Kapsalon
Fries topped with shawarma meat, melted cheese, salad, and various sauces.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
The Kapsalon emerged in Rotterdam in 2003. It is said to have been created by Nathaniel Gomes, a Cape Verdean hairdresser in Rotterdam, who frequently ordered the same combination of ingredients from a nearby shawarma shop. The dish quickly gained popularity and spread throughout the Netherlands and Belgium.
The Kapsalon has become a symbol of Dutch fast food culture and is particularly popular among young people and late-night eaters. It represents a fusion of cultures and cuisines, blending Dutch fries with Middle Eastern shawarma and other elements.
Late-Night Staple
The Kapsalon is often consumed as a late-night meal after going out, making it a popular choice among students and young adults.
Fusion Cuisine
It exemplifies fusion cuisine, combining elements from Dutch, Turkish/Middle Eastern, and even Cape Verdean influences.
Takeaway Culture
The Kapsalon is predominantly a takeaway dish, readily available at shawarma shops and snack bars across the Netherlands.
Regional Variations
While the core ingredients remain consistent, regional variations in sauce combinations and specific salad ingredients exist.
The Kapsalon is a savory and rich dish with a mix of textures and tastes. It's a combination of crispy fries, juicy shawarma meat, creamy melted cheese, fresh salad, and a variety of sauces.
The primary flavor profiles are savory, salty, and slightly spicy, coming from the shawarma meat and the sauces. The fries provide a textural element and a grounding potato flavor. The melted cheese adds richness and a creamy mouthfeel. The salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the heavier ingredients, contributing a touch of acidity and freshness. Garlic sauce is the standard base with chilli sauce and sambal oelek added for heat.
Eat it fresh
The Kapsalon is best consumed immediately after preparation, while the fries are still crispy and the cheese is melted. Letting it sit can lead to soggy fries.
Customize your sauces
While garlic sauce is standard, feel free to customize the sauce combination to your preference. Common additions include chili sauce, sambal oelek, or even mayonnaise.
Share with friends
The Kapsalon is a large portion and often best enjoyed shared with friends, especially after a night out.
Balanced bites
Ensure that you get a balanced bite with all the ingredients. Layering each spoonful vertically ensures you get cheese, meat, fries and salad.
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