THE MOST DELICIOUS BODRUM DONER KEBAB

Doner, one of the national foods of Turks, can be found in various countries around the world. However, not all of them offer the best examples. Germany, on the other hand, stands out in this regard. With a population of over three million Turks, the Turks living in Germany have introduced our national delicacy, Doner, to the German people in an exceptional manner. In fact, Doner has become synonymous with Germany.

To ensure that foreign tourists visiting Bodrum have the opportunity to taste authentic and delicious examples of our national food, we have compiled a list of recommended places where they can enjoy both Bodrum Doner Kebab (Vegetable Doner) and the classic meat doner. This article is not only relevant to tourists, but also to locals and anyone who appreciates the irresistible taste of doner. We have also gathered tips from the masters on how to fully enjoy Bodrum doner kebab, what to pair it with, and which drinks complement it best.

HOW TO MAKE DONER KEBAB?

The meat is thinly sliced, leaf by leaf, and subsequently marinated with a unique sauce. It is then refrigerated for a duration of either 12 or 24 hours. Ultimately, the meat is prepared for cooking by layering it onto a doner kebab spit.

It is worth noting that every restaurant has its own selection of meats, including beef and lamb. In the case of doner kebabs, some establishments incorporate tail fat into the meat, while others opt for shirt fat. Additionally, there are instances where the fatty portions of the meat are minced and placed on top, allowing the fat to infuse throughout the entire doner and enhance its taste. Esteemed doner masters assert that this technique contributes to the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Marination is the key factor that contributes to the delectable taste of doner. Despite their similarities, every expert has their unique approach to marination. While some individuals opt for a plethora of spices in their marinade, others prefer the simplicity of salt and pepper. In our opinion, the ideal approach is to solely rely on salt and pepper, although this preference may differ according to personal taste.

The flavor of every doner could vary, so kindly inform us if we are mistaken, dear readers. Consequently, individuals in Turkey tend to have a preferred döner spot, which they are reluctant to switch from. They consistently opt to indulge in doner from that particular establishment.

It was deemed necessary to create a separate category for Iskender kebab, which is prepared using doner meat, specifically for foreign tourists. Despite being made with doner kebab, Iskender offers a distinct flavor profile. Typically, Iskender is served on small, diced pitas placed on copper plates, accompanied by sauce. The dish consists of layers of doner meat, generously topped with tomato sauce, and finished off with yogurt placed along the edge of the plate. To enhance its taste, hot butter is poured over the Iskender kebab. We highly recommend that you give Iskender a try.

Bodrum has gained recognition as a renowned destination for doner kebabs, particularly due to its exclusive offering of Vegetable Doner Kebab. In our article highlighting Bodrum’s doner restaurants, we have included information about the two most prominent vegetable doner establishments in the town. Additionally, our article also features meat doner establishments that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

LEAF DONER ON WOOD FIRE

ORTAKENT DÖNERCİSİ

Ortakent Dönercisi is a popular place in Ortakent neighborhood. Let’s say that both the neighborhood and the local people of Bodrum love Ortakent Dönercisi. Even though it is a shabby place, Ortakent Dönercisi has a large number of regulars.

You have the chance to eat both Meat Döner Kebab and Chicken Döner Kebab at Ortakent Dönercisi. Let us state from the beginning that we found both doner kebabs delicious.

Although we do not approve of minced meat at Meat Döner, Ortakent Dönercisi’s doner kebab was very delicious. But we liked the Chicken Doner Kebab more. Making delicious Chicken Doner Kebab requires skill. Many restaurants serving Chicken Doner Kebab serve Chicken Doner Kebab with special sauces, in our opinion, this takes away the flavor of Chicken Doner. Frankly, we are glad that there is no such practice in Ortakent Dönercisi.

Most importantly, what makes Ortakent Dönercisi’s döner delicious is that it is cooked over wood fire. As most Döner chefs do, they serve it with onions and tomatoes. If you do not want onions, you must specify.

