What marinated grilled chicken skewer dish is a Lebanese street food favorite?

The story behind the answer

The marinated grilled chicken skewer dish described in the question is shish taouk.

Shish taouk consists of cubes of chicken marinated before being threaded onto skewers and grilled. Lebanese and Syrian versions commonly use lemon, garlic, olive oil, and spices; yogurt-based marinades are also widespread. The marinade helps flavor the meat and contributes to a tender texture.

The dish’s name reflects its history. Shish comes from Turkish şiş, meaning skewer, while tavuk means chicken. Shish taouk therefore belongs to a wider Ottoman and Middle Eastern culinary tradition rather than being limited to one modern national cuisine.

In Lebanon, it may be served on a platter with rice or vegetables, or wrapped in flatbread with pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes. Toum is a classic accompaniment. Shish taouk is often confused with generic kebab, but kebab is a broad category, while shish taouk specifically identifies the marinated chicken preparation.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Aug. 2026

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