Kebab Day - July 12, 2024

History of Kebab Day

The story behind kebabs is as interesting as it is wide-ranging, encompassing various geographical locations and cultural traditions. Tracing back to its roots, the term “kebab” is Arabic in origin and translates to “fried meat”. Nonetheless, the framework of skewering and roasting meats is a practice common to numerous cultures worldwide.

The earliest adoption of grilling meats on skewers can be linked back to Middle Age soldiers, who would use their swords to roast their meals over natural fires while on the battlegrounds. This convenient cooking trend gained traction in the Middle East and was further disseminated across several regions, thanks largely to the expanse of the Ottoman empire.

Fast forward to the 17th century, when the Middle Eastern spin on skewered meats metamorphosed into what we now recognize as the shish kebab. The global reach of this dish continued to foster its diverse renditions, with countries such as India, Greece and Armenia incorporating it into their indigenous culinary practices. This led to the birth of notable derivatives such as the Souvlaki, Gyros, and Tandoori Kebabs.

In the 1900s, kebabs gained popularity in the West, primarily via the introduction of the European-style Doner Kebab. Served in a pita wrap with a medley of vegetables, sauces, and locally-inspired spices, Doner Kebabs fast became a beloved fast-food option across the globe.