Qawarma
Slow-Cooked Preserved Lamb in its Fat
Yes, keto as served. About 1g net carbs per serving, lower than 9 in 10 Saudi dishes.
What it is
A traditional dish of lamb pieces that have been slow-cooked and preserved in their own rendered fat (ghee or clarified butter). This process results in incredibly tender, rich, and intensely flavored meat. It's an inherently keto-friendly dish, often served simply as a main protein.
Key ingredients
Lamb meat (e.g., shoulder, leg), lamb fat/ghee, salt, black pepper, bay leaves (optional).
Optional tweaks
Ensure it is served plain, without any bread, rice, or starchy vegetable accompaniments. Confirm no added sugars or thickeners.
Say this to the waiter (Arabic)
للقاورما، قدمها سادة من فضلك، بدون خبز أو أرز أو خضروات نشوية. وتأكد أنها خالية من السكر المضاف أو أي مكثفات.
For Qawarma, serve plain, without bread, rice, or starchy vegetables. Confirm no added sugars or thickeners.
Watch out for
Almost none from the dish itself, but it is almost always served with bread for dipping in the rich fat. Hidden carbs are highly unlikely in this preparation.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
More on the Saudi menuAll 156 Saudi dishes ›
