What is a Turkish Kebab
The Turkish kebab is both an affordable and tasty meal, that is one of the nation’s favourite dishes. If you are a budget-conscious foodie who is looking for a fast and inexpensive feast, then kebabs are always a fantastic option. But what exactly is a Turkish kebab? Well that come in many different forms.
This guide to the best Turkish kebabs will cover everything you need to know about kebabs when travelling in Turkey. It includes many different regional kebabs and will help you plan your culinary journey adventure across Turkey and perhaps find the perfect Turkish kebab.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn a little about the history of kebabs.
- Explore the different regional flavours and types of kebabs.
- Find out what to drink with your kebab.
- Discover how to find the best budget-friendly kebabs restaurants.
Guide to find the Perfect Turkish Kebab
When it comes to delicious food, Turkish cuisine never fails to impress. The kebab is one of the nation’s favourite dishes and is both affordable and tasty. If you are a budget-conscious foodie who is looking for a fast and inexpensive feast, then kebabs are always a fantastic option.
A typical Turkish kebab is a popular dish made of grilled or roasted meat. It’s served on skewers or as slices. The meat used can be lamb, beef, chicken, or a mix.
This guide to Turkish kebabs will cover everything you need to know about kebabs when travelling in Turkey. It includes many different regional kebabs and will help you plan your culinary journey adventure across Turkey and perhaps find the perfect Turkish kebab.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn a little about the history of kebabs.
- Explore the different regional flavours and types of kebabs.
- Find out what to drink with your kebab.
- Discover how to find the best budget-friendly kebabs restaurants.
A Brief History of Kebabs
The Turkish kebab has its roots in the nomadic Turkic people. They migrated from Central Asia to what we now call the Republic of Turkey more than a thousand years ago. They cooked meat over open fires and placed it on thin sheets of thin bread to make it easier to eat.
In spite of this the word “kebab” actually comes from the Persian language and means grilled meat. The process of marinating meat in herbs and spices was also influence by the Persians. The fame of kebabs grew during the times of the Ottoman Empire. During this period kebabs, such as shish kebab (skewered meat) and döner kebab (vertically roasted meat), became more popular. Because of Turkey was location on the Silk Road, merchants brought herbs and spices from the east back with them from Persia, the Middle East.
Kebab Culture in Turkey Today
If you travel around Turkey, you’ll see that there are excellent kebab restaurants just about everywhere. From megacities like Istanbul to the smallest villages in remote parts of the country, you will find a great place to eat a kebab. Every restaurant has a slightly different method of preparation. They may use a slightly different blend of herbs and spices, marinades, and cuts of meat. So, you could say that no two kebabs will ever be the same.
Of course, if you go to a chain of kebab restaurants, where there is a standard method of preparation, you will always get the same taste and presentation. Chain restaurants, such as the well-known Beyti Restaurant chain, have become more prevalent in recent years. Personally, I am not the type of person who enjoys eating in chain restaurants. I always prefer to eat in smaller, family-run restaurants, whenever possible. However, in Turkey you can occasionally find a tasty kebab, even in a chain restaurant.
When deciding where to go for a kebab, I usually look for a place that is popular with the locals and not just full of tourists. I also prefer to eat in a place where there are a large number of customers. This helps to ensure that there is a high turnover of meat, preventing the serving of meat that was cooked on the previous day.
You should allow Turkish people to guide you to the best kebab restaurants in the neighbourhood; they know where to find the best food at the best price. Just walk around the neighbourhood and look at where local people are eating.
For me, finding a wonderful kebab restaurant is like going on an culinary adventure that can lead to unexpected surprises. It is one of the things that makes a holiday in Turkey an unforgettable experience. Additionally, you will often have the opportunity to meet friendly locals people while dining in these places. They are usually warm and welcoming and like the chance to interact with foreign visitors, especially in less touristic parts of the country.
Exploring Different Types of Turkish Kebabs – by Region
There are so many different types of regional kebabs; with each one having a unique taste.
