Perhaps one of the most delicious food days, World Kebab Day is celebrated every year on the second Friday in July. This year, World Kebab Day falls on July 12, 2024.
The point of this day is simple, to celebrate and feast on yummy kebabs! Kebab is a dish which is prepared by roasting or grilling meat such as beef, lamb, or chicken on a skewer. Kebabs are known for their smoky and juicy meat.
According to Britannica, kebab originated in the Middle East or Central Asia. Let's explore the different varieties of kebabs from around the world. Here are 6 different types of kebabs from around the world.
Doner Kebab from Turkiye
Doner kebab is one of the most famous kebabs from around the world. It consists of grilled pieces of meat, which is usually lamb, that are shredded from a vertical skewer. The meat is juicy and seasoned with fresh herbs and spices.
According to legend, a chef named Haci Iskender came up with the idea of cooking a large chunk of lamb on a vertical spit. He then sliced the meat thinly and served it with bread, salad, and yogurt.
Galauti Kebab from India
The invention of Galauti Kebab has an interesting story behind it. The term “galouti” translates to something that melts in the mouth.
It is believed Galauti Kebab was invented in the 17th century for Mirza Asad-ud-Daula, Nawab wazir of Oudh, which now falls in Uttar Pradesh. It is believed the Nawab was quite fond of eating meat, especially the kebabs.
However, as the Nawab grew older and started losing teeth, it became difficult for him to enjoy his favourite delicacy.
It was then that the chefs from the royal kitchen of the Nawab invented the iconic Galauti Kebab - one that melts in your mouth without requiring any chewing efforts whatsoever.
Shawarma from Lebanon
Another popular kebab variety around the world, Shawarma is believed to have multiple regions of origin including Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, according to popular food and travel guide Taste Atlas.
This popular street food dish is made of marinated and spit-roasted layers of lamb, beef, or other meat that are slow-cooked for hours and basted in their juices and fat. The meat is then sliced and wrapped in or served with pita.
Chelow Kebab from Iran
Chelo kabab means "white rice with kebab." The dish consists of fragrant, saffron-spiced rice, grilled tomatoes, and kebab, which can be prepared with minced or sliced meat. The final touch is a dollop of butter on top of the saffron rice.
Chelo kebabs are savoury and juicy with a distinct smoky flavour.
Seekh Kebab from Pakistan
Seekh kabab is believed to have originated from Pakistan.
It is made with a combination of minced meat (typically lamb), onions, garlic, ginger, coriander, lemon juice, yogurt, and garam masala. His meat mixture is then fixed onto the skewers in the shape of kebabs and then grilled over hot coals.
The result is a smoky and juicy kebab bursting with flavours. It is served with mint chutney and raw onions.
Kontosouvli From Greece
Kontosouvli is a traditional Greek dish which consists of large pieces of pork marinated in a mixture of herbs and spices.
After marinating, the meat is threaded onto a large skewer and roasted over an open flame. The cooked meat is served in thick slices with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and horiatiki salad.