Rice is not served at the restaurant, you can eat it in portions, pita bread and bread. As beverages, our favorite ayran brand Eker ayran is served and of course carbonated drinks.

Service starts at 11:00 and ends around 18:00. It is open every day of the week during the summer season, and may be closed on Sundays during the winter season. Ortakent Dönercisi also has a takeaway service.

Phone : 0252 358 53 04 – 0544 824 46 96
Operating Hours : The restaurant is open between 11:00 a.m – 18:00 p.m in the summer season and does not serve on Sundays in the winter.
Takeaway Service : There is takeaway service.
Location : googlemaps

THE INVENTOR OF VEGETABLE DONER KEBAB

ŞİRİN DÖNER

The local specialty of Bodrum is the Vegetable Doner Kebab, which was first created at Şirin Döner. The owner, Osman Şirin, who introduced the Vegetable Döner Kebab in 1989 says “I made Vegetable Doner, which brought out my imagination and taste, for the first time at Şirin Döner in 1989.” Since then, this renowned dish has gained popularity and is now prepared in various regions across Turkey.

The standout characteristic of our Vegetable Doner Kebab is the incorporation of fresh vegetables. The Vegetable Doner Kebab consists of a delightful combination of eight different types of vegetables. Fresh seasonal vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, red peppers, eggplants, peas, and corn are used in its preparation. What sets Şirin Döner apart from other vegetable doner restaurants is our exceptional sauce.

Şirin Döner sources its meat from Aydın district annually in April. The meat is meticulously processed at the butcher’s farm located in Mumcular. The Vegetable Döner at Şirin Döner is made up of thirty percent lamb and sixty percent beef. Inquiring minds may wonder about the remaining ten percent, which is comprised of vegetables. Furthermore, Koray Şirin, the business manager, emphasizes that “lamb meat contributes to the doner’s tenderness, succulence, and taste.”

Mr. Koray emphasizes that the unique taste of Şirin Döner’s Vegetable Döner cannot be replicated elsewhere. Apart from the high-quality ingredients, the marination process plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor of the Vegetable Döner. A special sauce along with a blend of 15 different spices are used to marinate the doner kebab, with three of these spices being imported from overseas. While the spices remain a secret, the marinated meat is left in the refrigerator for a day to ensure that it absorbs all the flavors perfectly.

The Vegetable Doner Kebab can be savored in different forms like wrapped, on sandwich bread, chubby bread, as a portion, over rice, and as Iskender. The Iskender variation of the Vegetable Doner Kebab is especially delicious. This dish, accompanied by yogurt and butter sauce on top of fried vegetables and meat, is a top choice among the restaurant’s clientele.

At Şirin Döner, you can also find a selection of alcoholic beverages. However, we believe that the perfect accompaniment to döner kebab is ayran. Guests at Şirin Döner are served bottles of Eker Ayran. Speaking of Eker Ayran, it has a slightly tangy flavor that is truly delightful. Interestingly, buttermilk seems to taste even better when it is bottled. In addition to Eker Ayran, Şirin Döner also offers bottled ayran. When you visit Şirin Döner, be sure to request Eker Ayran from the servers and give it a try – we are confident that you will enjoy it.

Situated on a bustling thoroughfare, Şirin Döner boasts an al fresco dining space accommodating up to 110 individuals. The delectable vegetable doner kebab is available for service from approximately 11:00 in the morning and remains accessible until 04:00 the following day. Should you find yourself famished after indulging in nighttime revelries, do remember this noteworthy tidbit.

In addition to Vegetable Döner, the restaurant provides Salad, Lamb Shish, and Meatballs. Vegan Grill and Vegan Wrap are also available on the menu. Furthermore, there are four varieties of soup: Lentil, Ezo Gelin, Tripe, and Kelle Paça. Lastly, we are excited to announce that Şirin Döner will soon be opening a branch in Warsaw, offering a delightful experience for Polish holidaymakers.

