What is the Difference Between Kebab and Yiros

The main difference between kebab and yiros is that Kebab has Middle Eastern origins, whereas yiros has Greek origins.

Both kebab and yiros are two meat dishes that are popular around the world. There are different types of kebabs, like doner kebab and shish kebab. Doner kebab is very similar to yiros as both involve cooking meat on a vertical spit and slicing it off as it cooks. However, since these two dishes have different origins, the seasonings used on them differ.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Kebab
     – Definition, Cooking, Origins
2. What is Yiros
     – Definition, Cooking, Origins
3. Difference Between Kebab and Yiros
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Kebab, Yiros, Gyro 

Difference Between Kebab and Yiros  - Comparison Summary

What is Kebab

Kebab is a popular dish that originated in the Middle East. It has since spread to many countries around the world. It typically consists of meat, such as lamb, beef, or chicken, which is marinated and then grilled on a skewer. Lamb is the most common meat for kebabs in Middle Eastern regions, while pork kebabs are difficult to find due to religious reasons. The meat is often served in a wrap or pita bread with various toppings, such as tomatoes, onions, and lettuce, and sometimes with sauces like yogurt or tahini.

Kebab vs Yiros

There are many different variations of kebab, depending on the region where it is made. Two common examples are doner kebab and shish kebab. Doner kebab involves cooking meat (usually lamb or chicken) on a vertical spit and slicing it off as it cooks, whereas shish kebab involves skewering small pieces of meat, typically lamb, beef, or chicken, and then grilling them over an open flame.

We often consider kebab as a street food as it’s available in most street food stalls. Many Middle Eastern restaurants and fast food chains around the world also offer kebabs as a part of their menu. People consider it a quick, easy, and tasty meal that you can enjoy anytime.

What is Yiros

Yiros, also spelled as gyro or gyros, is a Greek dish made of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served wrapped in pita bread. The meat is usually pork, chicken, or lamb. It is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, garlic, and cumin. The meat is cooked slowly until crispy on the outside and juicy inside and then thinly sliced off the spit. The meat often comes with toppings like tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and tzatziki sauce.

Compare Kebab and Yiros - What's the difference?

The word “gyro” is Greek for “turn,” which refers to the way of cooking the meat, turning slowly on a spit. Yiros is a popular street food and is available in most Greek taverns and fast-food shops around the world. It is similar to shawarma and doner kebab, which are also dishes of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, but the origin and the seasoning of the meat are different.

Difference Between Kebab and Yiros

Definition

Kebab is a dish of pieces of meat roasted or grilled on a skewer or spit, whereas yiros is meat roasted on a vertical rotisserie, then thinly sliced, and served in a sandwich of pita bread.

Origins

Kebab has Middle Eastern origins, whereas yiros has Greek origins.

Cooking Meat

In kebab, pieces of meat are roasted or grilled on a skewer or spit, whereas in yiros, the meat is cooked slowly on a vertical rotisserie and then thinly sliced off the spit.

Seasonings

Kebab typically uses a mixture of Middle Eastern spices like paprika, cumin, coriander, and pepper, whereas yiros uses spices like oregano, thyme, garlic, and cumin.

Conclusion

The main difference between kebab and yiros is that Kebab has Middle Eastern origins, whereas yiros has Greek origins. Therefore, kebab typically uses a mixture of Middle Eastern spices like paprika, cumin, coriander, and pepper, whereas yiros uses spices like oregano, thyme, garlic, and cumin.

Reference:

1. “Gyros.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “What are Kebabs?” Delighted Cooking.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Lula kebab 2”  By Lesya Dolyk(CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Lamb Gyros Sydney” By Insatiablemunch (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

Leave a Reply