There is nothing better than a warm juicy meat tucked inside a hearty pita garnished with vegetables, sauces and other accompaniments – yes we’re talking about the ever popular kebab. This Mediterranean/Middle Eastern dish comes in many forms and can be enjoyed for breakfast, a quick lunch, a sit down dinner for a post night out indulgence! Here are some of our favourite spots in Hong Kong to enjoy a doner kebab.
What’s the difference between kebab, shawarma, and gyro?
As this dish has been adapted around the world it has taken on many names and forms, but essentially it comes down to how the meat is cooked. A kebab is grilled meat on a skewer so would normally contain bite-sized cubes. However, doner, shawarma, and gyro are essentially the same thing hailing from different parts of the world.
It is the meat that is roasted on a vertical rotisserie and then shaved off. The doner originated in Turkey and can be served on rice, in bread or of course, in the iconic pita wrap. The shawarma is said to be from the Arab world, while the gyro from Greece.
27 Kebab House — Central
This chain restaurant is famous across Hong Kong for serving fast and delicious wraps. It is a hot favourite for their lunch time sets although many frequent its SOHO and Sheung Wan branches after a night out! You have the option of spice levels as well as the regulars such as lettuce, onion, tomato. The mixed kebab is highly recommended as it has both chicken and beef. There is no beating 27 Kebab House in terms of price and product!
Shop D-E, G/F, 27 Hollywood Rd, Soho, Central | +852 2795 2727
Aziza — Sai Ying Pun
For a more upscale dining experience, try out Aziza, a family owned business bringing authentic Egyptian cuisine to Hong Kong. While their spot in Kennedy Town is a bit tight, Sai Ying Pun has a large beautiful space and they regularly host belly dancers! They have an exceptional array of wraps including lamb and chicken shawarma, shish taouk, fish, and falafel wraps. But you must venture out to try some of their other delicacies such as their babaganoush, halloumi cheese, tangine, and lamb kofta skewers, among many others!
Shop 1B, G/F, Upton Tower, 345 Des Voeux Rd West, Sai Ying Pun | +852 2886 4889
Kennedy 7Po — Jordan
Nestled in Jordan is a hidden jewel serving Middle Easter delicacies! Not only does it have a great décor, cozy but festive with Turkish architecture and furniture, it also has some great dishes. Their chicken and lamb kebabs are commendable, as they are not too spicy or strong, a good introduction for palates that are not familiar with these cuisines. They also offer an assortment of other cuisines such as Indian curries, Italian pastas, and meats, in case you are going with a mixed group!
Jordan Shop 31, G/F, Man Fai Building, 25-47 Man Yuen St, Jordan | +852 6859 3701
Turkish Kebab Restaurant — Sai Kung
If you are enjoying a nice sunny day in Sai Kung, definitely stop by Turkish Kebab to grab a roll or a Turkish pizza, and continue on your picnic. There is seating as well if you would like to enjoy the hospitality of the lovely couple that owns this joint. They cook all their meals fresh and with love so it might take some time, but its affordable and fills you up. They are halal and also have vegetarian and vegan options!
Shop 15, G/F, Kam Po Court, 2 Hoi Pong Square, Sai Kung | +852 2606 7038
Maison Libanaise — Central
If you have taken the escalator in Soho you know this Black Sheep restaurant. One of the most fun, modern yet casual dining spots in the city, with their beautifully decorated indoors to their fairy light strung rooftop, Maison is known for their good food and great vibes. For meat lovers, the Mashawi provides a range of skewers with a side of pita. And of course, the pan fried halloumi is another favourite! If you are ride or die for wraps, they offer it for delivery and take away.
G/F-2/F, 10 Shelley St, Soho, Central | +852 2111 2284
Our Restaurant — Mong Kok
An adorable little Turkish halal restaurant, established in 2007, Our Restaurant feels like a second home. Tucked away in alleyway behind Ladies Market, you can get a great lunch or dinner set, with the lunch being substantially cheaper. The mixed doner kebab is the best known of course, but the chicken kofte (meat balls) is also really tasty and freshly grilled. They also do doner with chips and/or rice, which makes for a great change from the standard roll. Be sure to get the baklava for dessert!
Shop 9, G/F, Witty Commercial Building, 1A-1J Tung Choi St, Mong Kok | +852 2781 0583
Kebabchi Turkish Food — Tsim Sha Tsui
Started and run by a Turkish owner, this small shop in Tsim Sha Tsui offers authentic kebabs in a cosy setting. Fresh ingredients, tasty spices and smiling staff make this a great experience. And of course, the meats are great too! You have the option of chicken, beef, and lamb doner as a wrap, as a salad, with rice, or with chips. You also have veggie options such as the halloumi roll or falafel roll. They also serve Ayran, a popular cold savoury yogurt-based beverage.
15A, G/F, Austin Avenue, Kimberley Mansion, 83 Kimberley Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 9831 2176
Falafel Hut — Kennedy Town
Kennedy Town is not to be left behind in terms of serving great kebabs. They have their very own cute take away spot that provides great kebabs, bowls, biryanis, salads, curries and more! You can spot the resto with their gorgeous jewel coloured tiles reminiscent of Middle East markets. There is a tiny space for two people to sit and eat, but you can get the food delivered or take away. The falafel is highly recommended for vegetarians.
G/F, 76 Catchick St, Kennedy Town | +852 6623 3297
Ebeneezer’s — Various locations
This list would be incomplete without mentioning Ebeneezer’s. This chain restaurant has infiltrated many boozy night outs and nothing beats their doner with chips and all their sauces to soak up all the alcohol. Whether you are in Lan Kwai Fong, Wan Chai, or even most of the universities, your craving will be satisfied. It is halal-certified and has a range of options that are great during daylight too! Just try a lamb kebab, chicken biryani, or supreme pizza, some of their bestsellers.
Saffron Persian Cuisine — Central
A Persian take on the beloved kebab, Saffron, also known as LOVEAT, offers some unique flavours and combinations. If you are with a big group, you cannot go wrong with the Kebab Lovers which offers a taste of multiple of their specialties including lamb and chicken Koobideh, Chenjeh, and Saffron Joojeh Kabab served with Naans, Saffron Rice, and a range of homemade sauces. They are also known for their flavourful drinks, especially the ones with saffron, including the Royal Saffron and Saffron Lemonade.
Shop E, Garley Building, 53 Graham St, Central | +852 2595 9900
Header image credits: GMVozd via Canva
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