Many people opened kebab restaurants in Istanbul and Ankara after moving there from across the country. This has created culinary hubs where you can taste dishes from all over Turkey. However, if you visit smaller cities, it can sometimes be difficult to find all of these regional specialties. For instance, Adana kebabs are easy to find in most parts of the country. However, Urfa Kebabs are usually only found in the city of Sanliurfa.
Northwest Turkey and the Istanbul Region
The Döner Kebab is perhaps the most internationally famous Turkish kebab. The dish typically consists of layers of marinated meat, such as lamb, beef, or chicken. The meats are cooked on a vertical rotisserie and shaved off as they cook. The meat is then placed inside some pita bread, together with some salad, pickles, and a sauce. You can hold it as a wrap and eat it in the street if you are hungry.
Iskender Kebab: A well-known kebab from Bursa, the old Ottoman capital is totally different. Slices of meat are served over pieces of pita bread on a plate,. It is then topped with tomato sauce and melted butter, and served with yoghurt on the side.
Western Turkey (Mediterranean)
Tandır Kebabı – This is especially famous in Antalya. It is made using lamb that is slowly cooked in a tandır (clay oven) until it is very tender. It is often served with rice or bread.
Ali Nazik Kebab – There is a debate about whether this kebab originates in Antalya or Gaziantep, so I will put it in both regions. They serve the grilled meat over a bed of smoky eggplant puree mixed with yoghurt and garlic.
Çökertme kebabı – This is an Aegean specialty. It combines meat, peppers, and tomatoes on pita bread.
Central Turkey
Çömlek Kebabı, a specialty from the city of Kayseri. It has either lamb or beef which is cooked in a sealed clay pot with vegetables and spices.
Testi Kebabı: If you are going to Cappadocia, you should try this dish. Meat (usually lamb) and vegetables are slowly cooked in a sealed clay pot. The waiter breaks the pot in front of you, and it is something quite special. It usually needs to be ordered a couple of hours in advance.
Ankara Tava (Ankara Kebab): This is a traditional dish from Ankara, Turkey’s capital city. It is made using lamb or beef and cooked with rice and tomatoes and is cooked in an oven.
Eastern Turkey
Cağ Kebabı – This dish is especially famous in the city of Erzurum. They Marinate lamb or beef put it on skewers and cook it horizontally on a rotating spit. They use sweet basil and black pepper for extra taste; the meat is sliced thinly and served on flatbread.
Taş kebabı is also Erzurum. The meat is slowly cooked in a clay pot, making it tender and really delicious.
Kağıt Kebabı, from the region of Malatya. This is made using ground meat mixed with spices and vegetables, wrapped in paper, and baked.
Sivas Kebabı is from the city with the same name. Chunks of either lamb or beef are marinated with special spices, skewered, and grilled over charcoal.
Northern Turkey/Black Sea Region
Çöp Şiş comes from the area of Kastamonu. This kebab is made with small, marinated pieces of lamb or beef skewered and grilled, often served with bread and grilled vegetables.
Southeast Turkey
I love this part of Turkey, and I think it has some of the most delicious kebabs. Not only is this wonderful part of Turkey a historical wonderland, but it is also a culinary paradise. For that reason I’ll break it down into more detailed city regions.
Adana Region
This is not my favourite city in Turkey, but without a doubt, they make my favourite Turkish kebab.
Adana Kebab is a spicy minced lamb or beef kebab mixed with red pepper flakes. It is typically served with lavash or pita bread and grilled vegetables. It is now available in most larger cities. such as Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, etc. However, I have tried them all over the country, and they are never quite as tasty as in their hometown.
Tantuni Kebab is a specialty of Mersin, a coastal city near Adana. Small slices of boiled lamb are cooked in cotton oil and served in a bread wrap. It is quite spicy dish and can be a little too oily for some people, including myself.
Gaziantep Region
The EU has recognized this city and awarded it for its amazing food.
