Shish taouk
Chicken pieces marinated, skewered and grilled over a fire
Shish taouk is a dish of marinated chicken cooked on skewers, found across Turkish, Armenian, and Arab cuisines. The chicken is soaked in a marinade, then grilled and served either on a plate or wrapped in bread. It is popular in many Middle Eastern and Caucasian regions, often eaten with rice, vegetables, or sauces.
- Chicken is marinated before grilling on skewers
- Popular in Turkish, Armenian, and Arab cuisines
- Often served with rice, salads, or wrapped in bread
- Marinades use yogurt, lemon juice, or tomato puree
What is Shish taouk?
Shish taouk is a grilled chicken dish where chunks of meat are marinated before being cooked on skewers. The marinade often uses yogurt, lemon juice, or tomato puree, which helps tenderize the chicken and give it a tangy flavor. Once grilled, the chicken develops a slightly charred exterior while staying juicy inside. It is commonly served with sides like rice, grilled vegetables, or salads, and sometimes wrapped in flatbread.
Where does Shish taouk come from?
The dish traces its roots to the cuisines of Turkey, Armenia, and Arab countries, and has become a staple in many Middle Eastern and Caucasian kitchens. The name comes from Turkish and Arabic words for 'skewer' and 'chicken.' Over time, shish taouk spread through the Ottoman Empire and became a familiar offering in kebab restaurants across the region.
How is Shish taouk made?
To prepare shish taouk, pieces of chicken are soaked in a marinade, which may include yogurt, lemon juice, or tomato puree, along with spices. After marinating, the chicken is threaded onto skewers and cooked over a grill until browned and cooked through. The grilling process gives the meat a smoky aroma and a crisp surface.
How and when is Shish taouk eaten?
Shish taouk is eaten as a main meal, often at lunch or dinner. It can be served on a plate with rice, grilled vegetables, and salads, or wrapped in flatbread as a sandwich. In Turkey, it is common to find it with yogurt and cucumber salad, while in Syria and Lebanon, it may come with garlic sauce, hummus, or tabbouleh. French fries or pickled vegetables are also popular accompaniments.
Kinds of Shish taouk
Different regions have their own takes on shish taouk. Turkish versions tend to be served with rice and yogurt-based sides, while Syrian and Lebanese styles often include garlic sauce and salads. The marinade ingredients can also vary, with some using more tomato or lemon, and others adding different spices.
What Shish taouk means
Shish taouk is a familiar sight in kebab shops and restaurants throughout the Middle East and the Caucasus. It is enjoyed as an everyday meal and is not tied to any particular festival or religious event. Its popularity has made it a recognizable dish beyond its original regions.
Questions people ask about Shish taouk
What is shish taouk made of?
It is made from pieces of chicken that are marinated, then cooked on skewers, often with yogurt, lemon juice, or tomato puree in the marinade.
Where does shish taouk come from?
Shish taouk has roots in Turkish, Armenian, and Arab cuisines, and is now common across the Middle East and the Caucasus.
How is shish taouk usually served?
It can be served on a plate with rice and vegetables, or wrapped in flatbread as a sandwich, sometimes with sauces like garlic paste or hummus.
Is shish taouk always made with chicken?
Yes, the dish is specifically based on chicken, as the name itself refers to chicken cooked on skewers.
What does the name 'shish taouk' mean?
The name combines words for 'skewer' and 'chicken' from Turkish and Arabic languages.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Shish taouk", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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