Lavashown

Lavashown is a culinary term describing a wrap-based dish that uses lavash bread as the primary wrapper and combines fillings reminiscent of shawarma, kebab, or döner. Unlike standardized recipes, lavashown refers to a flexible concept rather than a fixed dish, with regional and personal variations.

Origin and spread: The term emerged in online food communities in the early 2010s as a portmanteau of lavash and shawarma. It gained traction in casual dining and street-food pop-ups across the Caucasus, the Near East, and parts of Europe, where chefs and bloggers adapted the technique to local ingredients.

Preparation and variations: A typical lavashown layers marinated meat, grilled vegetables, greens, and a sauce such as yogurt-tahini or garlicky yogurt inside a soft lavash sheet. The wrap is folded, sometimes pressed and briefly grilled to seal and warm the filling. Plant-based versions use falafel, roasted vegetables, or paneer. Common accompaniments include pickles, herbs, and hot sauce.

Terminology and distinction: Lavashown is distinct from shawarma or doner kebab primarily by the use of lavash as the wrapper and by the folding style. Some menus market lavashown as a modern reinterpretation of traditional flatbreads, rather than a separate culinary category.

Cultural reception: Critics note that lavashown’s lack of standardization can lead to confusion with similar wraps. Proponents view it as a versatile, quick-service option that emphasizes bread texture and hands-on eating. Related terms include lavash, shawarma, and wrap.