Ali Nazik Kebab – It doesn´t really matter whether it is from Antalya or Gaziantep, this kebab is delicious. Grilled meat is served over a bed of smoky eggplant puree mixed with yoghurt and garlic.
Şiş Kebabı: Marinated chunks of lamb, beef, or chicken skewered and grilled, commonly served with vegetables.
Patlıcan Kebabı: Alternating pieces of eggplant and minced meat skewered and grilled.
Hatay/Antakya Region
Tragically, the February 2023 earthquake severely damaged this city. It is a place which I have visited many times and is dear to my heart. Its people are still working to rebuild their lives. One of the main things that I remember about my visits to this historical city (Antioch) is the wonderful food and friendly people. These days, it is not a tourist destination, but a place for reconstruction. Hopefully I will return there one day soon to see what progress has been made in restoring this historical city. If you see a Hatay restaurant on your travels in Turkey, don´t hesitate to try the food there.
Tepsi Kebabı: minced meat mixed with spices and vegetables, spread on a baking tray, and baked in the oven.
Oruk Kebabı: ground meat mixed with bulgur and spices, shaped into oval patties, and grilled or baked.
Mardin Region
Mardin Kebab (Midyat Kebab) – This uses ground lamb or beef mixed with regional spices, shaped into patties or skewers, and grilled.
Urfa Region
Urfa Kebab from the city of Sanliurfa is similar to Adana Kebab but less spicy. It is made with minced lamb or beef mixed with herbs and garlic.
Van Region
Van Kebab, which is also known as the Kürt Kebab (Kurdish Kebab). This is a lamb or beef kebab that has a little fat added for extra flavour (and calories). It is marinated in local spices and herbs, placed on skewers, and grilled over a smoky open fire.
Other Kebabs
I’m sure there are many lesser-known kebabs that I haven’t included in the list. You might find them during your travels throughout the country. If you would like to add to the list, that would be great.
What Makes an Authentic Turkish Kebab?
A Turkish kebab’s taste comes mainly from its marinades. These recipes use things like olive oil, lemon juice, and yoghurt, mixed with spices and herbs. This mix makes the meat super tender and tasty. Here are some of the typical herbs and spices that are used in the preparation of kebabs.
Spices:
Cumin
Paprika
Red Pepper
Black Pepper
Sumac (Sumak), which is a typical Turkish spice that is slightly bitter
Cinnamon
Coriander
Herbs:
Parsley
Mint
Thyme
Oregano
Rosemary
Choosing what to drink with your kebab
If you want something to drink with your kebabs, you have quite a few options. As it is difficult to find alcohol in most kebab restaurants, you should look for an alternative to beer or wine. You could just order some water if you want a healthy option, or a fizzy drink, if you are looking for an unhealthy option. However, many people prefer to have a traditional Turkish drink together with their kebab.
For instance, drinks such as Ayran, a kind of watery yoghurt drink that can be a little salty. Alternatively, try something less common, such as Şalgam, which is a salty pickle juice and is a drink that is more popular in southern Turkey. Fresh pomegranate juice or mint lemonade are also great options, but they are not always available in all kebab restaurants.
How to find a great and affordable kebab
Enjoying delicious kebabs in Turkey can be very inexpensive. This is great news for visitors looking to taste Turkish cuisine without spending too much. Here are some tips to help you find a tasty kebab and spend less:
Recommended Restaurants
Turkey is a huge country, and sometimes you need to get a recommendation from a local. One one of the best people to ask is a hotel receptionist. He or she can tell you about the best place to eat a kebab in the neighbourhood where you are staying.
Consider street food stalls.
Enjoying kebabs at street food stalls is a way to eat like a local. These stalls are common throughout the country and serve up a variety of kebabs. They’re known for being cheap and delicious. Eating at street stalls is a great way to get a taste of affordable kebabs. If you are worried about eating from a street stall, I would recommend to stay away from Chicken. Just make sure you see locals eating there; then you know it´s a good choice.
