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

I love lamb and Golden Fleece has a selection, including lamb chops and a lamb shank on their grill menu, as well as ground lamb kebabs, gyros, and souvlaki.

From Salon • Sep. 3, 2025

He would marinate for days, chicken and souvlaki.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 24, 2023

From kefta kebabs and tandoori chicken skewers to lamb souvlaki, Thai moo ping and negima yakitori, my hand will always gravitate to anything grilled on a stick.

From Washington Post • Aug. 7, 2022

Combine the flavors of chicken souvlaki, Greek salad and tzatziki.

From New York Times • Jun. 15, 2022

When they got home, the house was still dark, and Maya turned on lights as she made her way into the kitchen, then stashed her mom’s takeout chicken souvlaki in the refrigerator.

From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway