Y ou can't go very far in this town without bumping into a donair of one kind or another. Cousin of the doner kebab, and friend to boozy crowds after the bars close, the donair is a true Halifax original. Although its basic recipe of grilled spiced meat, sticky sweet sauce, diced onions and tomatoes, all wrapped in a fried pita, has been delivering umami hits since Pierre Trudeau (that's Justin's dad) was prime minister, city council only voted to make the donair Halifax's official food in 2015. By that time, enterprising Haligonians had already realized the donair is more symbol than snack, an idea that could—and should—and must—evolve. The donair contains multitudes. As you're about to discover, it even has a place for you.
There are a couple different ways to discover where you fit on Halifax's official food spectrum. You can use this flowchart to figure out your soulmeat, with tips for finding it below the chart. Or try this online tool that will guide you through the process.
THE IRONIC
Find it at The Trainyard General Store,
53 Portland Street, and Strange Adventures, Halifax, 5110 Prince Street
THE ACOUSTIC
Find it at donairsupply.com
THE TRAINEE
Find it at Jessy's Pizza, 6041 North Street and other locations, Kenny's Pizza, 1658 Bedford Highway and other locations, as well as many other HRM restaurants
THE IMPOSSIBLE
Find it at Real Fake Meats, 2278 Gottingen Street, and Wild Leek, 2148 Windsor Street
THE DIPLOMAT
Find it at G-Street Pizza, 2302 Gottingen Street, and Johnny K's Authentic Donairs, 5246 Blowers Street
THE CLASSIC
Find it at Tony's Famous Donairs & Pizza, 2390 Robie Street, and King of Donair,
6420 Quinpool Road and other locations, plus many more local restaurants
HE HERO
Find it at Robert's Pizza Donairs & Subs,
364 Windmill Road, and Randy's Pizza,
2380 Agricola Street and another location, along with many other restaurants
THE SOCIAL
Alexandra's Pizza, 1735 Grafton Street and other locations, and Sicilian Pizza, Donairs & Subs, 5245 Blowers Street and other
locations, in addition to many other restaurants throughout HRM
THE FUSION
Find it at Xtreme Pizza, 5970 Spring Garden Road, Papa Mario's Pizza, 1189 Bedford Highway, and many other Halifax restaurants
THE OVERLOAD
Find it at Willy's Fresh Cut Fries & Burgers, 5239 Blowers Street, Mezza Lebanese Kitchen, 1558 Barrington and other locations, plus many restaurants locally
