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You’ve probably eaten shawarma but have you ever tried shaurma? It’s more than just an orthographic alternative: it’s Georgia’s (the country, not the state) answer to the popular Middle Eastern street food – and the rendition served at Genatsvale is first-rate.

Instead of being stuffed into a pita pocket, shaurma is rolled up in thin lavash and then pressed, a technique that happily puts the focus on the filling; you can choose chicken or pork or a mix of the two and opt for spicy or non-spicy. In this photo, I’ve snipped off a bit of bread to reveal the chopped veggies that accompany the generous portion of marinated meat.

I’ve written about Genatsvale’s best-in-the-neighborhood achma and habit-forming qada here and of course, we always pay a visit on my Exploring Eastern European Food in Little Odessa ethnojunket where there’s a thriving Georgian population.

If you’re curious, “genatsvale” is a touching Georgian word that doesn’t readily translate into other languages. At its essence, it is a term of endearment but it’s actually an elision/concatenation of a longer phrase which loosely deconstructed is, “If you are ever in trouble, let me take your place.” Sweet.

Genatsvale Georgian Bakery is located at 3070 Brighton 3rd St in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn.
 
 
Stay safe, be well, and eat whatever it takes! ❤