Şiş kebap is meat cut into small pieces, marinated, skewered, and then grilled over a charcoal fire. The Turkish name “şiş kebap” literally means “meat skewer” (“şiş” – skewer, “kebap” – meat cooked over fire).
It is a typical Turkish dish that has gained great popularity in the Middle East, the Balkans, and gradually around the world.
Şiş Kebap: Grilled Meat on a Skewer
Turkish şiş kebap is renowned for its rich flavor, tenderness of the meat, and the aromatic spices used in the marinade.
It is typically served with traditional Turkish sides such as rice or pilaf, bulgur, grilled vegetables, bread like lavash, yogurt dips (cacık), salads (ezme), and fresh herbs. For drinks, ayran or Turkish tea is ideal.
I must once again emphasize the tenderness of the meat. Turkish (but also, for example, Iranian or Kyrgyz) grilled meat on skewers is, in my opinion, some of the most tender and best-grilled meat I have ever had the chance to taste.
Types of Şiş Kebap
Şiş kebap comes in several variations, differing mainly in the type of meat used and the style of marinade. Typical types include:
- Kuzu şiş kebap – traditional lamb skewers marinated in a yogurt-based mixture with garlic and spices.
- Tavuk şiş kebap – chicken skewers marinated in yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic with a mild spice blend.
- Dana şiş kebap – beef skewers often marinated in olive oil, garlic, pepper, and oregano.
- Sebzeli şiş kebap – a variation where meat is combined with various vegetables such as eggplants, zucchinis, peppers, onions, or tomatoes.
Şiş kebap belongs to the broad family of Turkish dishes known as “kebab.” In Turkish gastronomy, the word kebab generally refers to meat cooked on a grill or over an open flame. There are many types of kebabs (döner kebap, ciğer kebabı, testi kebabı, adana kebap, urfa kebap, iskender kebap, cağ kebap, alinazik kebap, and more). Each of these dishes has its unique characteristics.
The Historical Origin of Şiş Kebap
Şiş kebap has deep roots in the history of Anatolia, the area that constitutes modern-day Turkey. Cooking meat over an open fire is one of the oldest methods of food preparation known to humanity. The first records of cooking meat on skewers date back to ancient Middle Eastern civilizations (specifically Mesopotamia and the Persian Empire).
In the Anatolian region, where modern Turkey is located, preparing meat on skewers became part of culinary culture as early as the Middle Ages, particularly during the Seljuk Empire and later the Ottoman Empire. Ottoman cuisine contributed to the popularization of this dish, spreading it across the Balkans, Central Asia, and the Middle East through trade routes and cultural exchanges. Although şiş kebap is now prepared in various forms worldwide, the true origin of this dish is undoubtedly Turkish.
Typical Ingredients and Preparation of Şiş Kebap
The main ingredient for şiş kebap is traditionally lamb, chicken, veal, or beef. Authentic Turkish şiş kebap is most commonly prepared with high-quality lamb, which is cut into medium-sized cubes of approximately 3 to 4 centimeters.
Before grilling, the meat is usually marinated. The marinade for şiş kebap typically consists of high-quality olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, yogurt, garlic, onion, and a blend of traditional Turkish spices. The marination process lasts at least a few hours, but the meat is often marinated overnight.
After marination, the individual pieces of meat are skewered on long metal or wooden skewers. They are then grilled over hot charcoal or an open flame. The meat must be tender, juicy, and golden brown on the surface.
Şiş kebap is an essential part of Turkish gastronomy. I always try to eat new dishes while traveling, but Turkish şiş kebap is something I keep coming back to ❤️.
The photos of chicken şiş kebap in this article were taken at the Ciğercan Avanos restaurant (see “Where to Eat in Cappadocia“). One portion, including several salads, cost 320 TRY (7.60 EUR).
And I have to say it again: eating such incredibly tender yet juicy meat is always an amazing culinary experience for me.
Bon appétit!
🇹🇷 Experience the Turkish passion for food and drink! Subscribe to my newsletter and I will guide you for free through all the flavors and aromas of this amazing gastronomic destination.
