Shish taouk

Shish taouk is a delectable marinated chicken kebab that has its origins in Ottoman cuisine. Over time, this dish has gained widespread popularity across the Middle East and is enjoyed in countries such as Armenia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, and Israel. Those familiar with Persian cuisine may notice its similarity to jujeh kabab. Today, shish taouk is a favorite at kebab houses around the world.

The term "shish" (or "şiş" in Turkish and Syrian-Arabic dialects) means skewer, while "tavuk" is derived from the ancient Turkic word "takagu" meaning chicken. To prepare shish taouk, chicken pieces are marinated—frequently in yogurt, lemon juice, or tomato puree—then skewered and grilled to perfection.

Shish taouk can be enjoyed in various ways: as a sandwich or on a platter accompanied by vegetables, rice, or French fries. In Turkish cuisine, it is commonly served with rice, yogurt, and skewer-grilled vegetables. The Syrian and Lebanese versions are often paired with toum (a garlic paste sauce), hummus, and tabbouleh. For those who prefer the sandwich style, it is typically wrapped in flatbread or dürüm, along with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickled turnips. In Israel, shish taouk is served with sumac-flavored tahini, fried onions, flatbread or pita, grilled chili peppers, tabbouleh or Israeli salad, and pickles.