It is interesting to know that there are 20,000 kebab shops in the UK, and the sector generates a revenue of £2.2 billion. The British people are so fond of kebabs that they even have awards for the best ones.
The "Britain's Kebab Awards" will be held on February 26, 2025, with the semi-finalists already announced by the end of December. This kebab culture is a significant part of the UK economy, with over 20,000 kebab shops, more than 200,000 employees, and £2.2 billion in revenue. The awards ceremony includes nearly 20 categories and has become a large event, attracting high-profile sponsors and even politicians.
While the winners of the awards are yet to be determined, everyone knows that the best kebab shops in the UK are in North London, run by Turkish immigrants who arrived in the country years ago. If you ask anyone, they will name them. Many restaurants, especially in the London area, are also successfully run by immigrants from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, offering not just kebabs but a variety of other dishes.
WHAT IS KEBAB?
Kebab refers to meat dishes that are cooked on a charcoal grill or in a wood oven, and nowadays even in regular ovens. It can be cooked directly over the fire or in a pot without water.
The term "kebab" in English is used to describe any small pieces of meat cooked on a skewer, but it is most associated with various meat dishes from the medieval period, originating in the regions of Iran and Turkey. While kebab has an ancient history in places like the Middle East, it was popularized by the Turks. Turkish-style kebabs can be made on skewers, as well as in casseroles, meatballs, and other forms. The kebab cuisine spread globally alongside the influence of Islam.
