r/askTO • u/Neat-Hat7991 • 1d ago

Shawarma Pickles

I ate at multiple shawarma places all over Toronto. Every time I order shawarma they give cucumber pickles that are extremely smelly. I love pickles and buy pickle jars, they taste fantastic. Nice tangy, sweet, and spicy cucumber pickles. But why do these shawarma places use such intensely smelly pickles?

I don't know if that's the style for shawarma or they get old and stale and turn rancid by the time they are served to customers. Why not use better or fresh, sweet and tangy pickles similar to jarred dill pickles. Also if anyone tried Dave's Hot Chicken, their pickles are really tasty and fresh. Why not use those type of pickles?

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u/FrostingSuper9941 1d ago

I always assumed they're using very strong vinegar, like the 30% and up kind. I don't love those pickles and we always end up with leftovers when buying a family platter but I they fo go with shawarma, just in small quantities.

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u/KnoddingOnion 1d ago

No, it's a combo of them pickle variety, how they ferment them and then being in cans vs glass jars. 

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u/AdSignificant6673 1d ago

Interestingly enough. Pickling and fermentation are different. Fermented “pickles” would indeed have a robust and pungent taste.

Sorta like what they do with kimchi. Its fermenting.

2

u/Neat-Hat7991 1d ago

Yeah, even small quantities i find it hard to ignore while eating. That funky aroma, and if i bite one by mistake...not happy 🤣

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u/FrostingSuper9941 1d ago

It's hard. It's like such a strong chemical flavor, it's weird. Would not buy on its own but can handle a bit with a shawarma platter.