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Chef's Journal

Restaurant Shish Tawook: Marinade Ratios and Three Menu Flavours

Shish tawook is a best-seller in Levantine and Egyptian grills — and one of the dishes whose taste varies most between restaurants. Here is a fixed recipe and three flavours made the same way.

3 min read
توابل شيش بودر - Shish seasoning powder

An oil-based marinade

Unlike water-based broasted marinades, shish tawook relies on oil, which carries spice and garlic onto the chicken and protects it on the grill.

Ratios

Ingredient50 kg25 kg5 kg
Shish seasoning1,390 g800 g250 g
Sunflower oil4–5 kg3 kg1.5 kg
Crushed garlic200 g100 g35 g
Sliced lemon21½
White vinegar200 g100 g30 g

Mix everything with the oil, add the chicken, refrigerate for 24 hours and turn three times.

Three flavours, one method

All Al Laith shish seasonings use the same ratios, so you can add variety without extra training:

  • Smoked shish tawook — charcoal taste on a gas grill, ideal for mall restaurants and cloud kitchens.
  • BBQ shish tawook — sweet and smoky for sandwiches and family meals.
  • Herb shish tawook — lighter and fresher for grilled breast plates and hotel menus.

The classic shish seasoning powder remains the base for traditional skewers.

Tips for juicy skewers

  • Never cut the 24-hour marinade.
  • Cut cubes to one size.
  • Give boneless chicken a quick off-flavor neutralizer soak (10 minutes max).
  • Leave a little space between pieces on the skewer.

What to serve alongside

A complete plate lifts the ticket: buttered or smoked rice, seasoned fries, garlic toum, pickles and salad. Ready rice mixes keep sides consistent too — 1 kg of buttered rice mix seasons 10 kg of rice with just water and a little oil.

Sandwich or plate?

For sandwiches, cut slightly smaller cubes that cook faster and wrap easily; BBQ or smoked suit younger customers. Plates need larger pieces — herb or classic suit family and hotel menus.

The 1,390 g pack covers exactly 50 kg of chicken, which makes costing simple. Available nationwide in 1 kg packs and 15 or 25 kg bags — request a quote on WhatsApp.

Frequently asked questions

How long should shish tawook marinate?

24 hours in the fridge, turning three times.

What is the marinade for 5 kg of chicken?

250 g shish seasoning, 1.5 kg sunflower oil, 35 g garlic, half a lemon and 30 g white vinegar.

How do I get a charcoal taste without charcoal?

Use smoked shish tawook seasoning with the same ratios.

More articles you may find useful

Shish seasoning powder — see the product page and request a quote on WhatsApp.

Want a consistent marinade and a known plate cost?

Send us your menu on WhatsApp — the Al Laith team suggests products and dosages and sends a quote and a sample. Delivery across all of Egypt.