Mangal (barbecue)

A shashlyk being prepared on a mangal in Moscow, Russia

Mangal (Persian: منقل) is the name for Turkish barbecue. In a more social context, it resembles braai of South Africa.

Mangal is popular in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Israel, Armenia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and countries in the Levant. Mangal is also used throughout in the former Soviet Union to make Shashlik.

Beyond just consuming food, mangal often means a family or friends gathering. Generally held in gardens or picnic areas, it stresses the hospitality towards the guests.

The menu always has a kind of meat. A typical mangal meal will consist of grilled vegetables, shish kebabs of various kinds and meatballs named köfte. Grilled chicken wings, chicken breasts and offal is also common. Salads and other cold foods accompany the meal. Şalgam or ayran are common drinks, alcoholic drinks are also consumed by some.

Mangal was originally the name for a kind of indoors heater that was replaced by Western-type stoves in early 20th century.