Image by Syed Hussaini

Beyti kebab

Ah, Beyti kebab - the beloved Turkish dish known for its tantalizing combination of spiced meat, rich tomato sauce and aromatic herbs. There's something deeply satisfying about this dish, which is often served with a crisp salad and warm pide bread. But while the flavor of Beyti kebab may be universally cherished, the history behind it remains shrouded in mystery.

Beyti kebab


Though the exact origins of Beyti kebab are unknown, many believe it was created by a chef named Beyti Güler in the 1950s. As the story goes, Güler was cooking up a batch of minced lamb when he was inspired to roll the mixture into long cylinders and serve them on a skewer. Güler then presented his creation to the owner of a restaurant in Istanbul, who was so impressed that he named the dish after its creator.

Since then, Beyti kebab has become a popular item on menus across Turkey. Traditionally, the recipe calls for minced lamb, beef, or veal; however, some countries prepare it with chicken or even fish. To keep the texture moist and succulent, chefs will usually add onions, garlic, parsley, cumin, chili powder, and paprika for a burst of flavor. The meat is then rolled onto a skewer and grilled over charcoal until slightly charred.

Adding to the mystique of Beyti kebab is its presentation. Instead of serving the dish straight off the skewer, the kebabs are sliced and spread out over a bed of cubed pita bread or rice, then drenched in a creamy, tomato-based sauce made with yogurt, butter, and garlic. Depending on the region, some chefs may even add crumbled feta cheese.

Of course, no comparison of Beyti kebab would be complete without discussing the various diasporic interpretations of the dish. From Bosnia and Herzegovina to Greece, each country has its own take on Beyti kebab - making it one of the most globalized dishes of all time!

Whether you're a fan of Turkish cuisine or simply looking to try something new, Beyti kebab is an irresistible and uniquely flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your palate. With its complex blend of spices and aromatics, it is truly a feast for the senses!

The origin of Beyti kebab

Beyti kebab is a type of Turkish kebab dish, which consists of grilled minced meat that is flavoured with spices and served with a thick tomato sauce. Its origin is said to be from the region of Beykoz, a small district of Istanbul, Turkey.

The tale of how it came to be, however, is somewhat contentious. Some say that it was invented by a Turkish chef called Beyti Güler, who was working at a popular Istanbul restaurant back in the 1950s. He had been experimenting with different ways to serve minced meat, when he finally stumbled upon this recipe. He named the dish after himself, as a way of honouring his creative culinary talent.

Others maintain that the concoction was actually first created by a man known as "Beyti Baba" (Beyti the father) in the 1940s, who worked in a small kebab shop in the district of Beykoz. He supposedly crafted the dish using blended meats, herbs and spices he'd been cultivating himself and combined it with a special homemade tomato sauce.

Regardless of its actual origins, today the popularity of Beyti kebab, referred to in Turkish as "Kebab Beyti," has extended far beyond Beykoz and can now be found all over the world. Many argue, however, that this version doesn't quite compare with the original one served in the small district of Istanbul.

For many, though, tackling the mystery of who invented the dish is secondary to enjoying its unique flavours. As such, Beyti kebab is undoubtedly a timeless classic that continues to grace tables around the globe to this day.

FAQs about Beyti kebab

How many calories are in Beyti kebab?

Beyti kebab typically contains around 550 calories per serving.


What is a Beyti wrap?

A Beyti wrap is a Turkish fast food dish that consists of minced lamb wrapped in a tortilla-like flatbread and served with yogurt, garlic sauce, and a tomato-based sauce.


What is tavuk Sarma Beyti?

Tavuk Sarma Beyti is a traditional Turkish dish made with chicken, rice, and spices. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of garlic, oregano, mint, and paprika, then wrapped up in thin slices of trimmed beef, like a burrito. It is then cooked on a flat griddle with butter, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and herbs until golden brown. Finally, it is served with a yogurt-based garlic sauce.


What is the difference between Adana and shish kebab?

Adana kebab is a Turkish dish made with minced meat (typically lamb or beef) that is hand-mixed with red pepper flakes, garlic, and other spices. It is formed into a flattened, sausage-like shape and grilled on a skewer over charcoal. Shish kebab on the other hand is cubes of meat (usually lamb, beef or chicken) that are threaded onto skewers and grilled.


Types of Beyti kebab

Beyti Kebab: A Delicious Journey Through the Varied Mediterranean Cuisine

Mediterranean cuisine is perhaps one of the most diverse, flavorful, and dynamic culinary styles in the world. One of the most beloved dishes of this region is Beyti kebab. It is an exquisite journey through the blended flavors and influences of Middle Eastern, Balkans, and Ottoman Empire cuisines.

Beyti kebab is a succulent dish that consists of minced beef or lamb, grilled on skewers and served on flatbread with various toppings. It is typically accompanied by both a yogurt and butter sauce and a thick tomato-based sauce called soslu. The dish has its origins in 19th century Istanbul, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. Although it has changed slightly over the years, the core ingredients have remained the same.

One of the hallmarks of beyti kebab is its versatility. It can be cooked in different ways to create several distinct variations. For example, "lamb beyti" is made with ground lamb instead of beef and is usually served with sautéed vegetables. Alternatively, the meat may be crumbled and cooked in the oven, creating a version known as "oven-beyti." This method gives it a crunchier texture. Spicy versions of the dish are also available in some regions, using a mixture of ground beef and lamb, along with spices like chili or cumin.

No matter which variation you choose, a visit to any reputable Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant will offer you an experience that is sure to tantalize and delight your taste buds. The unique combination of meats, spices, and sauces ensures that each bite of Beyti kebab is an explosion of flavor. So why not try it for yourself? Who knows, you might just be pleasantly surprised.