9 best Doner kebabs in Dubai

Döner Kebab is a famous Turkish dish, similar to the Arab shawarma or the Greek gyro, made with seasoned meat shaved from a long rotisserie. A sort of “upside-down pyramid of meat”. The meat is usually seasoned with spices like paprika and cumin and is served inside a thick pita bread. The heritage of the Doner goes far back to the Ottoman Empire, but it only truly became famous in Berlin in 1971. Today it is one of the most loved "on-the-go" sandwiches in Germany, Europe and around the world. Of course Dubai was going to embrace the dish. We do with anything that’s good.

BABAJI: I had a recent dinner experience at Babaji and even though I am usually not the biggest meat-eater, their meat quality was so delicious. You have the option to order your Doner in different ways - 1. wrapped in bread as it’s traditionally served street style, 2. As aPilav Ustu served over rice, 3. In Iskender style, which was my favourite, layered over butter soaked bread with a side of yoghurt, 4. Babaji Iskender style, which is served with eggplant instead of bread and 5. As a Tombik Doner, served in a bun-shaped flatbread known as pide ekmek. Location: City Walk. Price: Starts from Dh78

DONER KEBAB: A top quality Doner Kebab casual eatery, which also delivers is one of the most popular Doner spots in the UAE. They have a long history, with their first store opening in Berlin in 1989. Their Doners are made with beef and chicken fillets imported from Germany. Their Doners are typically served with a thin crispy Turkish bread that they handmade. It is one of the top Doners you can enjoy at an affordable price. Location: Multiple locations. Price: Dh33 for the sandwich.

HUQQA AND THE MARKET:Huqqa and the Market have two types of Doner kebab. The traditional Doner kebab, served on a platter with Turkish bread and the not exactly so traditional Doner Burger. The Doner meat is served in a brioche bun with sauces and toppings. The quality of meat at Huqqa in general is really high, so you would expect their Doner be top quality, especially since you are paying the big bucks for it. Location: Dubai Mall, Fashion Avenue. Price: Dh99 for the Doner platter and the Doner burger.

DONER AND GYROS: This spot combines two famous Mediterranean sandwiches. The Turkish Doner and the Greek Gyros. Their quantity is very generous for the really good price. and their meat is loved by many. They make the Turkish Gyros in a traditional way and are known for their speedy service and quick delivery. Location: Multiple locations. Price: Dh29 for the classic sandwich

ISTANBUL FLOWER: This place is a classic. It’s been around for over a decade and serves authentic Turkish cuisine. The atmosphere is pretty basic and on rare occasions the food can be more miss than hit, but their Doner are really good and quite affordable. A place to try if you are eating your way through the UAE. They even serve the Tombik Doner, which is in a less traditional bun-shaped flatbread. Location Al Safa, near Safest Way Supermarket Price: Dh39.90

O’DONER: Moving on to something that has a total Turkish vibe going on. O'Doner is a casual eatery, where you can sit and enjoy a meal, while still feeling like you’re in a lovely little bistro in Turkey, thanks to the Mosaic tiles, colorful seats and decoration on the walls. Their Bursa Iskender Doner should be your go to. Locations: La Mer and Golden Mile on the Palm. Price: Dh68 for the sandwich.

SULTAN BABA ISKENDER This Trukish spot has been around for a few years now. You mostly find it in food court malls, but don’t let that put you off. It isn’t as ‘fast food’ as you think, mainly because of the taste and the slightly steep price. However It is proper authentic Turkish cuisine. Their Doner is served less as a sandwich and more in platter form on a layer of thick bread, butter and a giant dollop of yoghurt. Locations: Jumeirah Beach Road, Festival City Mall, Al Ghurair Center and Shandagha City Center. Price: Dh79 per platter.

ZOUZOU: ZouZou is marketed as a Lebanese Turkish spot that serves a selection of hot and cold mezze as well as mixed grills. Both of which overlap on both cultures. Zouzou makes a mean selection of Doner dishes including Doner Durum, a Tombik and their famous Doner Iskender Kebab. Even though this is a proper sit down restauraurant with a killer view of the beach, their Doner dishes are priced very reasonably, with their Doner sandwich starting at Dh35 and their Iskender priced at Dh65, which is way cheaper than many other sit down spots. Location La Mer Dubai Price: Dh35 for a Tombik Doner sandwich

BOSPORUS: Bosporus is known around Dubai as one of the best Turkish Restaurants in UAE. Even though it’s been around for 10 years, they’ve been consistent over the years. It is slightly on the higher price scale, but it’s pretty worth it once you try their delicious food. They have a Doner section on the menu, from which you can choose a sandwich Doner, a Pilav Ustu doner (with rice) or the ever popular Iskender Kebab. Location Jumeriah 3, Wafi, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai The Beach, JBR and City Centre Mirdif. Price: Dh68 for a sandwich.