Sauces & Sides
The world's authoritative source on shawarma
The SHAWARMA.WEBSITE sauces and sides library documents all the classic shawarma sauces — tahini, amba, zhug, harif, garlic, and more. Each sauce comes with a taste profile, dish pairings, and a recipe.
Nutty, creamy, slightly tangy
Creamy, intensely garlicky
Spicy, herbaceous, bright
Cool, creamy, garlicky
Tangy, spicy, slightly sweet
Pomegranate Sauce
Sweet, sour, tangy with nutty undertones
Chimichurri Verde
Fresh, herbaceous, tangy with a slight kick
Peanut Sauce
Rich, nutty, slightly spicy with umami depth
Media origin unverified · Match to this exact item is unverifiedSpicy Red Sauce
Smoky, spicy, tangy with a subtle sweetness
Media origin unverified · Match to this exact item is unverifiedGarlic Yogurt Sauce
Cool, tangy, creamy with a sharp garlic kick
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemGarlic-Herb Yogurt
Creamy, garlicky, herbaceous, tangy
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemSpiced Tahini
Nutty, creamy, tangy, garlicky
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemHarissa
Smoky, spicy, complex
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemShatta (Chili Sauce)
Spicy, tangy, garlicky
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemYogurt-Mint Sauce
Cool, refreshing, tangy with fresh mint
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemGarlic Mayo
Creamy and garlicky; acidity and sweetness depend on the mayonnaise and seasoning.
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemMango Chutney
Mango versions can range from fruity-tart to hot or very sweet; there is no single flavor profile.
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemSumac Onion
Fruity-tart from sumac with the bite and freshness of raw onion.
External photograph · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemBeyrouthhh · CC BY 3.0Hummus Spread
Creamy, sesame-nutty and tangy; texture and acidity vary across traditions and restaurants.
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemChili Sauce
Ranges from sharp and acidic to sweet, smoky or fermented depending on the sauce.
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemYogurt Sauce
Creamy and tangy; it can range from mild and refreshing to strongly garlicky or herbaceous.
External photograph · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemRainer Zenz · CC BY-SA 3.0Tzatziki
Creamy, tangy and refreshing with garlic and cucumber; garlic and herb intensity varies.
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemHarissa
Concentrated chilli heat with garlic and coriander; intensity and aroma vary with pepper variety and recipe.
AI illustration · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemS'chug
Hot, herbaceous and fresh; flavor varies greatly with chile type, herbs and spices.
External photograph · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemTatan48 · Public domainAmba
Tangy, salty, fruity and spiced, often with a pronounced fenugreek aroma.
External photograph · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemCharbel (attributed by source) · CC BY-SA 3.0Toum / Garlic Sauce
Intensely garlicky, sharp and acidic, with a white airy texture when properly emulsified.
External photograph · Illustrative example, not documentation of this exact itemGilabrand · CC BY-SA 3.0Tahini
Nutty, sesame-rich and creamy; acidity and texture vary when thinned into a sauce.
Sauces are an integral part of the shawarma experience. Tahini, amba, zhug, and garlic sauce are the most common, but there are dozens of additional regional sauces. In our sauce library you'll find detailed information on each sauce, including taste profile, dish pairings, allergens, and a full recipe.
FAQ
What's the classic shawarma sauce?
Tahini is the most classic sauce, along with garlic sauce. Amba and zhug are common in the Middle East and add heat and tanginess.
Do the sauces contain allergens?
Some do. Tahini contains sesame, and certain sauces contain nuts or mustard. Each sauce lists allergens in detail.