Phone : 0252 344 00 01 – 0530 927 36 46
Operating Hours : The restaurant is open 24 hours during the summer season. It started operating 24 hours a day from May 19, after beginning service on April 23. However, services will be suspended as of November 10.
Takeaway Service : Takeaway service is not available. It is only provided for special events and occasions like weddings.
Alcohol : The restaurant sells all types of alcoholic beverages.
Konum : googlemaps

DÖNER WITH VEGETABLES

NOKTA DÖNER

Nokta Döner in Bodrum’s Çarşı District is another spot where you can enjoy Vegetable Döner. This restaurant specializes in Sebzeli Döner and has gained success in its preparation. While Şirin Döner also offers Vegetable Döner, the taste of Nokta Döner’s version sets it apart. Both are delicious options, but each offers a unique flavor profile.

Nokta Döner exclusively offers a vegetable doner option. The vegetable doner at Nokta Döner is prepared with a variety of fresh vegetables including potatoes, carrots, green peppers, red peppers, and peas. A total of 17 different spices are used in the marination process. Following marination, the vegetable doner is stored in the refrigerator for around 12 hours.

You can enjoy the doner kebab in various forms such as Wrap, Pita, Portion, Over Rice, and Iskender. Opting for the portion means it will be served solely with greens. We believe that this is the ideal way to savor the delicious taste of doner kebab.

Nokta Döner offers an outdoor seating area that can accommodate 50-60 people and is exclusively open during the summer season. The restaurant commences its operations in April and concludes them in November. Operating 24 hours a day, Nokta Döner serves Vegetable Döner starting from around 11:00 in the morning. With the restaurant introducing new doner kebabs two or three times a day, patrons have the opportunity to relish fresh doner kebabs until the morning.

In addition to vegetable doner kebabs, their menu also includes salads and soups. You can also drink Lentil and Ezo Gelin soup at Nokta Döner any time of the day.

Phone : 0252 316 49 29 – 0543 392 17 95
Opening and Closing Hours : The restaurant, which is open only during the summer season, is open 24 hours a day. The restaurant, which started to serve as of April, is taking a break from its services as of November.
Takeaway Service : No takeaway service.
Alcohol : Alcoholic beverages are available for sale.
Location : googlemaps

THE MOST DELICIOUS TURGUTREIS DÖNER

DÖNERCİ NURİ USTA

Situated in the heart of Turgutreis, Dönerci Nuri Usta is a modest and compact establishment. In front of the buffet, there is an outdoor seating area with 10-15 tables. The residents of Turgutreis are familiar with Dönerci Nuri Usta and the delicious flavor of his döner.

The buffet specializes in meat döner kebabs, which are exclusively crafted from 100 percent beef. Dönerci Nuri Usta prepares his döner kebab in a slightly unique manner compared to other Bodrum Doner Kebab eateries we suggest. They refrain from incorporating tail fat or similar oils into the meat, opting instead to include minced meat derived from the fatty portion of the meat used in the döner kebab. They assure that this ratio does not surpass ten percent.

Dönerci Nuri Usta is situated in the heart of Turgutreis, offering a modest and cozy setting. The outdoor seating area consists of 10-15 tables facing the buffet. The locals of Turgutreis are familiar with Dönerci Nuri Usta and appreciate the unique flavor of his döner.

The buffet specializes in meat doner kebabs, which are exclusively made from 100 percent beef. Donerci Nuri Usta prepares his döner kebab in a distinctive manner compared to other Bodrum Doner Kebab establishments. They refrain from adding tail fat or any similar oils to the meat, opting instead to include minced meat from the fatty portion of the meat used in the döner kebab. They assure that this ratio does not exceed ten percent.

At Dönerci Nuri Usta, the doner kebab is ready to be served around 11:30. During the summer season, you have the chance to eat doner kebab until 20:00 in the evening, but in the winter season, it ends around 16:00.

