Kabob vs. Kebab — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 7, 2023

Kabob and Kebab refer to the same grilled or skewered meat dish, but "Kabob" is the Americanized spelling, while "Kebab" is the original and internationally used term.

Difference Between Kabob and Kebab

Table of Contents

➝ Key Differences ➝ Comparison Chart ➝ Definitions ➝ FAQs

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Key Differences

The terms Kabob and Kebab may refer to a variety of meat, including beef, chicken, or lamb, and the dish can be grilled or cooked in an oven. In both cases, the meat is often marinated for flavor. However, the American "Kabob" sometimes involves a fusion of styles, incorporating non-traditional ingredients or sauces.

Sep 07, 2023

Both Kabob and Kebab have evolved to include vegetarian and even dessert versions. Yet, irrespective of the ingredients used, the term "Kebab" is often considered more authentic and traditional, while "Kabob" is seen as a westernized adaptation of the dish.

Sep 07, 2023

Kabob is essentially an Americanized term for skewered meat, usually accompanied by vegetables. Kebab, on the other hand, is the traditional term originating from Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines, referring to the same style of cooked meat.

Sep 07, 2023

While the basic preparation methods of skewering and grilling meat remain the same, the spelling "Kabob" is primarily used in American English. Kebab is the spelling more commonly found in the UK, Europe, and other parts of the world, especially where the dish has its roots.

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Comparison Chart

Spelling

Americanized

Original

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Geographic Use

Primarily in America

Internationally recognized

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Authenticity

Seen as Westernized

Considered more authentic

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Ingredients

Sometimes non-traditional

Usually traditional

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Cultural Origin

Adapted for American tastes

Middle Eastern, South Asian origins

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Definitions

Kabob

Kabob is skewered meat often grilled.

We made chicken kabobs for the barbecue.

Sep 07, 2023

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Kebab

Kebab is a traditional grilled meat dish.

We ordered lamb kebabs at the Persian restaurant.

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Kabob

Kabob can include vegetables along with meat.

The vegetable kabob is a hit among vegetarians.

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Kebab

Kebab often involves marinating the meat.

The kebab was flavorful thanks to the marinade.

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Kabob

Kabob is the Americanized term for Kebab.

You'll find kabob listed on most American menus.

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Kebab

Kebab can also be served in a flatbread wrap.

He had a kebab wrap for a quick lunch.

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Kabob

Kabob can be cooked in an oven or on a grill.

She cooked the kabobs in the oven due to bad weather.

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Kebab

Kebab is commonly found in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Kebab is a staple in Middle Eastern diets.

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Kabob

Kabob can be marinated in various sauces.

I prefer my kabobs marinated in a spicy sauce.

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Kebab

Kebab is the original term for skewered meat.

The term kebab is recognized internationally.

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Kabob

Variant of kebab.

Mar 25, 2018

Kebab

Kebabs are various cooked meat dishes with their origins in Middle Eastern cuisine. Numerous variants are popular around the world.

Mar 25, 2018

Kabob

Alternative spelling of kebab

Mar 25, 2018

Kebab

A dish of pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables roasted or grilled on a skewer or spit.

Mar 25, 2018

Kabob

Alternative spelling of kebab

Mar 25, 2018

Kebab

Shish kebab.

Mar 25, 2018

Kabob

Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables

Mar 25, 2018

Kebab

(British) A dish of pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables roasted on a skewer or spit, especially a doner kebab.

Mar 25, 2018

Kebab

(AU) A hand-held dish consisting of pieces of meat roasted on an upright skewer mixed with fresh vegetables and sauces and rolled up in a round piece of unleavened bread.

Mar 25, 2018

Kebab

(US) A shish kebab or any other food on a skewer.

Mar 25, 2018

Kebab

A restaurant that sells kebabs

Let's go to the kebab after the club.

Mar 25, 2018

Kebab

(chemistry) The outward growing portions of a shish kebab structure.

Mar 25, 2018

Kebab

A Muslim, usually of southern European, Middle Eastern, or North African descent.

Mar 25, 2018

Kebab

The vulva.

Mar 25, 2018

Kebab

(GUI) menu icon of three vertical dots

Mar 25, 2018

Kebab

(transitive) To roast in the style of a kebab

Mar 25, 2018

Kebab

To stab or skewer

Mar 25, 2018

Kebab

See kabab and kabob.

Mar 25, 2018

Kebab

Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables

Mar 25, 2018

FAQs

Is Kabob the same as Kebab?

Essentially yes, but "Kabob" is the Americanized term while "Kebab" is the traditional term.

Sep 07, 2023

Is Kabob uniquely American?

The term "Kabob" is primarily used in American English.

Sep 07, 2023

What is Kabob?

Kabob refers to skewered and usually grilled meat, often with vegetables.

Sep 07, 2023

Is a Kebab always grilled?

Usually, but kebabs can also be cooked in an oven.

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Can a Kabob include vegetables?

Yes, kabobs often include skewered vegetables.

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Is marination necessary for Kebab?

Marination is common but not absolutely necessary.

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Do Kebabs have to be made of meat?

Traditional kebabs are meat-based, but vegetarian versions exist.

Sep 07, 2023

Are Kebabs only eaten in Middle Eastern countries?

No, kebabs are popular worldwide, especially in countries with Middle Eastern or South Asian communities.

Sep 07, 2023

What is Kebab?

Kebab is a traditional dish of skewered, marinated meat, often grilled.

Sep 07, 2023

Where did the term Kebab originate?

Kebab originates from Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines.

Sep 07, 2023

What meats are commonly used for Kabob?

Chicken, beef, and lamb are often used for kabobs.

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Can Kebab be spicy?

Kebabs can be spicy, depending on the marinade.

Sep 07, 2023

Is Kabob considered fast food in America?

Kabob is often seen as a healthier alternative to traditional American fast foods.

Sep 07, 2023

Is Kabob a main course?

Kabob is often served as a main course but can be an appetizer.

Sep 07, 2023

Is there a difference in the sauces used for Kabob and Kebab?

Kabob may use a wider variety of sauces, reflecting American tastes, while kebab sauces tend to be more traditional.

Sep 07, 2023

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.