Nova Scotia Donair Recipe with Sweet Garlic Sauce

The Halifax donair is one of Canada’s most iconic comfort foods, known for its bold flavors, tender spiced beef, and the signature sweet garlic sauce. Originally a late-night street food in Nova Scotia’s capital, the donair has become a favorite across Canada and beyond. Now, you can easily recreate this legendary dish at home with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

This recipe covers everything you need to make authentic donairs: the flavorful beef, warm pita, fresh toppings, and of course, the famous donair sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or quick weekday lunches. You can even make the meat and sauce ahead of time, freeze portions, and enjoy donairs whenever the craving hits.

To truly enjoy a donair, you need the sauce to be just right. The donair sauce is what sets this wrap apart from other similar dishes like gyros or shawarma. It’s sweet, tangy, and garlicky—made from just three ingredients but packed with flavor. If you want to make a larger batch, explore different variations, or learn more about how it came to be, check out our detailed guide here: Donair Sauce Recipe

Below you’ll find the full recipe, including ingredients, instructions, tips, and a helpful FAQ to ensure your first (or tenth) donair turns out perfectly.

Nova Scotia Donair Ingredients

Donair Meat:

• 2½ to 3 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 teaspoons onion powder
• 4 teaspoons garlic powder
• ¾ cup Italian-style bread crumbs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Donair Sauce:

• 1 can (300 ml / 10 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder

Toppings and Wrap:

• Sliced onions
• Sliced tomatoes
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• 10 pita breads

Nova Scotia Donair Instructions

Start by making the donair sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, garlic powder, and vinegar until smooth. Let it sit for at least 1 hour in the fridge to allow the flavor to develop. It can also be made the night before.

Next, prepare the meat. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the ground beef with all the spices and breadcrumbs. Mix on medium-low speed for about 10 minutes, or knead by hand for 15 to 20 minutes, until the mixture becomes smooth and sticky in texture.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Shape the meat into a tight log on a clean surface, slamming it onto the counter a few times to remove air pockets. Slide a metal skewer through the center if using, and wrap the meat tightly in foil, sealing both ends. Place the log on a baking sheet and bake for 2 hours.

After baking, remove the foil and return the log to the oven (or use an air fryer) to brown for an additional 20 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Use a sharp knife to shave off thin slices of the meat. Pan-fry the slices in a small amount of oil until golden and crisp on the edges. While frying, place a pita on top of the meat to warm and soften it.

To assemble the Nova Scotia Donair , lay the warmed pita on foil. Add donair sauce, a layer of meat, diced onions, tomatoes, and more sauce on top. Cheese is optional but adds a delicious twist. Wrap the pita tightly in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes if desired.

Repeat for as many donairs as you want to make.

Pro Tips

If you don’t have a stand mixer, mix the meat by hand or in a food processor until it becomes dense and sticky. The sauce improves after chilling, so make it ahead when possible. You can freeze cooked donair meat in portions for fast meals later. While traditional donairs don’t include cheese, many enjoy it and it’s offered in Halifax shops.

Nova Scotia Donair

Halifax Donair is a true Canadian food treasure and the official food of Halifax. You don’t have to go to Halifax to enjoy one because now you can make it right at home with this recipe

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

Donair Meat:

• 2½ to 3 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 teaspoons onion powder
• 4 teaspoons garlic powder
• ¾ cup Italian-style bread crumbs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Donair Sauce:

• 1 can 300 ml / 10 oz sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder

Toppings and Wrap:

• Sliced onions
• Sliced tomatoes
• Shredded mozzarella cheese optional
• 10 pita breads

Method

 

1. Start by making the donair sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, garlic powder, and vinegar until smooth. Let it sit for at least 1 hour in the fridge to allow the flavor to develop. It can also be made the night before.
2. Next, prepare the meat. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the ground beef with all the spices and breadcrumbs. Mix on medium-low speed for about 10 minutes, or knead by hand for 15 to 20 minutes, until the mixture becomes smooth and sticky in texture.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Shape the meat into a tight log on a clean surface, slamming it onto the counter a few times to remove air pockets. Slide a metal skewer through the center if using, and wrap the meat tightly in foil, sealing both ends. Place the log on a baking sheet and bake for 2 hours.
4. After baking, remove the foil and return the log to the oven (or use an air fryer) to brown for an additional 20 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
5. Use a sharp knife to shave off thin slices of the meat. Pan-fry the slices in a small amount of oil until golden and crisp on the edges. While frying, place a pita on top of the meat to warm and soften it.
6. To assemble the donair, lay the warmed pita on foil. Add donair sauce, a layer of meat, diced onions, tomatoes, and more sauce on top. Cheese is optional but adds a delicious twist. Wrap the pita tightly in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes if desired.
7. Repeat for as many donairs as you want to make.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Calories: 531 kcal
Carbohydrates: 47 g
Protein: 52 g
Fat: 14 g
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 908 mg
Fiber: 2 g

FAQ: Halifax Donair Recipe

What is a donair?
A donair is a popular Canadian dish consisting of spiced ground beef, a warm pita wrap, fresh vegetables, and sweet garlic sauce. It originated in Halifax and is inspired by doner kebabs with a uniquely Canadian twist.

What is in traditional donair sauce?
The sauce is made from sweetened condensed milk, white vinegar, and garlic powder. It’s sweet, tangy, and balances the spices in the meat. For a deep dive and variations, see our Donair Sauce Recipe linked above.

Can I make donairs ahead of time?
Yes, both the sauce and meat can be made in advance. The meat can also be sliced and frozen in portions for quick reheating.

Do I need to use a skewer?
No, but it helps with shape and cooking. You can also bake the meat as a loaf without a skewer.

Is cheese traditional?
Traditionally, no. However, many people add mozzarella and it’s a common option at donair shops in Nova Scotia.

What are good sides for donairs?
Popular sides include garlic fingers, fries, or simple cucumber salads. Donairs also pair well with soda or cold beer.

Making a Halifax donair at home is easier than you think, and the results are always worth it. With just a few ingredients and some prep time, you can bring the flavors of the East Coast into your kitchen. Don’t forget to tag your photos with #NovaScotia and #SavorlynEats if you give this recipe a try—we’d love to see what you make.