Souvlaki vs. Kebab — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 30, 2023
Souvlaki is a Greek dish of skewered, grilled meat, while Kebab is a broader Middle Eastern term for various grilled, skewered meat dishes.
Difference Between Souvlaki and Kebab
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Souvlaki and Kebab both refer to dishes featuring skewered and grilled meat, but they have distinct cultural and culinary backgrounds. Souvlaki is traditionally Greek, usually made from pork (though chicken, lamb, or beef can also be used). It's often served in a pita with toppings like tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce.
Kebab, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses a variety of skewered meat dishes from Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines. The meat for kebabs can be minced or cut into slices, marinated or not, and can be made from a variety of animals, including beef, chicken, lamb, and fish.
While Souvlaki is typically a single style of skewered meat, the term Kebab can refer to various preparations and presentations. For instance, "Shish Kebab" often features whole pieces of marinated meat, whereas "Adana Kebab" or "Kofta Kebab" might use minced meat shaped around the skewer.
Both dishes are popular street foods in their respective cultures. However, while you might find Souvlaki being served in a wrapped pita in Greece, in a Middle Eastern setting, a Kebab could be accompanied by flatbreads, rice, or salads.
Comparison Chart
Origin
Greek
Middle Eastern, Central Asian, Mediterranean
ADVERTISEMENT
Typical Meat
Pork, but can also be chicken, lamb, or beef
Varied: beef, chicken, lamb, fish, etc.
Presentation
Often served in pita with toppings
Accompanied by flatbreads, rice, or salads
Meat Preparation
Typically chunks of marinated meat
Can be minced or sliced, various preparations
Cultural Representation
A staple in Greek cuisine
Encompasses a wide range of dishes across many cultures
Compare with Definitions
Souvlaki
Souvlaki often uses marinated pork.
The pork Souvlaki is the most authentic.
Kebab
Kebab can be made from various meats.
The chicken Kebab is my personal favorite.
Souvlaki
Souvlaki is a traditional Greek dish.
We enjoyed Souvlaki at the local Greek festival.
Kebab
Kebab can be presented in many ways.
We had a Kebab platter with rice and salads.
Souvlaki
Souvlaki features skewered, grilled meat.
I love the smoky flavor of the Souvlaki.
Kebab
Kebab variations exist across many cultures.
The Indian version of the Kebab is infused with spices.
Souvlaki
Souvlaki can be served with pita and sauces.
My Souvlaki pita wrap was loaded with tzatziki.
Kebab
Kebab originates from Middle Eastern cuisines.
The traditional Middle Eastern Kebab is a delicacy.
Souvlaki
Souvlaki can be a popular street food.
We grabbed some Souvlaki from a street vendor in Athens.
Kebab
Kebabs are various cooked meat dishes with their origins in Middle Eastern cuisine. Numerous variants are popular around the world.
Souvlaki
Souvlaki (Greek: σουβλάκι [suˈvlaci]), plural souvlakia, is a popular Greek fast food consisting of small pieces of meat and sometimes vegetables grilled on a skewer. It is usually eaten straight off the skewer while still hot.
Kebab
A dish of pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables roasted or grilled on a skewer or spit.
Souvlaki
A Greek dish consisting of pieces of seasoned meat roasted on skewers.
Kebab
Shish kebab.
Souvlaki
A Greek fast food consisting of pieces of meat and sometimes vegetables grilled on a skewer, variously also called kalamaki or kebab or, in sandwich form, gyro or shawarma.
Kebab
(British) A dish of pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables roasted on a skewer or spit, especially a doner kebab.
Souvlaki
A wrapped pancake dish filled with meat, salad and some kind of sauce or dressing, commonly called a kebab.
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.
Souvlaki
Made of lamb
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
Kebab refers to skewered, grilled meat dishes.
The aroma of the Kebab stall was irresistible.
Common Curiosities
Which is spicier, Souvlaki or Kebab?
It varies, but Kebabs, especially from regions like India, can be quite spicy.
Is Souvlaki only a Greek dish?
Primarily, yes. Souvlaki is traditionally Greek, though variations may exist elsewhere.
Is Kebab always served with bread?
Often but not always. It can also be served with rice or as a standalone dish.
Are both dishes served as fast food?
Yes, both are popular street foods in their respective regions.
Is tzatziki sauce common with both?
It's common with Souvlaki. For Kebab, sauces vary based on regional variations.
What's the difference between Souvlaki and Gyro?
Both are Greek, but Gyro uses meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, while Souvlaki is skewered and grilled.
Can Souvlaki be made from fish?
While not traditional, some modern variations might use fish.
What wood or coal is best for Souvlaki?
Hardwoods or charcoal impart a smoky flavor ideal for Souvlaki.
Can Kebab refer to vegetarian dishes?
Typically, it refers to meat dishes, but there are vegetable or paneer (cheese) kebabs too.
Are Kebab and shawarma the same?
No, shawarma is meat stacked and roasted on a spit, while Kebab is skewered and grilled.
Can Kebab be a main course?
Yes, it can be a main dish, especially when served with accompaniments.
Can Souvlaki and Kebab be baked?
Grilling is traditional, but they can be baked or cooked in other methods, depending on preference.
Can Souvlaki be beef-based in Greece?
Pork is most traditional, but beef, chicken, or lamb can also be used.
How is Adana Kebab different?
It's a type of Kebab made from minced meat, often spiced, and originates from Turkey.
Do both dishes require marination?
Often, yes. Both benefit from marination to enhance flavor.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Bar vs. Rod
Next Comparison
Improve vs. ProgressAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited 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.
