The Most Appropriate Ways to Enjoy Your Kebab

The liberation of kebabs brings with it a vast array of eating methods, some formal, others decidedly less so. Understanding the various techniques can enhance your dining experience, allowing you to enjoy your kebab in the way that best suits your preferences and the setting. Whether you're feasting on a juicy shish kebab or sliding the pieces off a skewer, here's your guide to a tasty and tidy meal.

Eating Like Corn on the Cob vs. Sliding Kebab Pieces Off the Skewer

The choice between eating a kebab like corn on the cob and sliding the pieces off the skewer largely depends on personal preference and the type of kebab you're enjoying. With corn on the cob, you repeatedly bite into the kebab from one end, rotating it as you go. This technique works well for skewered kebabs like shish kebabs, where meat and vegetables are thread onto the skewer.

On the other hand, sliding the pieces off the skewer is a cleaner method, especially for kebabs served on skewers. You can either slide each piece onto a separate plate or, for a more hands-on approach, slide the pieces directly into your mouth. This method is particularly useful when you're at a casual gathering or enjoying street food where getting your hands a little dirty is part of the charm.

Traditional Methods and Modern Adaptations

In traditional settings, particularly in formal dinners or high-end restaurants, the tradition is to remove the kebab pieces from the skewer onto a plate, often with the help of bread. This method allows you to enjoy the kebab without the skewer getting in the way. The bread, typically a flatbread, can be used to gently pull the kebab from the skewer.

In restaurants, it's common to slide all the pieces of meat off the skewer, ideally onto some yellow rice or fluffy couscous. From there, you can use a knife and fork to eat the meal, or choose to eat it with your fingers, depending on the local customs. The key is to make it neat and tidy, ensuring your dining partners don't cringe at your lack of elegance.

Street Eats and Creative Solutions

When dining on the street, the challenge is to enjoy your kebab in a way that's both delicious and hygienic. Most street kebabs come with a piece of naan or pita. Using this bread, you can delicately pull the meat off the skewer, either individually or by wrapping the bread around the entire kebab to slide the skewer out neatly. This creates a sandwich that you can eat gracefully.

For those truly mastered in the art of daintiness, pulling large pieces of meat onto the bread while holding the skewer leaves you with a miniature sandwich that can be eaten in two neat bites. The key is to avoid the dangers of a weakened meat shape left hanging precariously by biting one end of a piece, or the messiness of taking a whole chunk of meat in your mouth.

Ultimately, whether you choose to eat your kebab like corn on the cob or opt for a more formal approach, the most important thing is to enjoy it in a way that reflects the cultural and social context of where you are dining. Whether in a five-star restaurant or a bustling street market, the kebab is a versatile and delightful dish that can be enjoyed in many ways.