Shawarma vs. Kebab: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 29, 2023
Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish of thinly sliced meat, often lamb, chicken, or beef, roasted on a rotating spit, while Kebab generally refers to a variety of grilled or broiled meat dishes, often on skewers, originating from Middle Eastern cuisines.
Key Differences
Shawarma involves slow-roasting meat on a vertical rotating spit, which is then shaved off for serving. Kebab typically refers to meat grilled or broiled on skewers, with various preparation styles across different cultures.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Shawarma has its roots in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly popular in countries like Lebanon, Turkey, and Syria. Kebabs, while also originating from Middle Eastern and South Asian regions, have a wider geographical spread and variations, including Turkish, Persian, and Indian styles.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Shawarma is often served in a wrap or pita bread with vegetables and sauces. Kebabs are usually served on skewers or as part of a platter with sides like rice, salad, and dips.
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Dec 29, 2023
Shawarma typically uses chicken, beef, or lamb, and its spices and marinades are specific to regional tastes. Kebabs have a broader range of variations, including different types of meat like lamb, beef, chicken, and fish, and even vegetarian options.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
While both shawarma and kebabs have evolved with local tastes and ingredients in different countries, shawarma tends to retain a more consistent preparation method, whereas kebabs have a diverse range of cooking techniques and presentations.
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Dec 29, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Cooking Technique
Roasted on a vertical spit
Grilled or broiled, often on skewers
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Dec 29, 2023
Typical Serving
In wraps or pita with sauces
On skewers or with sides like rice
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Dec 29, 2023
Meat Varieties
Usually chicken, beef, or lamb
Includes lamb, chicken, beef, fish, vegetables
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Preparation Consistency
More consistent in preparation
Wide range of preparation styles
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Dec 29, 2023
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Shawarma and Kebab Definitions
Shawarma
A Middle Eastern dish of spit-roasted meat.
I ordered chicken shawarma for lunch.
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Dec 29, 2023
Kebab
Often served with sides.
The kebabs came with rice, salad, and yogurt sauce.
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Dec 29, 2023
Shawarma
Accompanied by various sauces.
The shawarma came with tahini and chili sauce.
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Dec 29, 2023
Shawarma
Meat cooked on a rotating spit.
The restaurant's shawarma was slowly turning on the rotisserie.
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Dec 29, 2023
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Kebab
Can be made with different meats.
The menu featured chicken, beef, and fish kebabs.
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Dec 29, 2023
Shawarma
Features thinly sliced meat.
The shawarma had perfectly seasoned, thinly sliced lamb.
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Dec 29, 2023
Kebab
A dish of grilled or broiled meat.
We had lamb kebabs at the barbecue.
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Dec 29, 2023
Shawarma
Often served as a wrap or sandwich.
He enjoyed a beef shawarma wrap with garlic sauce.
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Dec 29, 2023
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.
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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
Shawarma
A Middle Eastern sandwich-like wrap of shaved lamb, goat, chicken, turkey, beef, or a mixture of these.
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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
Kebab
A Muslim, usually of southern European, Middle Eastern, or North African descent.
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Oct 19, 2023
Kebab
Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables
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Oct 19, 2023
Kebab
Found in various international cuisines.
The Indian restaurant's kebabs were full of spices.
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Dec 29, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is shawarma?
Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish of spit-roasted meat, often served in a wrap.
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Dec 29, 2023
How is shawarma traditionally served?
Typically in a wrap or pita with vegetables and sauces.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Are kebabs always made with meat?
Mostly, but there are vegetarian kebabs as well.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can shawarma be vegetarian?
Not traditionally, but some places offer vegetarian versions with alternatives like tofu.
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Dec 29, 2023
What's the difference in cooking methods between shawarma and kebabs?
Shawarma is roasted on a spit, while kebabs are grilled or broiled.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can kebabs be considered fast food?
In some regions, yes, especially in street-food settings.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is shawarma a healthy food choice?
It can be, depending on the meat and accompaniments used.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is shawarma a street food?
Often, especially in the Middle East and urban centers worldwide.
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Dec 29, 2023
What are common spices in shawarma?
Spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric.
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Dec 29, 2023
What countries are known for shawarma?
Countries like Lebanon, Turkey, and Syria.
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Dec 29, 2023
What is a kebab?
Kebab refers to various grilled or broiled meat dishes, often skewered.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is yogurt used in kebab marinades?
Often, especially in South Asian and Middle Eastern recipes.
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Dec 29, 2023
What's a popular side dish with kebabs?
Rice, salad, or flatbreads are common.
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Dec 29, 2023
Are kebabs served with sauce?
Frequently, along with sides like rice or salad.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can I make shawarma at home?
Yes, with a rotisserie setup or modified cooking techniques.
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Dec 29, 2023
Are shawarma and kebabs suitable for a BBQ?
Kebabs are ideal; shawarma requires specialized equipment.
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Dec 29, 2023
What makes shawarma unique from other meat dishes?
Its distinctive flavor comes from the slow roasting on a spit.
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Dec 29, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila 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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