Halifax Donair (Loaf Style)

Unlike its Greek cousin, the Canadian version swaps lamb for spiced beef and is paired with a sweet, garlicky sauce that’s unlike anything else. Created in the 1970s by restaurateur Peter Gamoulakos in Halifax, the donair quickly became a late-night staple, especially after a night on the town. Traditionally cooked on a vertical spit, many home cooks make it loaf-style in the oven: seasoned beef shaped, baked, then sliced thin and served in pitas with onions and tomatoes. In 2015, Halifax even declared the donair its official food — proof of just how iconic this messy, delicious wrap has become.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rest time)

Serves: 6–8

Ingredients

For the donair meat

• 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (extra lean)

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp oregano

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper

• ½ tsp dried basil

• For the sweet garlic sauce

• 1 can (300 ml / 10 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• ½ cup white vinegar

• 1 tsp garlic powder

For serving

• Pita bread

• Diced onions

• Diced tomatoes

Method

• Prepare meat loaf: Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F). In a large bowl, combine beef with all spices. Knead mixture very well (5–10 minutes) until it becomes sticky and dense — this gives the donair its signature texture.

• Shape & bake: Form into a firm loaf and place on a baking sheet or loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour, or until internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F). Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.

• Make sauce: In a bowl, whisk condensed milk, vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use (sauce thickens slightly as it chills).

• Assemble donair: Warm pita bread. Layer with thin slices of donair meat, diced onions, and tomatoes. Drizzle generously with sweet garlic sauce. Wrap and serve hot.

Variations

• Donair pizza: Top a pizza crust with donair meat, mozzarella, onions, tomatoes, and drizzle with garlic sauce after baking — a Halifax favourite.

• Vegetarian donair: Substitute the beef with a plant-based ground “meat” alternative (or a mix of lentils and mushrooms for a homemade version). Shape and bake as a loaf the same way, then slice and serve with the classic sweet garlic sauce, onions, and tomatoes.