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Kabob vs. Kebab: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Kabob and Kebab refer to the same dish of grilled meat, with "Kabob" being the Americanized spelling and "Kebab" the original, often used in international contexts.
Kabob vs. Kebab

Key Differences

Kabob is an Americanized version of the word, commonly used in the United States. Kebab is the traditional spelling, reflecting its Eastern and Middle Eastern origins.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Both kabob and kebab refer to cooked meat dishes, often grilled on a skewer. The term kebab is more closely associated with its cultural and historical roots.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
In culinary contexts, kabob often appears in American menus and cookbooks. Kebab, on the other hand, is used internationally and is often seen in authentic ethnic restaurants and recipes.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
The spelling kabob may indicate a Western adaptation of the dish, sometimes with modifications in ingredients or preparation. Kebab typically suggests a more traditional preparation, adhering to the dish's cultural origins.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
While kabob is widely recognized in American English, kebab is understood globally and is the preferred term in culinary discussions concerning authentic regional cuisine.
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Nov 25, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Spelling Origin

Americanized version
Traditional, original spelling
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Nov 25, 2023

Usage

Common in the United States
Used internationally and in original cuisines
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Culinary Context

Appears in American menus and cookbooks
Found in ethnic restaurants and traditional recipes
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Nov 25, 2023

Implication

May suggest Western adaptation
Implies traditional preparation and authenticity
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Nov 25, 2023

Recognition

Recognized in American English
Globally understood and preferred in culinary arts
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Kabob and Kebab Definitions

Kabob

Kabob is a dish of skewered and grilled meat.
We grilled chicken kabobs at the barbecue.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023

Kebab

Kebab is a traditional dish of marinated meat grilled on a skewer.
The restaurant's specialty is authentic lamb kebab.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023

Kabob

In American cuisine, kabob refers to meat and vegetables cooked on a skewer.
She prepared vegetable kabobs for the vegetarian guests.
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Nov 21, 2023

Kebab

Kebab can also refer to doner kebab, a popular street food featuring sliced meat from a rotisserie.
He stopped at a vendor for a doner kebab.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023

Kabob

In American restaurants, kabob often refers to a fusion or adaptation of the traditional kebab.
The menu featured a variety of kabobs, from lamb to tempeh.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
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Kebab

Kebab originates from Middle Eastern cuisine, featuring spiced, grilled meat.
For dinner, they served chicken kebab with pita bread.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023

Kabob

Kabob can also describe skewered seafood or tofu.
The seafood kabobs were a hit at the beach party.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023

Kebab

Kebab is often served with flatbread, rice, or salads in its traditional form.
They ordered kebab with a side of tabbouleh.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023

Kabob

Kabob is used to describe a quick, casual grilled dish in American cuisine.
Let's grab some kabobs from the food truck.
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Nov 21, 2023

Kebab

Shish kebab.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Kabob

Variant of kebab.
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Oct 19, 2023

Kebab

(British) A dish of pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables roasted on a skewer or spit, especially a doner kebab.
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Oct 19, 2023

Kabob

Alternative spelling of kebab
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Oct 19, 2023

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.
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Oct 19, 2023

Kabob

Alternative spelling of kebab
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Kebab

(US) A shish kebab or any other food on a skewer.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Kabob

Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Kebab

A restaurant that sells kebabs
Let's go to the kebab after the club.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Kebab

(chemistry) The outward growing portions of a shish kebab structure.
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Oct 19, 2023

Kebab

A Muslim, usually of southern European, Middle Eastern, or North African descent.
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Kebab

The vulva.
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Kebab

(GUI) menu icon of three vertical dots
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Kebab

(transitive) To roast in the style of a kebab
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Oct 19, 2023

Kebab

To stab or skewer
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Oct 19, 2023

Kebab

See kabab and kabob.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Kebab

Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Kebab

In many cultures, kebab includes a variety of meats and preparation styles.
During his travel, he enjoyed trying different types of kebab.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

What does Kebab traditionally include?

Marinated meat grilled on a skewer, originating from Middle Eastern cuisine.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

What is a Kabob?

A dish of skewered and grilled meat, popular in American cuisine.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

Can Kabob include vegetables?

In American cuisine, kabobs often include meat and vegetables together.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

Do Kabobs have different meat options?

Yes, ranging from chicken to lamb, and even seafood or tofu.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

Are Kabob and Kebab the same dish?

Essentially, yes, but the term kabob often implies an Americanized version.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

Are Kabobs easy to make?

Yes, they're a simple and popular choice for grilling.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

Is Kebab always made with meat?

Traditionally, yes, but there are vegetarian variations.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

What's the origin of the word Kebab?

It comes from Middle Eastern cuisine, with historical roots in various cultures.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

What are common sides with Kebab?

It's usually served with flatbread, rice, or salads.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

How is doner Kebab different?

It's made with meat cooked on a rotating spit, often served in bread.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

Can Kabob be a vegetarian dish?

Yes, vegetable kabobs are a common vegetarian option.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

Are Kabobs a casual food in America?

Yes, they are often considered a quick and casual meal.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

What spices are used in traditional Kebab?

Commonly used spices include cumin, paprika, and coriander.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

Is Kebab considered street food?

In some forms, like doner kebab, it's a popular street food.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

What's the cultural significance of Kebab?

It has deep roots in Middle Eastern and Eastern culinary traditions.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

Can Kabob be a fusion dish?

In American cuisine, kabobs often incorporate fusion flavors.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

What beverages pair well with Kebab?

Beverages like ayran or mint tea traditionally complement kebab.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

Is Kebab eaten in specific regions?

It's popular globally, especially in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

Is Kabob considered healthy?

It can be, depending on the ingredients and preparation.
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Nov 25, 2023

Are Kabobs served in fast food?

Yes, they are often available at fast food and casual dining spots in the U.S.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023

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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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