Dash's Donair: Authentic Halifax Street Food

Name: Dash's Donair: Authentic Halifax Street Food
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 150 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 kg lean ground beef; 1 tbsp ground black pepper; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 cup evaporated milk; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup white vinegar; 1 tsp garlic powder

150 min 6 servings Medium

All Recipes

Enjoy the taste of Halifax with Dash's Donair, a savoury and satisfying street food classic made with spiced meat and a sweet garlic sauce.

Prep

30 min

Cook

60 min

Total

150 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Dash's Donair pays homage to the famous Halifax street food, known for its unique combination of spiced meat and sweet garlic sauce. Originating in the 1970s as a Canadian adaptation of the Greek gyro, the donair has since become a beloved staple in Nova Scotia's culinary scene. This authentic recipe captures the essence of the original while offering practical tips for home preparation. Perfect for those seeking a taste of the East Coast or anyone curious about distinctive Canadian dishes, this version ensures you can recreate the iconic flavours at home.

Ingredients

Servings

For the donair meat

For the donair sauce

Instructions

Prepare the meat mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with black pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Pro tip: Knead the meat mixture for at least 10 minutes to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Shape the meat

Form the meat mixture into a tight log shape, about 15 cm (6 inches) long. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Pro tip: Chilling the meat helps it hold its shape during cooking.

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).

Cook the donair meat

Place the wrapped meat log on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Make the donair sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together evaporated milk and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Gradually add vinegar and garlic powder, mixing until thickened and creamy.

Pro tip: The sauce should have a balance of sweet and tangy flavours.

Assemble the donair

Slice the cooked meat thinly and serve in warm pita bread with donair sauce, diced tomatoes, and onions.

Pro tip: Warm the pita bread in the oven for a few minutes for a softer texture.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat.
Chill the wrapped meat overnight for better texture.
Adjust the sugar in the sauce according to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dash's Donair wrapped in warm pita bread, topped with fresh diced tomatoes and onions for an authentic experience. Pair it with a side of crispy fries or a simple green salad to complement the rich flavours of the meat and sauce. To make ahead, prepare the donair meat and sauce a day in advance. Store the cooked meat and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the meat in a skillet over medium heat before serving.