The Best Kebab & Döner Shops in Turkey

Döner shops

Three döner shops on the list serve wrapped and sliced meat in different cities. Paspatur Döner in Fethiye is a chicken döner shop with a Hatay-style menu, and its eggplant mayonnaise and thick flatbread are part of the offering. Dönerci Kenan Opsar in Izmir serves only plain beef and lamb döner, in wraps or portions, and its meat is fatty and lightly marinated, and there are long queues. Lezzet Döner 1925 in Samsun has been open since 1925 and cooks meat over wood near Saathane Square. Its thin-sliced meat is seasoned with thyme and onion, and service and crowding vary.

Charcoal and skewer grills

Two shops on the list grill meat over fire rather than carving döner. Köse Kebap in Şanlıurfa's old bazaar is a charcoal-grilled counter serving eggplant, plain Urfa and tomato kebabs on warm flatbread. The meat and eggplant are served, but the seating is cramped, and there is smoke and a hygiene problem. Bizim Cağ Kebap is a small family-run cağ kebab place in an Istanbul industrial area, serving Erzurum-style lamb skewers. The meat is tender and odourless, the kadayıf dolma is served hot, and the owner's service is attentive.