What does kabab mean?
A kabab is a skewer or dish of seasoned meat pieces cooked over a flame, most commonly on a grill. The meat is often marinated before cooking and may be prepared with vegetables, herbs, and spices such as cumin, coriander, garlic, or saffron. In British and South Asian English, “kabab” is an established spelling, although “kebab” is more frequent in general English usage. The word is also used more broadly in South Asian cuisine for a variety of preparations, including dry-roasted and grilled dishes. A kabab differs from a plain kebab mainly in spelling and culinary context rather than in its central meaning. Both words are commonly used in names such as chicken kebab, lamb kebab, and mixed kebab.
nounCubes or pieces of seasoned meat, usually grilled or roasted on skewers. “Kabab” is a less common spelling of “kebab.”
- Cubes or pieces of seasoned meat cooked on skewers.
"They served fragrant chicken kabab with mint chutney and warm flatbread."
"The kabab was tender, smoky, and lightly spiced with cumin and coriander."
"For a quick lunch, she grilled a mixed vegetable kabab over the barbecue."
The plural is commonly used when referring to several skewers or individual servings.
"The caterer brought trays of steaming chicken kababs."
Kabab carries the flavor of a remarkable culinary journey, from Persian cuisine through Turkish into the English language.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kabab come from?
“Kabab” is a variant spelling of “kebab.” English borrowed the word from Turkish kebap, which in turn came from Persian kabāb; Persian kabāb is ultimately derived from Arabic kabāb, referring to pieces of meat prepared for grilling.
How kabab is actually used
“Kebab” is the more common spelling in contemporary English, especially in the United States. “Kabab” is common in Britain and South Asia and may occur in the names of South Asian dishes.