Shashlik
What is shashlik?
Key facts
| Dish | Skewered and grilled meat[3] |
|---|---|
| Popular regions | Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia[3] |
| Names in other countries | Mtsvadi (Georgia), khorovats (Armenia), khebab (Azerbaijan)[1] |
| Etymology | From Turkish 'shish', meaning 'skewer'[2] |
| Preparation | Meat marinated before grilling[2] |
| Common meat | Lamb[3] |
Shashlik is a dish of skewered, grilled meat, typically marinated before cooking, and is widely associated with Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia [3] [5].
Context
Shashlik is a dish of skewered, grilled meat, widely associated with Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia [3] [5]. It is similar to or synonymous with shish kebab [3] [5]. The name comes from the Turkish word 'shish', meaning 'skewer' [2] [5]. Meat is marinated before grilling, and lamb is a common choice [2] [3]. Vegetables may also be added to the skewer [1] [4]. The dish has national-name variants: mtsvadi in Georgia, khorovats in Armenia, and khebab in Azerbaijan [1].
Documented claims
- Shashlik is similar to or synonymous with shish kebab. [3]
- Sources place its origin in areas between Turkey and Russia, or in Central Asia and Western Asia. [2]
- Some descriptions say vegetables may be added on the skewer. [1]
- The dish has national-name variants in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. [1]
Questions and answers
Is shashlik a Russian dish?
What is the difference between shish kebab and shashlik?
Sources
- Descubra la magia del shashlik y todo lo que el mundo de ... — ferwer.es (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- Shashlik (шашлык) — blog.kolobok.com.mx (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- Shashlik — ecured.cu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- shashlik — dictionary.cambridge.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- Shashlik de Cordero: Un Clásico de la Barbacoa Rusa — eagroup.coop (retrieved August 3, 2026)