Explore the Lesser-Known Neighbourhoods
Look beyond the touristy areas for hidden food gems. For example, popular places in Istanbul like Sultanahmet and Taksim Square can be costly. To eat for less, you should head to a neighbourhood such as Beşiktaş, Fatih, or Kadikoy. These areas have local restaurants with affordable, and delicious kebabs. They are also known for bigger portions and small prices, making them perfect for those not looking to spend a lot.
Conclusion
Searching for affordable kebabs in Turkey is a fun adventure. Go where the locals go, look in lesser-known areas, and don’t be afraid to try street food stalls. With these tips, you can enjoy excellent Turkish kebabs without overspending. If you love food and are on a budget, Turkish kebabs are a perfect choice. They’re not just cheap and varied, but they also offer you a bit of Turkish culture and history with every bite.
A Brief History of Kebabs
The Turkish kebab has its roots in the nomadic Turkic people. They migrated from Central Asia to what we now call the Republic of Turkey more than a thousand years ago. They cooked meat over open fires and placed it on thin sheets of thin bread to make it easier to eat. In spite of this the word “kebab” actually comes from the Persian language and means grilled meat. The process of marinating meat in herbs and spices was also influence by the Persians.
The fame of kebabs grew during the times of the Ottoman Empire. During this period kebabs, such as shish kebab (skewered meat) and döner kebab (vertically roasted meat), became more popular.
Because of Turkey was location on the Silk Road, merchants brought herbs and spices from the east back with them from Persia, the Middle East.
Kebab Culture in Turkey Today
If you travel around Turkey, you’ll see that there are excellent kebab restaurants just about everywhere. From megacities like Istanbul to the smallest villages in remote parts of the country, you will find a great place to eat a kebab. Every restaurant has a slightly different method of preparation. They may use a slightly different blend of herbs and spices, marinades, and cuts of meat. So, you could say that no two kebabs will ever be the same.
Of course, if you go to a chain of kebab restaurants, where there is a standard method of preparation, you will always get the same taste and presentation. Chain restaurants, such as the well-known Beyti Restaurant chain, have become more prevalent in recent years. Personally, I am not the type of person who enjoys eating in chain restaurants. I always prefer to eat in smaller, family-run restaurants, whenever possible. However, in Turkey you can occasionally find a tasty kebab, even in a chain restaurant.
When deciding where to go for a kebab, I usually look for a place that is popular with the locals and not just full of tourists. I also prefer to eat in a place where there are a large number of customers. This helps to ensure that there is a high turnover of meat, preventing the serving of meat that was cooked on the previous day. You should allow Turkish people to guide you to the best kebab restaurants in the neighbourhood; they know where to find the best food at the best price. Just walk around the neighbourhood and look at where local people are eating.
For me, finding a wonderful kebab restaurant is like going on an culinary adventure that can lead to unexpected surprises. It is one of the things that makes a holiday in Turkey an unforgettable experience. Additionally, you will often have the opportunity to meet friendly locals people while dining in these places. They are usually warm and welcoming and like the chance to interact with foreign visitors, especially in less touristic parts of the country.
Exploring Turkish Kebabs - By Region
There are so many different types of regional kebabs; with each one having a unique taste. Many people opened kebab restaurants in Istanbul and Ankara after moving there from across the country. This has created culinary hubs where you can taste dishes from all over Turkey.
However, if you visit smaller cities in Turkey, it can sometimes be difficult to find all of these regional specialties. For instance, Adana kebabs are easy to find in most parts of the country. However, Urfa Kebabs are usually only found in the city of Sanliurfa.
Northwest Turkey and the Istanbul Region
The Döner Kebab is perhaps the most internationally famous Turkish kebab. The dish typically consists of layers of marinated meat, such as lamb, beef, or chicken. The meats are cooked on a vertical rotisserie and shaved off as they cook. The meat is then placed inside some pita bread, together with some salad, pickles, and a sauce. You can hold it as a wrap and eat it in the street if you are hungry.
