Shawarma spice is a Middle Eastern spice blend used to season the meat in shawarma — the iconic spit-roasted meat dish popular throughout the Levant, Turkey, and beyond. The blend typically includes cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, cardamom, and paprika. Some versions add cloves, ginger, or cayenne for extra heat. The result is warm, aromatic, slightly earthy, and mildly spiced.
Shawarma spice is not just for shawarma — it works beautifully as a dry rub for chicken thighs, lamb, beef, and cauliflower. It also appears in wraps, rice bowls, roasted vegetable dishes, and Middle Eastern-style soups. The combination of warming spices with earthy cumin and turmeric gives the blend a distinctive, immediately recognizable flavor that defines street food across the Middle East.
Because shawarma spice shares many components with other Middle Eastern blends, several substitutes work well — either other spice blends or a quick homemade version.
■Best Substitutes for Shawarma Spice
| Substitute | Flavor Match | Swap Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade blend (see below) | Exact match | 1:1 |
| Baharat + cumin + turmeric | Warm, aromatic, earthy | 3/4 tsp baharat + 1/8 tsp each cumin and turmeric per 1 tsp |
| Seven spice + turmeric | Levantine warm + color | 3/4 tsp seven spice + 1/4 tsp turmeric per 1 tsp |
| Garam masala + turmeric + cumin | Warm, earthy, aromatic | 1/2 tsp garam masala + 1/4 tsp turmeric + 1/4 tsp cumin per 1 tsp |
| Ras el hanout | Complex, warm, North African | 1:1 |
| Curry powder + cinnamon | Earthy, warm, colorful | 3/4 tsp curry + 1/4 tsp cinnamon per 1 tsp |
| Za'atar + cumin + cinnamon | Herbal, warm, less typical | 3/4 tsp za'atar + 1/4 tsp each per 1 tsp |
Quick homemade blend: Mix 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp each: cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, cardamom.
■How to Choose the Right Substitute
For chicken shawarma and lamb shawarma, baharat or seven spice combined with turmeric is the most practical shortcut. These blends share most of the same spices and the turmeric adds the characteristic golden color. A homemade blend takes only minutes and produces the most authentic result.
For roasted vegetables and cauliflower shawarma, a simpler blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon provides enough flavor without needing every spice in the full blend. Ras el hanout works as a single-ingredient substitute that provides similar warmth and complexity.
■Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for shawarma spice on chicken?
Baharat combined with turmeric and extra cumin is the most practical substitute for chicken shawarma. Season generously and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
What can I substitute for shawarma spice on cauliflower?
A simple blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon works beautifully on roasted cauliflower. This approximates the key flavors of shawarma spice without needing all the individual components.
Can I leave out shawarma spice entirely?
You can season with individual spices instead. At minimum, use cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a pinch of cinnamon — these four spices capture the essential character of shawarma seasoning.
Is shawarma spice the same as baharat?
They are closely related but not identical. Shawarma spice typically includes turmeric and paprika for color, giving it a distinct golden hue. Baharat tends to be darker and more pepper-forward. They are close enough to substitute in most dishes.
Can I use taco seasoning instead of shawarma spice?
Taco seasoning shares some ingredients (cumin, chili, paprika) but is quite different in flavor — it has chili and oregano rather than the warming sweet spices of shawarma. It will produce a noticeably different result, especially without the cinnamon and cardamom notes.