Origin of Kebab
Where does kebab come from? This popular dish originates from Turkey and comes in over 20 varieties. In Poland, we know only one widely popular version called döner kebap, which in Turkish means “rotating roasted meat.” Traditionally, it is lamb shaved from a vertical rotisserie, served with salads, sheep's cheese, pita bread, and a drink called ayran, made from yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt. In Poland, lamb is most often replaced with beef or poultry, which in some establishments contains only a small amount of lamb. Unfortunately, Poles are not big fans of lamb, despite its excellent taste. Luckily, most kebab establishments in Poland offer authentic ayran, though some serve only Coca-Cola or Pepsi. In Israel, Iran, and Arab countries, the most common version is şiş kebab, which resembles skewers of grilled meat.
Choosing a Grill for Your Restaurant
Choosing a grill seems straightforward, but before making a final decision, it's worth considering the pros and cons of both gas and electric grills. A gas grill is undoubtedly cheaper to operate daily, but many users note problems with evenly roasting the meat. An electric grill is definitely safer, as it eliminates the need for gas cylinders, but it is very energy-intensive and thus generates significant costs due to high electricity consumption. Some users claim it tends to dry out the meat.
So, which grill is the best choice? Despite certain disadvantages, gas grills seem to be the better option. However, the final decision should also take into account practical parameters such as the working diameter for the meat, the number of heating zones, and the power of the heating elements. It's also worth checking whether a layer of fireclay has been placed behind the heating elements to accelerate the meat roasting process by retaining heat. Another important factor is the motor placement, which can be located at the top or bottom depending on the grill model. Professional users usually recommend bottom-mounted motors, although this solution is typically more expensive.
Kebab grills in restaurants are heavily used and therefore prone to malfunctions. In case of any issues with the grill or failures of any part or component, it’s essential to diagnose the cause and provide the necessary compatible spare parts for kebab grills.
Essential Accessories
In addition to the grill, it’s worth investing in a professional electric kebab knife, which is essential for quickly and precisely shaving meat from the vertical rotisserie. If you own such a device, it’s useful to know who provides the necessary spare parts for electric kebab knives. In the event of a grill or knife failure, quick action is crucial—every day of downtime results in losses.
A kebab restaurant also cannot lack a contact grill for warming pita bread, which is typically not homemade but purchased in ready-made sets. A fryer is also indispensable. Kebab served on a plate instead of pita is usually accompanied by fries, salads, and sauces. In a small venue, a single-chamber electric fryer works perfectly.