Iskender Kebab: A well-known kebab from Bursa, the old Ottoman capital is totally different. Slices of meat are served over pieces of pita bread on a plate,. It is then topped with tomato sauce and melted butter, and served with yoghurt on the side.
Western Turkey (Mediterranean)
Tandır Kebabı – This is especially famous in Antalya. It is made using lamb that is slowly cooked in a tandır (clay oven) until it is very tender. It is often served with rice or bread.
Ali Nazik Kebab – There is a debate about whether this kebab originates in Antalya or Gaziantep, so I will put it in both regions. They serve the grilled meat over a bed of smoky eggplant puree mixed with yoghurt and garlic.
Çökertme kebabı – This is an Aegean specialty. It combines meat, peppers, and tomatoes on pita bread.
Central Turkey
Çömlek Kebabı, a specialty from the city of Kayseri. It has either lamb or beef which is cooked in a sealed clay pot with vegetables and spices.
Kebabı: If you are going to Cappadocia, you should try this dish. Meat (usually lamb) and vegetables are slowly cooked in a sealed clay pot. The waiter breaks the pot in front of you, and it is something quite special. It usually needs to be ordered a couple of hours in advance.
Ankara Tava (Ankara Kebab): This is a traditional dish from Ankara, Turkey’s capital city. It is made using lamb or beef and cooked with rice and tomatoes and is cooked in an oven.
Eastern Turkey
Cağ Kebabı – This dish is especially famous in the city of Erzurum. They Marinate lamb or beef put it on skewers and cook it horizontally on a rotating spit. They use sweet basil and black pepper for extra taste; the meat is sliced thinly and served on flatbread.
Taş kebabı is also Erzurum. The meat is slowly cooked in a clay pot, making it tender and really delicious.
Kağıt Kebabı, from the region of Malatya. This is made using ground meat mixed with spices and vegetables, wrapped in paper, and baked.
Sivas Kebabı is from the city with the same name. Chunks of either lamb or beef are marinated with special spices, skewered, and grilled over charcoal.
Northern Turkey/Black Sea Region
Çöp Şiş comes from the area of Kastamonu. This kebab is made with small, marinated pieces of lamb or beef skewered and grilled, often served with bread and grilled vegetables.
Southeast Turkey
I love this part of Turkey, and I think it has some of the most delicious kebabs. Not only is this wonderful part of Turkey a historical wonderland, but it is also a culinary paradise. For that reason I’ll break it down into more detailed city regions.
Adana Region
This is not my favourite city in Turkey, but without a doubt, they make my favourite Turkish kebab.
Adana Kebab is a spicy minced lamb or beef kebab mixed with red pepper flakes. It is typically served with lavash or pita bread and grilled vegetables. It is now available in most larger cities. such as Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, etc. However, I have tried them all over the country, and they are never quite as tasty as in their hometown.
Tantuni Kebab is a specialty of Mersin, a coastal city near Adana. Small slices of boiled lamb are cooked in cotton oil and served in a bread wrap. It is quite spicy dish and can be a little too oily for some people, including myself.
Gaziantep Region
The EU has recognized this city and awarded it for its amazing food.
Ali Nazik Kebab – It doesn´t really matter whether it is from Antalya or Gaziantep, this kebab is delicious. Grilled meat is served over a bed of smoky eggplant puree mixed with yoghurt and garlic.
Şiş Kebabı: Marinated chunks of lamb, beef, or chicken skewered and grilled, commonly served with vegetables.
Patlıcan Kebabı: Alternating pieces of eggplant and minced meat skewered and grilled.
Hatay/Antakya Region
Tragically, the February 2023 earthquake severely damaged this city. It is a place which I have visited many times and is dear to my heart. Its people are still working to rebuild their lives. One of the main things that I remember about my visits to this historical city (Antioch) is the wonderful food and friendly people.
