The shish kebab—a skewer of grilled meat and vegetables—is a familiar and popular dish across the globe, with different countries and cultures putting their own unique spin on it. But even though this tasty and fun-to-eat dinner is universally known and loved, many are unaware of its origins. Read on to trace the history of this culinary delight from its Turkish roots to its appearance in dining establishments all around the world today.    

The History of Shish Kebab

What’s in a Name?

The term shish kebab is Turkish in origin. “Shish” means “skewer” and “kebab” refers to meat. Traditionally, lamb is the meat used for this dish. It is believed that Turkish soldiers cooked little chunks of meat on their swords over open fires during their conquest of Anatolia in the Middle Ages. Smaller bits of meat take little time to cook—thus, requiring less firewood—and are easy to eat, making this type of portable dinner a logical choice for troops during wartime.     

How Did Shish Kebabs Expand Into Other Cultures?

After the Turks brought the kebab to Greece, the dish took on more of the components Westerners associate with it today. Added to pieces of meat on the skewer were chunks of vegetables, such as onions, peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes. As kebabs made their way eastward from Asia Minor via traders and other travelers, they were adopted by and integrated into the cuisines of many countries, including Russia, India, Iran, Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan, eventually becoming a treat served in homes, by street vendors, and at restaurants worldwide.  

Is Shish Kebab for Meat & Veggies Only?

As the result of various cultural influences over time, shish kebab has come to include meats other than the traditional lamb. Many recipes call for chunks of chicken, fish, and pork. For example, satay, a popular Southeast Asian dish with roots in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, consists of small pieces of seasoned, grilled chicken arranged on a skewer accompanied by a spicy peanut sauce. Today, in the United States, fruit and cheese skewers are popular and feature morsels such as blueberries, strawberries, grapes, melon chunks, and cubed cheese of all varieties.

At Sufi Kitchen, located between the Buckhead and Midtown neighborhoods of northern Atlanta, GA, shish kebab and other delicious Persian food is on the menu. If you’re craving a fine dining experience at a premier Persian restaurant, look no further. Sufi Kitchen also offers off-site event catering services, as well as made-to-order items for pickup. For more information or to make a dinner reservation, visit their website or call (404) 888-9699.