Definition of the word kebab

The origin of the word "kebab" can be traced back to the Ottoman Turkish language. In Turkish, the term "kebap" or "kebab" (kebi meaning "roasted" and ap meaning "soup" or "stew") originally referred to the method of cooking meat, particularly lamb or goat, by slow-roasting it over an open flame. The dish was typically seasoned with a blend of spices and served with various accompaniments such as rice, vegetables, or flatbread. The word "kebab" was adopted into several other languages, including Persian (kabāb), Azerbaijani (qebəb), and Greek (γυρος) through the Ottoman Empire's cultural and linguistic influence. In some regional variations, the spelling and pronunciation of the word have also been altered, as is the case with the Indian interpretation of the dish as "keema Paratha" or the English transliteration of "kebab." Today, kebab has become a worldwide delicacy, celebrated and enjoyed in different forms across various cultures and cuisines. Some notable kebab dishes include the Turkish Adana kebab, the Greek souvlaki, the Indian seekh kebab, and the South African boerewors. The popularity and spread of kebab have unquestionably led to its status as a beloved comestible that encapsulates the flavors and traditions of diverse regions worldwide.