Perhaps one of the most delicious food days, World Kebab Day is celebrated every year on the second Friday of July. World Kebab Day falls on July 12, 2024. The purpose of this day is simple, to celebrate and enjoy delicious kebabs! A kebab is a dish made by roasting or grilling meat such as beef, lamb or chicken on a skewer. Kebabs are known for their smoky and succulent meat. According to Britannica, kebabs originated in the Middle East or Central Asia. Let’s learn about the different types of kebabs from around the world.
Here are 6 different types of kebabs from around the world:
1. Doner Kebab from Türkiye
Doner kebab is one of the most famous kebabs around the world. It consists of grilled pieces of meat, usually lamb, skewered vertically. 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 piece of lamb on a vertical skewer. He then sliced the meat into thin slices and served it with bread, salad and yogurt.
2. Galouti Kebab from India
There is an interesting story behind the invention of Galouti kebabs. The word ‘Galouti’ means melt-in-your-mouth. It is believed that Galouti kebabs were invented in the 17th century for Mirza Asad-ud-Daula, the Nawab Wazir of Awadh, which now falls in Uttar Pradesh. It is believed that the Nawab was very fond of eating meat, especially kebabs. However, as the Nawab grew older and his teeth began to fall out, it became difficult for him to enjoy his favourite dish. Then the cooks of the Nawab’s royal kitchen invented the iconic Galouti kebabs – a kebab that melts in your mouth without any chewing effort.
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3. Shawarma from Lebanon and more regions
Another popular kebab variety around the world, shawarma is believed to have originated in several regions, including Lebanon, Israel, Egypt and Qatar, according to popular food and travel guide Taste Atlas. This popular street food dish is made from spiced and spit-roasted layers of lamb, beef or other meat that are slow-cooked for hours and soaked in their juices and fat. The meat is then sliced and wrapped in a pita or served as is.
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4. Chelo Kebab from Iran
Chelo Kebab means “white rice with kebabs”. This dish consists of fragrant, saffron-spiced rice, grilled tomatoes and kebabs, which can be prepared with minced or sliced meat. The final touch is a drizzle of butter over the saffron rice. Chelo Kebabs are delicious and juicy and have a distinct flavour.
5. Seekh Kebab from Pakistan
Seekh kebab is believed to have originated from Pakistan. It is made from a mixture of minced meat (usually lamb), onions, garlic, ginger, coriander, lemon juice, yogurt and garam masala. The meat mixture is then strung on skewers in the shape of a kebab and then grilled over hot coals. The result is a smoky and juicy kebab that is full of flavor. It is served with mint chutney and raw onions.
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6. Kontosovli from Greece
Kontosuvli is a traditional Greek dish in which large pieces of pork are 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 pieces with pita bread, tzatziki sauce and horiatiki salad.
Which of these kebab varieties will you enjoy this World Kebab Day? Share with us in the comments section.
