National Donair Day

A smiling individual with a plate of donairs, enjoying the tasty treat, dressed in casual street fashion, urban setting.. — National donair day illustration

Have you ever heard of National Donair Day? If not, get ready to celebrate the deliciousness that is the donair! This mouthwatering day is all about indulging in this savory treat and savoring every bite. So, grab your appetite and let's dive into the world of donairs!

When is Donair Day?

It's national donair day on the 8th December.

The Donair Delight

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm pita filled with juicy, seasoned meat, topped with fresh veggies and drizzled with a tangy sauce. That's the irresistible donair! Originating in Nova Scotia, Canada, this flavorful creation has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of people worldwide.

The story of the donair dates back to the 1970s when a Greek immigrant, Peter Gamoulakos, introduced this unique take on the traditional gyro. With a few tweaks to the recipe, the donair was born, and it quickly became a favorite among locals. Soon enough, word spread like wildfire, and now donair shops can be found in various corners of the globe.

Donair Day Celebrations

On National Donair Day, enthusiasts gather to pay homage to this delectable dish. People flock to their favorite donair joints, lining up for their chance to devour the perfect combination of flavors. It's a day filled with savory satisfaction, messy eating, and lots of napkins!

Restaurants often run special promotions, offering discounts or unique variations of the classic donair. Food trucks join in the fun, showcasing their creative donair creations. It's a food lover's dream, and the perfect excuse to indulge in this mouthwatering delight.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the official donair sauce consists of sweetened condensed milk, vinegar, and garlic powder? This creamy and tangy sauce is a must-have when enjoying a donair, adding that extra zing to every bite!

History behind the term 'Donair'

1979

The Birth of the Donair

The term 'donair' originated in 1979 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It was introduced by a Greek immigrant named Peter Gamoulakos, who came up with a new spin on the traditional Greek dish 'gyro.' Gamoulakos slightly modified the ingredients and cooking method to suit Canadian tastes and called it a 'donair.' The donair quickly gained popularity and became a beloved fast food item in Halifax.

1984

The Donair Sauce Creation

In 1984, the famous donair sauce was created by another Greek immigrant named Jimmy Christo. Christo experimented with various ingredients to develop the perfect combination for the donair sauce. The sauce is a blend of evaporated milk, sugar, vinegar, and garlic powder, giving it a unique tangy and sweet flavor. The invention of the donair sauce further enhanced the popularity of the dish.

1999

Donair Recognition as Official Food

In 1999, the donair gained official recognition as the official food of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Halifax Regional Municipality declared the donair as a significant cultural food item that represented the city's multicultural heritage. This recognition solidified the donair's place as an iconic and cherished dish in Halifax.

2007

Donair Day Celebration

Since 2007, Halifax has celebrated 'Donair Day' annually on May 18th. This day is dedicated to honoring and indulging in the deliciousness of the donair. The celebrations feature donair-eating contests, live music, and various food vendors offering their own unique twists on the classic dish. Donair Day has become a cherished event among locals and draws visitors from across the country.