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World Kebab Day

Perfectly cooked meat, vegetables, and seasonings on an easy-to-eat, low-mess stick. Visit a restaurant or food vendor and enjoy a kebab, or make your own.

Food & Drink62
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Drive foot traffic and sales at kebab restaurants and food vendors by celebrating World Kebab Day with limited-time promotions, social media contests, and influencer partnerships.

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  • Share behind-the-scenes kebab prep videos and cooking techniques on social media
  • Run a 'Build Your Own Kebab' contest or promotion on World Kebab Day
  • Partner with food influencers to showcase regional kebab varieties and authentic recipes
  • Highlight the history and cultural significance of kebabs across Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines
History

Kebabs have a long and august history, starting in the Middle East where initially they were simply grilled meat heavily seasoned. There are two particular varieties which those of us in the West are particularly familiar, being shish kebab and doner kebab.

Shish kebab is far and away the more commonly known term and refers to a variety that is popular in Asia.

Most commonly made of lamb or beef, it has also been known to contain swordfish or chicken. While we usually see these dishes prepared with the vegetables and meat on the same skewer, they were initially done separately.

The doner kebab, on the other hand, is most commonly known as the source of the meat for gyros. Essentially it’s layers of meat stacked into an inverted cone and slowly roasted by turning next to a vertical cooking element.

The outer layer is slowly sliced as it cooks and served, most commonly in a pita as the famous gyro. This isn’t the only thing a doner kebab is used for, but if the others top the gyro… we’d like to try them.

Other varieties you might find are Kebab Kenjeh, Kebab Halabi, Burrah, Kalmi, and Galouti, just to name a few!

FAQ
What’s the connection between kebabs and ancient nomadic tribes?
Nomadic tribes in Central Asia carried portable grills, making kebabs a practical meal. They marinated meat in local spices and cooked it over open flames. This convenience spread across trade routes, influencing regional kebab varieties.
Are kebabs only made with meat?
Kebabs aren’t just for meat lovers. Countries like India serve paneer (a type of fresh cheese) kebabs, while the Middle East features grilled vegetable kebabs. Falafel, though not grilled, is a vegetarian option often considered a kebab.
Why do kebabs pair so often with yogurt-based sauces?
Yogurt has been a staple in regions where kebabs are popular, acting as a cooling balance to spices. Turkish cacık, Indian raita, and Middle Eastern tahini-yogurt blends all add flavor and enhance the eating experience.
What role did kebabs play in medieval feasts?
Medieval banquets often featured skewered meat as a centerpiece. Nobles showcased exotic spices in kebabs, highlighting wealth and connections to far-flung trade networks. The combination of grilling and marinating became a symbol of culinary sophistication.
Is there a kebab that involves breaking a pot?
Yes, Turkish ‘Testi kebabı’ involves sealing meat and vegetables in a clay pot. The pot is cooked over an open flame, then dramatically broken at the table to reveal the dish inside. It’s both a culinary and theatrical experience.
What’s the spiciest kebab in the world?
The Indian ‘Bhoot Jolokia’ kebab incorporates one of the world’s hottest chili peppers, the ghost pepper. It’s a fiery test of endurance, favored by thrill-seeking spice lovers. It’s not for the faint-hearted!
How do kebabs vary across Asia?
In Japan, kebab-like dishes such as kushiyaki use skewers for grilling vegetables, meat, or seafood. In Indonesia, satay pairs skewers of marinated meat with rich peanut sauce. Asia’s kebabs highlight regional ingredients and techniques.
What’s a kebab’s place in street food culture?
Kebabs thrive as street food due to their portability and quick preparation. Turkish doner kebabs, for example, are a staple of Berlin’s fast-food scene. Similarly, India’s seekh kebabs are often sold from smoky roadside grills.
What’s the strangest kebab variation out there?
In Iceland, puffin kebabs are a delicacy made from the small seabird. The meat is smoked, skewered, and grilled. It’s a rare treat reflecting the island’s remote culinary traditions.
Did ancient poets ever write about kebabs?
Persian poets, like Rumi, referenced grilled meat and spices in their writings. These dishes symbolized community, hospitality, and celebration. Kebabs were a metaphor for savoring life’s simple pleasures.