souvlaki

American  

[soov-lah-kee] / suvˈlɑ ki /

Also souvlakia

noun

Greek Cooking.

1. a dish similar to shish kebab made with lamb.

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Etymology

Origin of souvlaki

1945–50; < Modern Greek soubláki small spit, derivative of soúbla spit, skewer ≪ Latin sūbula shoemaker's awl, equivalent to sū-, base of su ( ere ) to sew ¹ + -bula suffix of instruments

Explanation

Souvlaki is a Greek dish of grilled meat that's commonly sold by street vendors. While it's sometimes stuffed into a pita, souvlaki is usually served on skewers, hot off the grill. The skewer is important to souvlaki, including its etymology. Souvlaki is a diminutive of the Medieval Greek souvla, or "skewer" — in other words, it means "little skewer." This dish is cooked by skewering small pieces of marinated pork, lamb, beef, or chicken, and cooking them over hot coals. In Greece and Cyprus, souvlaki is often served with potatoes, vegetables, pita, and sauces on the side.

Example Sentences

Souvlaki translates from the Greek as “skewer,” but a rotating spit and open fire are not necessary to achieve similarly satisfying results.

From Washington Times • Oct. 9, 2023

“I think I probably just want to cancel and not go through with it at this point,” Phillips said at Souvlaki Bar shortly before ending the interview. 

From Washington Post • Nov. 27, 2017

“I think I probably just want to cancel and not go through with it at this point,” Phillips said at Souvlaki Bar shortly before ending the interview.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 27, 2017

Souvlaki GR Midtown They seem to be doing it backward, providing delivery service before the restaurant opens.

From New York Times • Sep. 22, 2015

A dreamy haze of a song, this is the opening track from Slowdive's album Souvlaki – an essential shoegaze listen.

From The Guardian • Jan. 23, 2013