World Kebab Day
July 10
About World Kebab Day
World Kebab Day is celebrated on the second Friday of July each year, falling on 10 July in 2026. The day honours one of the world’s most beloved street foods, from the Turkish shish and doner to the countless regional variations enjoyed across the globe. It was created to recognise the cultural significance and history of the kebab.
How to Celebrate World Kebab Day
The kebab is endlessly versatile, so there are plenty of delicious ways to take part. Here are some ideas to sink your teeth into.
- Visit your favourite kebab shop – Support a local, independent kebab house and order the classic that always hits the spot, whether that is a doner, a shish, or a mixed grill.
- Fire up the grill at home – Thread marinated chunks of lamb, chicken, or vegetables onto skewers and cook them over a barbecue for an authentic shish experience.
- Make your own marinade – Yoghurt, garlic, lemon, cumin, and paprika form the base of many great kebab marinades. Leave the meat to soak for a few hours for maximum flavour.
- Go vegetarian or vegan – Halloumi, mushrooms, peppers, courgette, and falafel all make superb meat-free kebabs that are just as satisfying.
- Explore global versions – Try a Greek souvlaki, an Indian seekh kebab, a Middle Eastern shawarma, or an Adana kebab to appreciate the dish’s incredible range.
- Get the bread and sauce right – A great kebab is about more than the meat. Warm flatbread, crisp salad, pickled chillies, and garlic or chilli sauce all play their part.
- Host a build-your-own night – Lay out grilled meats, vegetables, breads, salads, and sauces and let everyone assemble their perfect kebab.
- Share the love online – Post a photo of your kebab and tag the shop or recipe that made it, helping spread the celebration.
What is World Kebab Day?
World Kebab Day is an annual celebration of the kebab in all its forms, from skewered and grilled meats to the wrapped and stacked varieties found in takeaways around the world. The day appeals to food lovers everywhere and recognises both the flavour and the cultural heritage of the dish. It is widely marked by restaurants, food bloggers, and kebab enthusiasts, particularly within the industry that the day originally set out to champion.
When is World Kebab Day?
World Kebab Day falls on the second Friday of July each year. In 2026, that is Friday, 10 July. Because the date is tied to the second Friday rather than a fixed number, it shifts slightly from year to year. The table below shows the dates for the next five years.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday, 10 July |
| 2027 | Friday, 9 July |
| 2028 | Friday, 14 July |
| 2029 | Friday, 13 July |
| 2030 | Friday, 12 July |
The History of World Kebab Day
The kebab itself is an ancient food. It is widely believed to have originated in Turkey, where, according to popular history, soldiers grilled chunks of freshly hunted meat on their swords over open fires. The word “kebab” has roots in the languages of the Middle East, and the dish spread from Turkey across the region and eventually the wider world. Today almost every culture has embraced its own version, from the Greek souvlaki to the South Asian seekh kebab.
World Kebab Day is a much more modern invention. It was initiated by Ibrahim Dogus together with the British Kebab Awards committee around 2015, with the aim of celebrating the cultural significance of the dish and recognising the contribution of the kebab industry. The day has been observed in various parts of the world since the late 2010s and continues to grow each year.
The celebration sits comfortably alongside other global food days that honour beloved dishes and the communities behind them. If you enjoy marking culinary traditions, you might also like National Gingersnap Day, another day devoted to a much-loved food with deep historical roots.
Fun Facts About World Kebab Day
- The kebab is thought to have originated with soldiers grilling meat on their swords over open fires.
- World Kebab Day was initiated by Ibrahim Dogus and the British Kebab Awards committee around 2015.
- The doner kebab, cooked on a vertical rotating spit, was developed in its modern form in 19th-century Turkey.
- The German doner sandwich, popularised by Turkish immigrants in Berlin, became one of Europe’s most popular fast foods.
- Shawarma, gyros, and tacos al pastor are all close cousins of the doner, sharing the vertical-spit cooking method.
- The word “kebab” broadly refers to grilled or roasted meat, but its exact meaning and form vary widely from country to country.
Why World Kebab Day Matters
World Kebab Day celebrates a dish that crosses borders and brings people together. It recognises the cultural heritage behind the kebab, supports the many independent businesses and street vendors who serve it, and gives food lovers a reason to explore the rich diversity of the dish around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is World Kebab Day?
It is an annual celebration of the kebab in all its forms, recognising the dish’s flavour, history, and cultural significance.
When is World Kebab Day in 2026?
World Kebab Day falls on Friday, 10 July 2026. It is held on the second Friday of July each year, so the date changes annually.
Where did the kebab come from?
The kebab is widely believed to have originated in Turkey, before spreading across the Middle East and eventually the rest of the world, with many countries adopting their own versions.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best kebab photos on social media with #WorldKebabDay and #WorldKebabDay2026. Tag your favourite kebab shop and challenge your friends to find the best one in town!
Related Awareness Days
- National Gingersnap Day – Another food celebration with deep historical roots, held earlier in July.
- National Spritz Day – A refreshing drinks day that pairs well with a summer grill.
- National Prosecco Day – A sparkling August celebration for food and drink lovers.
Links
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