
Discover the Delights of Donairs: A Nova Scotia Favorite
The Donair is a Nova Scotia specialty that remains undiscovered, mainly in other areas. In this blog post, I’ll share a foolproof recipe to create scrumptious Donairs at home and introduce you to the magic of this Maritime gem.
The Origins of the Donair
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at the origins of the Donair. This Canadian delight has its roots in the Turkish döner kebab and Greek gyros but has been adapted to suit local tastes. The result is a unique, mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for satisfying those late-night cravings.

Quick Links
Honey Whole Wheat Bread
Banana pumpkin blueberry muffins
Sweet Raisin Bread
Brown Bread
Sourdough starter
Salting
Corned Beef (Pickled)
General Vacuum Sealing
Freezing
Smoking
Drying
Preserve and store Pumpkins and squash
Crafting the Perfect Donair Meat
The foundation of a delicious Donair lies in its meat. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 to 3.5 pounds of lean ground beef (mix in some venison burger if available)
- 2 tsp flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1.5 tsp cayenne pepper
- 3 tsp Za’atar Spice (Italian seasoning will substitute)
- 4 tsp paprika (not smoked)
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 4 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp black pepper
- 3 tsp salt
Start by combining all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use a food processor or mixer to blend the mixture until the texture becomes homogeneous, losing its graininess. Form the mixture into loaves and place them on a wire rack over a pan to keep the drippings off the loaves. Bake at 350°F for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F or higher. Allow the meat to cool for 1-2 hours before slicing it into thin strips.
TIP: For an even finer and more homogeneous texture, run the ground meat through a grinder a couple of extra times before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will ensure your Donair meat has the ideal consistency for a truly authentic experience.
I recommend a rotisserie like this one:
Two Delicious Donair Sauce Variations
A perfect Donair needs an equally perfect sauce. Here are two variations to suit your preferences:
Donair Sauce 1: Unsweetened Evaporated Milk
- 1 can of evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 4 teaspoons white vinegar, or as needed
Donair Sauce 2: Sweetened Evaporated Milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
- 4 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp garlic powder
For either variation, mix all ingredients except the vinegar in a bowl. Gradually add the vinegar while whisking until the sauce reaches a thick, spoonable consistency. Be careful not to over-whisk.
Assembling Your Donair
Now comes the moment of truth – putting it all together. You’ll need the following:
- Diced tomatoes and onions
- Pita bread
Fry the sliced Donair meat in a hot, oiled pan until becoming crispy. Set aside and cover with foil to keep warm. Lightly wet a pita bread and fry it in the same pan for about 30 seconds per side. Place the pita on a plate, layer it with meat, diced onions, and tomatoes, and generously drizzle with Donair sauce. Fold and enjoy!
In this article, I’ve shared with you the secrets to making a mouthwatering Donair, a Nova Scotia favourite. So give it a try and experience the flavours of the Maritimes right in your own kitchen.

Disclaimer
myBackyard is for recreational purposes only. Plants, mushrooms and berries cannot be 100% identified through this website alone. It is up to the reader to properly identify plants, fungi and trees. Some wild plants, berries and mushrooms are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects. Even those listed as edible may cause adverse reactions in individuals.
MyBackyard.ca participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases through our links.