SHAWARMA
When? Mid-1980s
How it started: In 1988, GNC Enterprises created the first local shawarma rotisserie for a client at the beginning of the shawarma craze. They were flooded with orders afterwards, as shawarma became the next lechon manok.
At its peak: You couldn't find any street corner or mall without the familiar aroma of meat roasting on a metal contraption, somebody hacking the meat into pieces and someone else piling the veggies on pita bread. With a final squirt of the yogurt sauce, everyone knew you'd given in to the fad: garlic breath.
What's left of the craze: Some food stalls still offer them (like the ancient Harrison Plaza) as well as some LRT, MRT and bus stations. Restaurants or eateries specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine are sure to have them.
