Traditional Donair

Experience the bold, savory flavors of the East Coast with this Traditional Donair recipe, a Canadian classic known for its perfectly spiced meat, sweet garlic sauce, and fresh toppings. Made with a flavorful blend of ground beef, oregano, rosemary, basil, and a hint of cayenne, the meat is baked to juicy perfection before being thinly sliced and served on warm pita bread. The star of the show is the signature donair sauce—a creamy, sweet garlic dressing made with evaporated milk, vinegar, and sugar—that perfectly balances the spices of the meat. Topped with fresh tomatoes and onions, this handheld favorite is easy to assemble and perfect for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re recreating a taste of Halifax or trying it for the first time, this donair is a must-try for anyone craving bold, unique flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Ground beef
• 2 teaspoons Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 120 grams All-purpose flour
• 150 milliliters Evaporated milk
• 30 milliliters White vinegar
• 200 grams Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (for sauce)
• 4 Large pita breads
• 2 medium Tomatoes
• 1 medium Onion

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Mix these spices thoroughly into the meat.

Step 3

Place the seasoned meat on a baking sheet and shape it into a tightly packed loaf.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes until cooked through and firm.

Step 5

While the meat is baking, prepare the donair sauce. In a small bowl, mix together 150ml of evaporated milk, 30ml of white vinegar, 200 grams of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 6

Once the meat is cooked, allow it to cool slightly before slicing it thinly into strips.

Step 7

Warm the pita breads briefly in the oven or in a dry skillet.

Step 8

Chop the tomatoes and onion into small, even pieces.

Step 9

To assemble the donair, place a portion of the sliced meat onto each pita. Top with chopped tomatoes and onions.

Step 10

Drizzle generously with the prepared sweet garlic sauce.

Step 11

Serve immediately, wrapping the pita around the filling for ease of eating.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1665.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3415.8

Total Fat 111.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 351.5mg	0%
Sodium 4191.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 476.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.0g	0%
Total Sugars 236.4g
Protein 136.3g	0%

Vitamin D 158.8IU	0%
Calcium 762.0mg	0%
Iron 24.8mg	0%
Potassium 2780.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.0%

Protein: 15.8%

Carbs: 55.2%