World Kebab Day

Celebrate World Kebab Day

World Kebab Day is celebrated on the second Friday in July and provides an opportunity for communities and kebab lovers worldwide to come together, celebrating the joys of food and cultural diversity.

When it comes to kebabs, there is a huge variety of options and variations from around the world. From the Middle East to Asia, Mediterranean Europe to Africa, each region boasts its own unique take on this beloved dish. Here are some of the different types of kebabs enjoyed around the globe:

Souvlaki Kebab (Greek Cypriot) 

Souvlaki kebabs or souvlakia as they are known in Cyprus are bite-sized pieces of marinated meat, typically pork or chicken, threaded onto skewers and typically cooked on a Cyprus BBQ foukou. Souvlaki offers a quick and tasty kebab option. The high heat of the Cyprus BBQ foukou grill ensures a caramelised exterior while keeping the meat juicy and full of flavour. Souvlakia kebabs are typically served in a pitta filled with Greek salad and tashi (tahini sauce) and of course not forgetting lots of lemon juice.

Doner Kebab (Turkish)

Arguably one of the most popular kebabs worldwide, the doner kebab features thinly sliced, marinated meat, traditionally lamb or chicken, cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is then shaved off and served in a warm pita bread or wrapped in a flatbread, accompanied by salad and chilli sauce. In the late 80's and 90's in the UK doner kebabs were a very popular late night meal usually after the pubs and clubs close.

Sheftalia Kebab (Greek Cypriot) 

A Cypriot speciality, sheftalia consists of small sausages made from a combination of minced meat, such as pork or lamb, mixed with herbs, onions, and spices. The unique texture and flavours of sheftalia make them a favourite among kebab enthusiasts. In a typical kebab house or taverna in Cyprus you can normally order a mixed kebab which will be souvlaki and sheftalia in the same pitta.

Gyros Kebab (Greek)  

Gyros is a beloved street food in Greece. A gyros kebab, also known simply as "gyros," is a popular Greek dish that has gained international recognition. It is a type of kebab made from seasoned meat, typically a mixture of ground lamb and beef or sometimes chicken, which is slow-roasted on a vertical rotisserie. Gyros is usually served in warm pita bread, accompanied by a variety of toppings and sauces such as tzatziki (yogurt-cucumber sauce), tomatoes, onions, and sometimes fries. You can create perfect Gyros cooked at home on a Cyprus BBQ

Shish Kebab (Middle Eastern)

Originating from the Middle East, shish kebab is a classic variety consisting of skewered and grilled chunks of marinated meat, usually lamb, beef, or chicken. The meat skewers are often separated with vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes, creating a colourful and flavourful combination.

Seekh Kebab (Indian and Pakistani)

Seekh kebab is a traditional Indian and Pakistani delight made from minced meat, typically lamb or beef, mixed with aromatic spices, herbs, and onions. The meat mixture is molded onto skewers and grilled to perfection, resulting in flavourful and succulent kebabs.

Satay Kebab (Southeast Asian)

Satay is a popular kebab-style dish found in Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Skewers are loaded with small pieces of marinated meat, often chicken or beef, and grilled over an open flame. Satay is typically served with a peanut-based dipping sauce and can be accompanied by rice cakes or fresh cucumber.

Kofta Kebab (Middle Eastern and South Asian)

Kofta kebabs are a mouthwatering delight found in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines. They are made from ground meat, usually lamb or beef, mixed with spices, herbs, and sometimes breadcrumbs or onions. The mixture is shaped into elongated patties or balls and grilled to perfection.

Adana Kebab (Turkish)

Hailing from the Adana region of Turkey, Adana kebab is a spicy and flavourful kebab made from ground lamb or beef mixed with chilli peppers, garlic, and various spices. The mixture is moulded onto skewers and cooked over an open flame, resulting in a deliciously charred exterior and a juicy centre.

Tandoori Kebab (Indian)

Tandoori kebabs are a signature Indian speciality cooked in a traditional clay oven called a tandoor. The meat, often chicken or fish, is marinated in yogurt and a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric, which gives the kebabs their vibrant red colour. The high heat of the tandoor imparts a smoky flavour and a slightly charred exterior.

Souvla Kebab (Greek Cypriot) 

The king of Cypriot kebabs, souvla features large chunks of marinated meat, such as pork, lamb, or chicken, skewered on long metal skewers and slowly grilled to perfection over charcoal on a Cypriot barbecue foukou. 

The best way to celebrate World Kebab Day is to cook your own international feast of flavours using one of our awesome rotisserie barbecue sets. You can cook a selection of different kebabs using various spices and different marinades. Simply load up the skewers onto the Cyprus bbq and watch them cook as they slowly rotate over the hot charcoal flames. 

There are so many delicious Kebabs to choose from and the Cyprus Rotisserie BBQ is the perfect choice for cooking them all.

For those wanting to plan ahead for next years World Kebab Day, it will be on Friday 12th Of July 2024