Souvlaki vs. Kebab: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 7, 2023
Souvlaki is a Greek dish of small pieces of meat grilled on a skewer, while kebab is a broader term for meat cooked on skewers or a spit, particularly in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Key Differences
Souvlaki typically consists of small, marinated cubes of meat, often pork or chicken, threaded on skewers and grilled, while kebab encompasses a wide variety of grilled meat dishes, originating from Middle Eastern countries, often featuring larger cuts of meat, sometimes ground, and can be cooked on skewers or a spit.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
In Greece, souvlaki is often served in a pita wrap with garnishes like tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce, whereas kebabs are commonly served on a plate or in bread, with accompaniments varying widely by region, including rice, vegetables, and different sauces.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
While souvlaki is traditionally associated with Greek cuisine and has specific ingredients and preparation methods, kebab, particularly the doner kebab, has become a global street food favorite, adapted to include a range of seasonings and serving styles.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
The term souvlaki comes from the Greek word "souvla" meaning skewer, emphasizing the cooking method, while kebab is derived from Arabic and Persian, where it has ancient roots and is deeply integrated into the food culture with many regional variations like shish kebab and kofta kebab.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
Souvlaki is usually made with meat that is evenly cut and often eaten straight from the skewer or served with bread, in contrast, kebabs can vary from finely ground meat shaped around the skewer to chunks of meat, and even vegetables added between meat pieces.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Meat Cut
Small, marinated cubes of meat.
Can be cubes, slices, or ground meat.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Serving Style
Often served in pita with vegetables and sauces.
Served on plates, in bread, or with rice and salads.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Accompaniments
Typically tomatoes, onions, tzatziki.
Varies widely, from vegetables to various sauces.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
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Souvlaki and Kebab Definitions
Souvlaki
Marinated meat typically served with pita bread.
She wrapped her souvlaki in a warm pita with tzatziki.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Kebab
Skewered and grilled meat, common in Middle Eastern cuisine.
I can't wait to have a lamb kebab with some hummus.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Souvlaki
A quick Greek street food often eaten on the go.
We grabbed a souvlaki to eat while walking through Athens.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Kebab
Can refer to various forms, including shish kebab and doner kebab.
For dinner, let's make shish kebab with bell peppers and onions.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
Souvlaki
Small pieces of pork or chicken cooked on a skewer.
He prefers pork souvlaki with a squeeze of lemon.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
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Kebab
A versatile dish that can be cooked over an open flame or grill.
At the barbecue, everyone wanted a taste of the spicy chicken kebab.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
Souvlaki
A traditional Greek dish dating back to ancient times.
They served authentic souvlaki at the cultural festival.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Kebab
Ground meat or chunks of meat prepared with a mix of seasonings.
The kofta kebab was so tender and full of herbs.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
Souvlaki
Grilled meat skewers popular in Greek cuisine.
I ordered chicken souvlaki with a side of Greek salad.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Kebab
Often includes vegetables and spices alongside the meat.
The beef kebab was seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Souvlaki
A Greek dish consisting of pieces of seasoned meat roasted on skewers.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 21, 2022
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.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 21, 2022
Souvlaki
A wrapped pancake dish filled with meat, salad and some kind of sauce or dressing, commonly called a kebab.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 21, 2022
FAQs
What meats are used in souvlaki?
Typically pork or chicken, but lamb and beef can also be used.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
How is souvlaki different from gyros?
Souvlaki is skewered meat, while gyros are meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
Can souvlaki be a full meal?
Yes, especially when served with pita, vegetables, and fries or rice.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
What is a kebab?
A broad term for various grilled meat dishes from Middle Eastern cuisines.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
What's a popular type of kebab?
Doner kebab and shish kebab are quite popular.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Are kebabs always spicy?
Not necessarily, the spice level varies by regional recipe.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
Can I find kebab in different cuisines?
Yes, many cuisines have their own versions of kebabs.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
What is the main difference between souvlaki and kebab?
Souvlaki is specifically Greek, while kebab has many regional varieties.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Is souvlaki gluten-free?
The meat itself is, but pita bread and some marinades may contain gluten.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Do kebabs use specific types of meat?
Beef, lamb, and chicken are common, but variations exist.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Is souvlaki considered fast food in Greece?
Yes, it's a popular fast-food option.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
What are common spices in kebabs?
Cumin, paprika, turmeric, and coriander are often used.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Can kebabs be baked instead of grilled?
Yes, though grilling is traditional for the charred flavor.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
How do I make kebabs at home?
Skewer your choice of meat and vegetables and grill them.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
Are kebabs considered healthy?
They can be, depending on the ingredients and preparation.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Can souvlaki be vegetarian?
Yes, it can be made with vegetables instead of meat.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
What drink pairs well with souvlaki?
A crisp white wine or a cold beer complements souvlaki well.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
