Shishche (Shish Kebap)
At a glance
| Bulgarian name | шишче (shishche); plural шишчета (shishcheta) |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Grilled skewer |
| Main ingredients | Pork or chicken, with peppers, onions and other vegetables |
| Cooking | Grilled |
Source: Wikipedia: Bulgarian cuisine; Wikipedia (Bulgarian): Шишчета1,3
What it is
Shishcheta are marinated pieces of chicken or pork and vegetables, one of the classics of the Bulgarian grill (skara) alongside the kebapche and the kyufte. The meat and vegetables are threaded onto wooden or metal skewers, alternating a piece of meat with a piece of pepper, onion, mushroom or sometimes apple, and then grilled.1,3
A restaurant standard
Until 1989, the shishche was one of only four dishes reliably found in Bulgaria’s state-owned restaurants, together with the kebapche, the kyufte and the pork steak.2
Shish kebab elsewhere
Shish kebab, cubes of meat grilled on a skewer, is one of many kinds of kebab and originates in the Middle East. Lamb is traditional there, while the Bulgarian version is usually made with pork or chicken.1,4
Sources
- Wikipedia: Bulgarian cuisine
- Vagabond: The rise and fall of the Bulgarian kebapche
- Wikipedia (Bulgarian): Шишчета
- Wikipedia: Shish kebab
Facts checked 13 October 2026. Prepared by InvestBulgaria for general information.