These days, it is not a tourist destination, but a place for reconstruction. Hopefully I will return there one day soon to see what progress has been made in restoring this historical city. If you see a Hatay restaurant on your travels in Turkey, don´t hesitate to try the food there.
Tepsi Kebabı: minced meat mixed with spices and vegetables, spread on a baking tray, and baked in the oven.
Oruk Kebabı: ground meat mixed with bulgur and spices, shaped into oval patties, and grilled or baked.
Mardin Region
Mardin Kebab (Midyat Kebab) – This uses ground lamb or beef mixed with regional spices, shaped into patties or skewers, and grilled.
Urfa Region
Urfa Kebab from the city of Sanliurfa is similar to Adana Kebab but less spicy. It is made with minced lamb or beef mixed with herbs and garlic.
Van Region
Van Kebab, which is also known as the Kürt Kebab (Kurdish Kebab). This is a lamb or beef kebab that has a little fat added for extra flavour (and calories). It is marinated in local spices and herbs, placed on skewers, and grilled over a smoky open fire.
Other Kebabs
I’m sure there are many lesser-known kebabs that I haven’t included in the list. You might find them during your travels throughout the country. If you would like to add to the list, that would be great.
What Makes an Authentic Turkish Kebab?
A Turkish kebab’s taste comes mainly from its marinades. These recipes use things like olive oil, lemon juice, and yoghurt, mixed with spices and herbs. This mix makes the meat super tender and tasty. Here are some of the typical herbs and spices that are used in the preparation of kebabs.
Spices:
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Red Pepper
- Black Pepper
- Sumac (Sumak), which is a typical Turkish spice that is slightly bitter
- Cinnamon
- Coriander
Herbs:
- Parsley
- Mint
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Rosemary
Choosing what to drink with your kebab
If you want something to drink with your kebabs, you have quite a few options. As it is difficult to find alcohol in most kebab restaurants, you should look for an alternative to beer or wine. You could just order some water if you want a healthy option, or a fizzy drink, if you are looking for an unhealthy option. However, many people prefer to have a traditional Turkish drink together with their kebab.
For instance, drinks such as Ayran, a kind of watery yoghurt drink that can be a little salty. Alternatively, try something less common, such as Şalgam, which is a salty pickle juice and is a drink that is more popular in southern Turkey. Fresh pomegranate juice or mint lemonade are also great options, but they are not always available in all kebab restaurants.
How to find a great and affordable kebab
Enjoying delicious kebabs in Turkey can be very inexpensive. This is great news for visitors looking to taste Turkish cuisine without spending too much. Here are some tips to help you find a tasty kebab and spend less:
Recommended Restaurants
Turkey is a huge country, and sometimes you need to get a recommendation from a local. One one of the best people to ask is a hotel receptionist. He or she can tell you about the best place to eat a kebab in the neighbourhood where you are staying.
Consider street food stalls.
Enjoying kebabs at street food stalls is a way to eat like a local. These stalls are common throughout the country and serve up a variety of kebabs. They’re known for being cheap and delicious. Eating at street stalls is a great way to get a taste of affordable kebabs. If you are worried about eating from a street stall, I would recommend to stay away from Chicken. Just make sure you see locals eating there; then you know it´s a good choice.
Explore the Lesser-Known Neighbourhoods
Look beyond the touristy areas for hidden food gems. For example, popular places in Istanbul like Sultanahmet and Taksim Square can be costly. To eat for less, you should head to a neighbourhood such as Beşiktaş, Fatih, or Kadikoy. These areas have local restaurants with affordable, and delicious kebabs. They are also known for bigger portions and small prices, making them perfect for those not looking to spend a lot.
Conclusion
Searching for affordable and delicious kebabs in Turkey is a fun adventure. Go where the locals go, look in lesser-known areas, and don’t be afraid to try street food stalls. With these tips, you can enjoy excellent Turkish kebabs without overspending. If you love food and are on a budget, Turkish kebabs are a perfect choice. They’re not just cheap and varied, but they also offer you a bit of Turkish culture and history with every bite.