Born in Rotterdam: the Kapsalon

In 2003, a dish was created in a Rotterdam shawarma shop that would go on to become a culinary classic: the kapsalon. The idea came from Nataniël 'Tati' Gomes, a Cape Verdean barber who asked for his favorite ingredients to be combined into one hearty meal. Fries, shawarma, melted cheese, lettuce, garlic sauce, and sambal were served together in an aluminum tray. The shop named the dish after their loyal customer: the kapsalon was born.

What began as a personal order quickly became a household name. Within a short time, the kapsalon appeared in snack bars across the Netherlands. It became especially popular among young people and late-night diners for its generous portion and bold flavors.

The kapsalon didn’t go unnoticed abroad either. Variations of the dish can now be found in cities like Brussels, Berlin, and even Jakarta. In Indonesia, chef Vicky Victorio Budiman opened a dedicated kapsalon restaurant, serving the Dutch creation with local twists.

Although Nataniël Gomes has passed away, his culinary legacy lives on. In 2023, the shawarma shop El Aviva, where it all started, celebrated the kapsalon’s twentieth anniversary. What began as a Rotterdam improvisation is now a globally beloved dish. Who would have thought a barber from Rotterdam would enrich the world’s cuisine?