Souvlaki
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Souvlaki is a traditional Greek fast food, traditionally consisting of either pork or lamb; chicken is rarely used. The word souvlaki comes from the Greek word "Souvla" which literally means "skew, prick". The name is used to refer in a variety of recipes.
Although It has a high fat content, souvlaki is very popular amongst Greek people and tourists as well and is eaten frequently as an alternative to hamburgers.
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Kalamaki
The original form was meat cut in cubes, cooked and served pricked through a wooden stick (kalami). This form is also known as Kalamaki.
Pita
Souvlaki is also served as a part of a lager plate, also called 'souvlaki' or more accurately 'pita souvlaki'. It is consisted of a kalamaki inside a lightly grilled pita with tomatoes, tzatziki, onions, fried potatoes, and spice.
Ketchup and mustard are optionally added. In some parts of Greece, tzatziki is considered non-standard and the buyer who wants it, has to request it.
Gyros
Pita is also made with gyros or less frequently, kebab instead of kalamaki meat. Gyros is skewed meat (pork lamb or chicken) roasted in a rotating machine. This recipe is called 'gyros pita' but in general it's referred generally also as 'souvlaki'. When chicken is used, tzatziki and onions are replaced with a special sauce and lettuce that match its taste.
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Similar dishes
Brochette (French), Espetada (Portugese), Satay (Oriental), Shashlik (Russian), Shish kebab (Persian), Yakitori (Japanese)
External links
Souvlaki: The Hamburger of Greece (http://www.athensguide.com/souvlaki.html) A site describing the various forms of souvlakia, and explaining the variations of its terminology for tourists.Template:Food-stub