shakshuka: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-mediumInformal, culinary
Quick answer
What does “shakshuka” mean?
A Middle Eastern and North African dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Middle Eastern and North African dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices.
Refers broadly to a style of cooking eggs in a savory, often spicy, vegetable-based sauce, originating from the region but now found in global cuisine. It can metaphorically describe a situation of delightful, flavorful mixture or controlled chaos.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is consistent. Pronunciation may show minor vowel differences (US /ʃɑːk/ vs UK /ʃæk/ for the first syllable). The dish is equally known in foodie and cosmopolitan circles.
Connotations
Connotes cosmopolitan dining, brunch culture, and healthy, flavorful food in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar low-medium frequency in both, increasing with the popularity of Middle Eastern cuisine. Slightly more likely to be seen on a UK café menu due to geographic proximity.
Grammar
How to Use “shakshuka” in a Sentence
[Subject] cooks/makes/serves shakshuka.Shakshuka [verb] with [ingredient] (e.g., simmers with chorizo).We had shakshuka for [meal].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shakshuka” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We decided to shakshuka our leftover peppers and tomatoes for a quick supper.
American English
- She shakshuka'd the eggs right in the skillet with the sauce.
adverb
British English
- [Extremely rare and non-standard]
American English
- [Extremely rare and non-standard]
adjective
British English
- The café had a very shakshuka vibe, with rustic tables and colourful plates.
American English
- He ordered the shakshuka eggs, which came sizzling in a personal cast-iron pan.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in hospitality/food business contexts discussing menu offerings.
Academic
Rare, except in cultural, anthropological, or culinary studies.
Everyday
Common in contexts discussing food, cooking, restaurants, and weekend plans (e.g., "Let's go for shakshuka").
Technical
Used in culinary arts as a specific recipe or dish classification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shakshuka”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shakshuka”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shakshuka”
- Misspelling: shakshouka, shakshooka, chachouka. Incorrect pluralisation: 'shakshukas' (usually treated as uncountable; 'portions of shakshuka' is better). Mispronunciation with a hard 'k' sound in the middle instead of the 'sh' /ʃ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly a breakfast or brunch dish, but it is also eaten for lunch or a light dinner.
Its origins are disputed but are generally attributed to North Africa (like Tunisia or Libya) and later popularized in the Middle East (especially Israel).
Traditional versions are tomato-based, but modern variations exist, such as 'green shakshuka' made with spinach, kale, or herbs.
It is typically served and eaten directly from the skillet or pan, with plenty of bread (like pita or challah) for dipping into the sauce and yolks.
A Middle Eastern and North African dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices.
Shakshuka is usually informal, culinary in register.
Shakshuka: in British English it is pronounced /ʃækˈʃuːkə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃɑːkˈʃuːkə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not typically used idiomatically. The word itself is a specific culinary term.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SHACK' where a 'SHOOKA' (like a hookah) is smoking with spicy aromas – a vivid image for the spiced, simmering dish.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROLLED CHAOS IS SHAKSHUKA (the bubbling, colorful mix of ingredients). NURTURING IS A WARM SHAKSHUKA (a comforting, shared dish).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of shakshuka?