You may think of kebabs as a guilty pleasure but the Berlin kebab – or kebap, as Berliners would have it – is nothing to be ashamed of. A credit to the city’s large Turkish population, authentic kebabs are sold at more than 1,000 vendors across the city, with mouth-watering options like deep-fried halloumi, homemade falafel and the classic halal döner. Here are some of the best:
Hasir
Opened in 1984, Hasir boasts legendary kebabs. As a formal sit-down restaurant, it sets itself apart from the city’s other cheap and cheerful takeaway vendors, serving up traditional Turkish fare including grilled lamb and stuffed grape leaves.
Mustafa’s Gemüsekebap
Famous for having the longest lines and waiting times of any kebab vendor in Berlin, the ever-popular Mustafa’s Gemüsekebap is an unassuming food truck outside Mehringdamm U-Bahn in Kreuzberg. Wraps and rolls are served to hungry patrons, oozing with feta cheese, sautéed onions, peppers and special sauces (trust us, they’re special) in what is probably the most delicious kebab on the planet.
Tadim
Yet another Kreuzberg classic, Tadim is situated just outside the bustling Kottbusser Tor U-Bahn and does a good trade, dishing up high-quality veal that’s flavored with refined secret spices. Whether you prefer your döner in a pita bread pocket or a soft duerum wrap, both options are available and freshly baked in-house.
All in One
Boasting what is rumored to be the best falafel in Berlin, All in One is unsurprisingly well attended, drawing hundreds of tourists and locals all hours of the day and night. Located directly across from the Hackescher Markt U-Bahn, the eatery offers a vast selection of vegetables and salads to accompany your kebab, as well as the traditional selection of homemade sauces (herb, garlic and spicy).
Vöner
An innovative player in the Berlin kebab scene, Vöner promises delicious vegan and vegetarian alternatives where you won’t miss the meat. Specialities at the trendy, hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Friedrichshain include the vegan döner drizzled with non-dairy garlic sauce, seitan kebabs and two vegan burgers with spicy fries.
Hakiki
From its original location outside Osloer Straße U-Bahn, the popular Hakiki now runs three outlets in Berlin and looks set to continue expanding. The döner is traditional and will satisfy the purists, while the range of mouth-watering sauces – all made in-house using a secret recipe – keep things just the right amount of interesting.
(Image: © Alex Kehr)
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guide to Berlin covers all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas
