Kebabs come first to mind when you think of eating some Turkish cuisine. However, these imaginations are mostly limited to the usual döner kebab and shish kebab that the Western world is used to.
The best Turkish kebab isn’t just one dish, it’s a whole world of flavours. Whether it’s the spicy Adana, buttery Iskender, or the succulent Beyti, each bite is a story of tradition. Kebab is the most popular Turkish dish.
However, when a menu is presented to you, different types of Turkish kebab make it difficult to choose the best one.
In this guide, we’ll explore Turkish kebab varieties you must try.
See Also: The Best Turkish Kebab Menu
List of the Best Turkish Kebab
Turkish kebabs are not all similar. Yes, they are meat-based, but that is the only similarity. Different spices are used, as are various preparation and serving ways.
To help you choose the perfect Turkish kebab, here are 15 types of the best Turkish kebabs you might try while travelling to any country, listed in no particular order.
1. Adana Kebab
This spicy kebab is made from minced lamb or beef (usually lamb), seasoned with red pepper flakes, and cooked on skewers. It’s generally served with rice, grilled peppers, and tomato, although Turkish street food vendors sell it in a wrap. Beware: this one can get spicy, especially with Urfa pepper.
2. Manisa Kebab
Manisa kebab is considered one of the favourites, and it originated in the city of Manisa in western Turkey. It consists of pieces of marinated lamb or beef, which are served over pitta bread soaked in tomato sauce, with a spicy sauce on top and melted butter to finish.
3. Shish Kebab
In traditional Turkish meat dishes, Shish kebab comes first. This is a traditional kebab made with marinated chunks of meat (usually lamb or chicken) linked onto skewers and cooked to perfection. It is traditionally eaten with rice, peppers, and onions, although it can also be served in wraps.
4. Cağ Kebab
This kebab has been regarded as a predecessor to the modern döner kebab. It is produced by cooking lamb meat on a horizontal rotisserie before slicing it and grilling it on a skewer. Grilled lamb kebab usually comes with lavash bread. Visitors on the Flavours of the Old City tour usually recommend Cağ Kebab as their favourite Turkish kebab.
5. Patlıcan Kebab
If you are an eggplant enthusiast, Patlican Kebab is a great option. There are two types of Patlıcan Kebabı in Turkey. The first variation consists of marinated kebab meat skewered with aubergines and grilled on the grill or in the oven. It is typically served with yoghurt sauce.
Alternatively, meatballs or huge pieces of lamb, onions, and tomatoes are placed in a large circular dish with eggplant chunks and baked in the oven.
7. Döner Kebab
Donar Kebab consists of lamb, chicken, or beef gradually roasted on a vertical skewer and then sliced thinly. Döner is presented on a plate accompanied by salad and rice or potatoes, within bread as a sandwich, or in a wrap referred to as dürüm.
8. Beyti Ground Lamb Kebab
This kebab, named after the well-known Turkish chef Beyti Güler, is made with spiced ground lamb or beef wrapped in lavash bread, grilled till crispy, and served with yoghurt and tomato sauce on top. This is one of the best Turkish Kebabs, and it is usually served with bulgur and salad.
9. Iskender Kebab
This kebab originated in Bursa and is made of thinly sliced lamb or beef (typically beef) served over pita bread and covered with tomato sauce and melted butter. When done correctly, this is a fantastic kebab, and the sauce enhances the flavour. To identify the greatest kebab restaurants, look for names that include “Iskender.”
10. Urfa Kebab
Urfa kebab is an authentic Turkish kebab. These spicy Turkish kebabs come from the city of Urfa in southern Turkey and are made with minced beef combined with garlic and red pepper flakes before being cooked to perfection. It is commonly confused with Adana kebab; however, the two have different flavours. When ordering an Urfa kebab, make sure to tell the waitress whether you want it spicy or not; Acili is pungent, whereas acisiz is not spicy.
11. Beyti
Beyti is a newly designed Turkish kebab and one of the best. It consists of skewered and cooked ground beef or lamb wrapped in lavash and served with tomato sauce and yoghurt, remaining damp on both ends. The dish is named after its originator, Beyti Güler, who owns Istanbul’s famous restaurant Beyti.
12. Fırın Kebabı
Oven kebab requires only two ingredients: lamb and salt. Only the lamb or sheep’s forearms and ribs are used. The lamb is roasted in oak wood-fired ovens for 4 hours, while the sheep takes 8 to 10 hours. After cooking, Fırın Kebabı is served on pita bread with fresh onions and ayran. This is a popular Turkish kebab in the Central Anatolian provinces of Konya and Karaman.
13. Tavuk Şiş Kebap (Chicken Skewers)
Sis kebab is very common, especially in tourist destinations. Chicken skewers are marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and paprika powder before grilling until juicy and tender. Again, it is served with rice and vegetables, but most tourist eateries also provide chips.
14. Karışık Izgara (Mixed Grill)
Different meats, such as chicken shish kebab, Adana kebab, and köfte, are presented together on a platter, providing several flavours in one dish. This is an excellent option if you want to try a variety of grilled meats but are confused about which one to choose. However, unlike the more speciality kebabs, they are broader.
15. Yoğurtlu Kebab
Minced meat is mixed with salt, black pepper, and red flakes (Aleppo pepper). It is then grilled on charcoal barbecues. The pita bread softens after being drenched in the cooking meat’s oils. The bread is placed on a platter, and freshly whipped yoghurt is poured over it. Cooked meats are served over yoghurt with melted butter on top.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this guide has shown you that the best Turkish kebab goes far beyond what you expect. From spicy Adana to Yoğurtlu Kebab, each dish brings something unique to the table and reflects the flavours of its region. These kebabs are more than just meals; they’re a cultural experience on a plate. With so many types of Turkish kebab available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and exciting to explore.
For More Info About UK Food Menus Must Visit Hot Menus
