Facts About Adelaide AB
A Halal Snack Pack, often referred to as an HSP, is a cherished fast food dish in Australia. It consists of halal-certified doner kebab meat, crispy chips, and a variety of delectable sauces such as chili, garlic, and barbecue. To enhance the flavor, additional ingredients like yogurt, cheese, jalapeño peppers, tabbouleh, or hummus can be added. Typically served in a styrofoam container, it is a popular takeaway option from kebab shops across the country. Depending on your location, you might find it listed on the menu as a "snack pack" "snack box" "mixed plate" or simply "HSP."
This savory dish is a fusion of Middle Eastern and European cuisines, making it a distinctive Australian favorite. Similar versions can be found in countries like the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, the US, and Finland. In Adelaide, South Australia, locals refer to it as an "AB."
In December 2015, a Facebook group called the Halal Snack Pack Appreciation Society was established. This group celebrates and reviews HSPs from various kebab shops and restaurants around Australia. It boasts a diverse membership, including both Muslims and non-Muslims, who share their reviews and photos of HSPs. The dishes are rated based on meat quality, chip quality, sauce quality, and price.
The dish even made an appearance in popular culture when former Australian Senator Sam Dastyari mentioned it during a parliamentary debate on halal certification. The Appreciation Society has also participated in charity fundraising and has been referenced in political contexts. For example, Senator Dastyari once invited Pauline Hanson to share an HSP with him.
Adelaide's version, the "AB" is a similar dish that combines gyro meat, chips, and various sauces. It is often shared among friends and sometimes enjoyed with alcoholic beverages. Interestingly, two Adelaide restaurants both claim to have invented the "AB."