Shawarma vs. Kebab — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on July 5, 2024
Shawarma is middle eastern dish of sliced meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Kebab is skewered and grilled or roasted meat, often with vegetables. Though both involve meat, preparation and serving methods differ significantly.
Difference Between Shawarma and Kebab
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Key Differences
Shawarma and kebab are both popular dishes primarily involving meat, but they differ in their preparation and presentation. Shawarma is traditionally made by stacking seasoned slices of meat (like chicken, beef, or lamb) on a vertical spit. Kebab, on the other hand, usually refers to chunks of meat (and sometimes vegetables) that are skewered and then grilled or roasted.
The word "shawarma" is derived from the Arabic verb "to turn" or "to revolve", referring to the turning motion of the meat on its rotisserie. Kebab, of Turkish origin, generally means "grilled meat". While the concept of grilling meat is universal, regional variations of kebabs abound.
Another distinction lies in the serving method. Shawarma is often used as a meat filling for sandwiches or wraps, accompanied by vegetables and sauces like tahini, hummus, or garlic yogurt. Kebab is typically served on the skewer itself or taken off the skewer and provided with sides like rice, salad, or bread.
While both shawarma and kebab are enjoyed worldwide, their origins and unique preparation methods celebrate the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East and surrounding regions. Regardless of the differences, both dishes are beloved for their flavorful meat and versatile serving options.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Sliced meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie
Skewered and grilled/roasted meat
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Origin of Name
Derived from Arabic meaning "to turn"
Of Turkish origin, meaning "grilled meat"
Serving Method
Often in sandwiches or wraps
Typically on/off skewer with sides
Accompaniments
Vegetables, tahini, hummus, garlic yogurt
Often with rice, salad, or bread
Preparation
Seasoned meat stacked on vertical spit and sliced as it cooks
Chunks of seasoned or marinated meat (and sometimes vegetables) skewered
Compare with Definitions
Shawarma
Thin slices of meat served usually in wraps or sandwiches.
The shawarma wrap was filled with fresh veggies and sauces.
Kebab
A dish of skewered and grilled chunks of meat.
The kebab stall had a variety of meats on offer.
Shawarma
A rotating meat dish, often served with tahini or hummus.
The beef shawarma plate came with a side of hummus.
Kebab
Often accompanied by rice, salad, or bread.
My kebab plate had a generous serving of rice pilaf.
Shawarma
Seasoned meat stacked and rotated on a vertical spit.
The shawarma's aroma drew me to the eatery.
Kebab
Derived from Turkish, meaning "grilled meat".
The kebab house was renowned for its authentic flavors.
Shawarma
Derived from Arabic, referring to the turning of the meat.
The shawarma stall was the busiest at the food festival.
Kebab
Kebabs are various cooked meat dishes with their origins in Middle Eastern cuisine. Numerous variants are popular around the world.
Shawarma
A Middle Eastern meat dish cooked on a rotisserie.
I ordered chicken shawarma with garlic sauce.
Kebab
A dish of pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables roasted or grilled on a skewer or spit.
Shawarma
Shawarma (; Arabic: شاورما) is a Levantine Arab dish consisting of meat cut into thin slices, stacked in a cone-like shape, and roasted on a slowly-turning vertical rotisserie or spit. Originally made with lamb, mutton or chicken, today's shawarma may also be turkey, beef, or veal.
Kebab
Shish kebab.
Shawarma
Meat, especially beef, chicken, or lamb, that is marinated, roasted slowly on a spit, and cut in thin slices, often wrapped in pita bread and served with various vegetables and tahini sauce.
Kebab
(British) A dish of pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables roasted on a skewer or spit, especially a doner kebab.
Shawarma
A Middle Eastern sandwich-like wrap of shaved lamb, goat, chicken, turkey, beef, or a mixture of these.
Kebab
(AU) A hand-held dish consisting of pieces of meat roasted on an upright skewer mixed with fresh vegetables and sauces and rolled up in a round piece of unleavened bread.
Kebab
(US) A shish kebab or any other food on a skewer.
Kebab
A restaurant that sells kebabs
Let's go to the kebab after the club.
Kebab
(chemistry) The outward growing portions of a shish kebab structure.
Kebab
A Muslim, usually of southern European, Middle Eastern, or North African descent.
Kebab
The vulva.
Kebab
(GUI) menu icon of three vertical dots
Kebab
(transitive) To roast in the style of a kebab
Kebab
To stab or skewer
Kebab
See kabab and kabob.
Kebab
Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables
Kebab
Grilled or roasted meat, often skewered.
The lamb kebab was perfectly seasoned.
Kebab
A culinary tradition with variations across regions.
The Turkish kebab differed slightly from the Persian version.
Common Curiosities
Can kebabs be made with vegetables?
Yes, kebabs can include skewered vegetables alongside or instead of meat.
Are shawarma and kebab the same thing?
No, while both involve meat, they differ in preparation and presentation.
What meat is traditionally used in shawarma?
Shawarma can be made with chicken, beef, or lamb, among others.
What's the main difference between shawarma and kebab?
Shawarma is cooked on a vertical rotisserie, while kebab is skewered and grilled.
From which culture does kebab originate?
Kebab has origins in Middle Eastern and Central Asian cuisines.
Are kebabs always spicy?
No, the spiciness of a kebab varies based on regional and personal preferences.
Is shawarma always served in a wrap?
No, while commonly served in wraps, shawarma can also be served as a plate dish.
What does the word "shawarma" mean?
Shawarma is derived from Arabic meaning "to turn", referring to the rotating meat.
Can shawarma be vegetarian?
Traditionally, shawarma is meat-based, but vegetarian versions use alternatives like tofu or seitan.
How is shawarma meat seasoned?
Shawarma meat is seasoned with a mix of spices, often including cumin, paprika, turmeric, and garlic.
Which is more popular, shawarma or kebab?
Both are popular, but preferences vary based on region and individual tastes.
What are common sauces served with shawarma?
Common sauces include tahini, hummus, garlic yogurt, and sometimes hot sauce.
Is a kebab the same as a skewer?
While a kebab involves skewering, not all skewered dishes are called kebabs.
Can you eat kebab without skewers?
Yes, kebabs can be served on or off the skewer.
Are there vegetarian kebabs?
Yes, vegetarian kebabs use vegetables, paneer, or meat substitutes skewered and grilled.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
