BAKU, Oct. 1, 2025
Shashlik skewers being sold for just 3 manats ($1.75) in parts of Baku have sparked debate among consumers over what kind of meat is actually being used.
One vendor told Baku.TV, that the product is made from beef mixed with lamb tail fat and onions.
“Our shashlik is 3 manats ($1.75). Many people ask what kind of meat it is. It’s regular beef, we just add fat and onions,” the entrepreneur said.
But consumers remain skeptical. Social media users point out that the cheapest cuts of beef or lamb in Azerbaijan cost at least 17 manats ($10) per kilogram – making it unlikely that genuine beef or lamb could be sold at such a low retail price once preparation, grilling, and overhead costs are included.
“At that price, it simply cannot be beef or lamb. The math doesn’t add up,” one commenter noted.
This has fueled speculation about what alternative meats might be used, with some suggesting off-cuts, poultry, or mixed fillers.
The Food Safety Agency of Azerbaijan (AFSA) reminded the public that all food service operators are required to be registered with the food safety system and provide documentation on request.
“Operating without registration is illegal and unacceptable. Consumers should demand both a food safety registration certificate and a veterinary certificate confirming the suitability of the meat,” the agency said in a statement.
For now, the 3-manat ($1.75) kebabs remain popular with some buyers – but lingering questions about the true cost of meat mean that the skewers have become a talking point not just for their price, but for the risks behind the bargain.