Phone : 0252 382 59 34
Opening and Closing Hours : The restaurant is open in summer and winter. The restaurant starts serving at 10:30 in the morning and closes at 20:00 in the evening.
Takeaway Service : Takeaway service is available.
Alcohol : No alcoholic beverages are sold.
Location : googlemaps

GUMBET DÖNERCESİ

YILMAZ DÖNER

Yılmaz Döner, located at the end of İsmet İnönü Street in Gümbet, is a humble establishment that can be found on the left side before reaching Gümbet Bar Street. The proprietor, Mr. Yılmaz, not only owns the restaurant but also possesses great expertise in crafting doner kebabs. He proudly mentions that they have been serving customers in the same location for many years.

The menu at Yılmaz Döner exclusively offers meat doner. However, Mr. Yılmaz has plans to enhance the menu in the upcoming season and wishes for us to highlight that grilled varieties will be included. What sets Yılmaz Döner apart is their use of 100% beef in their doner kebabs. Each restaurant has its own unique marination technique for the doner kebab, and Yılmaz Usta emphasizes that marination plays a significant role in making their döner exceptionally delicious.

If a doner kebab is cooked over a wood fire, it is recommended to enjoy it regardless of being full. The slow cooking process over a wood fire enhances the flavor of the döner. Yılmaz Döner specializes in cooking doner kebabs over wood fire.

When Master Yılmaz suggested that onion is the ideal accompaniment for doner kebab, we began to see the wisdom in his words. Despite concerns about the lingering smell of onion, Master Yılmaz assured us that the way they prepare the white onion minimizes any strong odors. He also advised against pairing döner kebab with tomatoes and potatoes, as they can overpower the meat’s flavor. We encourage you to try döner with onions and share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Yılmaz Döner has introduced a dedicated section for their potato dishes that are served alongside their döner. According to Yılmaz, they use fresh potatoes on a daily basis instead of frozen ones, which greatly satisfies their customers.

When dining at Yılmaz Döner, you have the option to enjoy your döner in various forms such as Tombik Bread, Wrap, Sandwich Bread, Over Rice, Portion, and Iskender. When asked about the ideal beverage to complement döner kebab, Master Yılmaz recommended ayran and turnip juice.

At Yılmaz Döner, the doner kebab is ready to be served around 12:30, and the doner is finished around 22:00-23:00 in the evening. Yılmaz Döner serves doner kebab twice a day so that you can eat it fresh. Yılmaz Döner, which also offers takeaway service, has an outdoor seating area for 20-30 people.

Phone : 0536 244 42 70
Opening and Closing Hours : The restaurant is open in summer and winter. Yılmaz Döner, which starts serving at 12:00 in the morning, closes at 23:00 in the evening.
Takeaway Service : Takeaway service is available.
Alcohol : No alcoholic beverages are sold.
Location : googlemaps

Our article about Bodrum Doner Kebab restaurants might have stirred up your appetite. If you’re looking for more culinary delights, we suggest checking out our piece on the top Bodrum kebab restaurants. And that’s not all! Discover the must-visit Bodrum fish restaurants, learn about the local cuisine in Bodrum, and find out where to enjoy Çökertme kebab in Bodrum. Our articles are sure to leave you craving for more.

After trying out the Bodrum Doner Kebabs at the recommended spots from our Bodrum doner restaurants article, feel free to share your feedback in the comments section below. We value your input on Bodrum döner restaurants, in addition to our own carefully curated selections.

And before we sign off, a quick tip for our foreign visitors in Bodrum: When ordering Bodrum doner kebab, you’ll be asked “how many grams would you like?” as it’s served and priced by weight. While a sandwich döner typically contains around 80 grams, opting for 100 grams might be more satisfying. As for portioned döner, expect around 120 grams, but you can indulge in up to 160 grams due to the lighter side dishes.

Wishing you a delightful holiday in Bodrum…