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Kabab — traditional dish from Cairo, Egypt
Main course Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥450kcal
💪36gProtein
🌾4gCarbs
🥑30gFat
🌿1gFibre
⚖️200 gServing

* Per serving · 200 g. May vary.

Kabab

How to order / say it
Say it كباب — [kah-BAHB]
Order I'd like the kabab, please.
Locally عايز كباب لو سمحت
Say locally

Grilled spiced lamb skewers, a popular choice among meat lovers in Egypt.

Why try it?

Kabab is a popular dish at festive gatherings and special occasions, showcasing Egyptian culinary skills in grilling and spice blending.

How it tastes

Juicy and tender, with a smoky aroma from charcoal grilling, each bite of kabab is an explosion of meaty, spicy, and savory flavors.

Origin & History — first documented: 1500

Kabab traces its roots to the medieval Middle East, becoming a staple in Cairo during the Ottoman times. Its adaptability and rich flavor made it an enduring favorite.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥩 400 g lamb
  • 🧄 50 g onion
  • 🌿 20 g parsley
  • 🧂 10 g cumin
  • 🧂 10 g paprika
  • 🧂 5 g salt
  • 🧂 5 g black pepper

Method

  1. 1 Mix minced lamb with finely chopped onion, parsley, and spices.
  2. 2 Shape mixture onto skewers.
  3. 3 Grill over charcoal until the meat is cooked through.
  4. 4 Serve hot with flatbread or salad.

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All Africa recipes — Egypt — Cairo — Kabab
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