so. Traditionally ( and it is a very young [tradition](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyro_%28food%29#Origins) ) it is [spit-roasted meat](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/40/Gyros_C5878.jpg). Exactly what I said. Spit out the apostrophe. ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/14 "2012-10-20T20:26:14Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > It’s basically shawarma with yogurt, right? Pretty much :). Good shawarmas in my area, too. I’m getting hungry. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/15 "2012-10-20T20:29:26Z")
Where I live, gyros are made from beef unless otherwise noted. ---
**Author:** ![Giles](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giles/32/60_2.png) [@Giles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giles)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/16 "2012-10-20T20:30:58Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > It’s basically shawarma with yogurt, right? Or [doner kebab](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doner_kebab). There are a lot of similarities in the cuisines of the eastern Mediterranean: “gyro” is the Greek name, “döner kebap” the Turkish name, and “shawarma” the Arabic name for the same kind of lamb sandwich. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/17 "2012-10-20T20:52:48Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > Where I live, gyros are made from beef unless otherwise noted. That makes me sad. =\> ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Sahirrnee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sahirrnee/32/13937_2.png) [@Sahirrnee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sahirrnee)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/18 "2012-10-20T20:57:12Z")
Most of the places where I get them the lamb is sliced off a spit. The sub shop down the street uses something more like they use on a steak sub only thicker. It’s not as good as the real thing but it’s good enough. I’ve never seen ground anything on a gyro. ---
**Author:** ![Erdosain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/erdosain/32/7284_2.png) [@Erdosain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Erdosain)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/19 "2012-10-20T21:16:02Z")
> [@Giles](#): > > Or [doner kebab](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doner_kebab). There are a lot of similarities in the cuisines of the eastern Mediterranean: “gyro” is the Greek name, “döner kebap” the Turkish name, and “shawarma” the Arabic name for the same kind of lamb sandwich. There was a wonderful Onion article about Northern Cyprus that showed the Green Line going through the middle of a restaurant. On one side it said “Gyros” and the other said “Kebabs.” Now that I think about it, it might have been in the Onion atlas book, _Our Dumb World_. ---
**Author:** ![bobkitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c67d28/32.png) [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2012, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347/20 "2012-10-20T21:31:48Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > That makes me sad. > > =\> ☹ QFT. That makes me sad and a little bit stabby. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-greek-gyros-what-do-they-taste-like/638347.md?page=2)