Shawarma box is a popular takeout and delivery packaging solution designed to hold shawarma meat served with rice, fries, vegetables, and sauces in one convenient container. As shawarma restaurants expand into delivery, catering, and food trucks, choosing the right shawarma box becomes essential for portion control, food quality, and customer experience. In this guide, we explain what a shawarma box is, the common types and sizes available, and how to choose the best packaging for your business.
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What Is a Shawarma Box?
A shawarma box is a disposable food container designed to hold shawarma meat served with rice, fries, vegetables, and sauces in a single, convenient format. Unlike shawarma wraps, which are rolled in flatbread, a shawarma box presents the meal as a plated portion suitable for takeout, delivery, dine-in, and food trucks.
Shawarma boxes are commonly used by Middle Eastern restaurants, quick-service restaurants, and catering businesses because they offer better portion control, sauce separation, and stability during transport compared to wraps or bowls.
Types of Shawarma Boxes
Shawarma boxes come in different styles, each designed to match specific menu formats, portion sizes, and service models such as takeout, delivery, or catering.
Classic One-Compartment Shawarma Box
This is the most common shawarma box style, featuring one large open compartment.
Best for:
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Shawarma meat over rice or fries
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Mixed bowls with sauces drizzled on top
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Fast service and quick assembly
Why restaurants choose it:
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Simple design, lower cost
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Easy to fill and stack
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Suitable for dine-in, takeout, and delivery
Shawarma Box with Compartments (2–3 Sections)
This style includes dividers inside the box to separate different food components.
Best for:
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Keeping rice, meat, salad, and sauces separate
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Combo meals and premium menu items
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Delivery orders where texture matters
Why restaurants choose it:
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Prevents sogginess
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Improves food presentation
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Enhances customer experience
Shawarma Tray Style Box
Tray-style shawarma boxes are wider and flatter, often used for sharing or plated meals.
Best for:
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Family platters
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Catering orders
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Multiple proteins and sides
Why restaurants choose it:
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Spacious layout
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Easy portion sharing
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Professional presentation for group orders
Shawarma Box with Separate Sauce Cup
This style includes or accommodates individual sauce cups inside or alongside the box.
Best for:
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Garlic sauce, tahini, hot sauce
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Delivery and takeaway meals
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Customers who prefer sauce control
Why restaurants choose it:
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Prevents leakage
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Preserves food texture
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Reduces complaints from soggy meals
Foldable Shawarma Box (Clamshell Style)
A foldable, hinged shawarma box that closes securely without an external lid.
Best for:
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High-volume takeaway
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Food trucks and quick-service restaurants
Why restaurants choose it:
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Faster packing
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Secure closure
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Space-saving storage
Shawarma Pillow Boxes
Shawarma pillow boxes are a compact, folded paper box style shaped like a soft pillow when closed. This style is typically made from folded paperboard without compartments, designed for quick wrapping and easy handling.
Best for:
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Shawarma wraps or sliced shawarma without rice
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Light takeaway portions
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Food trucks and grab-and-go service
Key characteristics:
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Slim, curved shape that holds food snugly
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Fast to assemble and close
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Lightweight and space-saving for storage
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Often used with inner wrap paper or foil for grease control
Why businesses choose pillow boxes:
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Lower material usage compared to large meal boxes
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Faster packing during peak hours
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Suitable for short-distance takeaway
Limitations:
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Not ideal for rice-based shawarma boxes
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Limited space for sauces or multiple sides
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Less suitable for delivery compared to rigid boxes
Shawarma pillow boxes work best when the menu focuses on wrap-style shawarma or minimal sides, rather than full combo meals.
Shawarma Box by Size and Capacity
Choosing the right size ensures proper portioning, food quality, and cost control.
Small shawarma box (single serving)
Small shawarma boxes are designed for individual meals with a moderate portion of meat and one base (rice or fries).
Typical use:
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Lunch portions
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Kids’ meals
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Light takeaway orders
Medium shawarma box (combo meals)
Medium boxes are the most commonly used size. They comfortably hold shawarma meat, rice or fries, salad, and sauces.
Typical use:
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Standard combo meals
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Delivery orders
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Food truck service
Large shawarma box (family or platter size)
Large shawarma boxes are used for sharing portions, platters, or catering orders. They accommodate higher food volumes without overcrowding.
Typical use:
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Family meals
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Group orders
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Catering and events
Shawarma box dimensions and capacity
Shawarma boxes are typically measured by length × width × height and internal volume. Capacity is selected based on:
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Weight of cooked meat
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Rice or fries portion size
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Number of side items
Accurate sizing helps prevent spills, sogginess, and overpacking.
Shawarma box portion control guide
Using consistent box sizes helps restaurants:
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Maintain consistent serving sizes
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Control food costs
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Improve customer satisfaction
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Speed up service during peak hours
Many operators standardize one box size per menu item to simplify operations.
Custom-size shawarma box options
Custom-size shawarma boxes are ideal for brands with:
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Unique menu formats
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Signature platters
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Non-standard portion sizes
Custom sizing helps avoid wasted space and improves packaging efficiency.
Custom Shawarma Box Packaging
Custom shawarma box packaging allows restaurants to strengthen branding and improve customer recognition. Customization options may include:
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Logo printing
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Brand colors
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Custom box dimensions
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Grease-resistant coatings
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Compartment layouts
If you are looking for custom shawarma box solutions, KimEcopak offers a range of foodservice and takeout packaging designed for hot meals, delivery performance, and sustainable goals.
Choosing the right shawarma box depends on menu size, food type, delivery needs, and branding goals.
FAQs About Shawarma Packaging Boxes
Are shawarma boxes microwave safe?
Most paper shawarma boxes are microwave safe for short reheating, while plastic boxes depend on the specific material used.
Are shawarma boxes recyclable?
Many shawarma boxes are recyclable, especially paper-based options, depending on local recycling guidelines.
Can shawarma boxes hold sauces?
Yes. Shawarma boxes are designed to hold sauces, especially versions with compartments or secure lids.
Are shawarma boxes grease-proof?
Most shawarma boxes are grease-resistant, using coated paperboard to prevent oil leakage.
What material is best for shawarma boxes?
Coated paperboard is the most commonly used material because it balances heat resistance, strength, and sustainability.
Conclusion
The right shawarma box helps preserve food temperature, prevent leaks, and present meals professionally. Whether you need a simple paper shawarma box for single servings or a compartmented box for combo meals and delivery, selecting the correct size and material can improve operations and customer satisfaction. Custom shawarma box packaging also allows brands to stand out while maintaining consistency across orders. By matching packaging to your menu and service model, you can serve shawarma efficiently without compromising quality.
