
06 Dec 2024
Comforting and utterly delicious, sometimes only a kebab will do. Happily, Scotland’s liveliest city is home to some pretty amazing (and authentic) kebab shops. From modern gourmet options to quick pitstops for your trip home from the pub – we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover the finest kebab joints Glasgow has to offer.
Decidedly up-market, ‘Babs prides itself on quality, sustainable Scottish ingredients and exceptional cooking. The interiors are decorated prettily – with Levantine style tiles lining the walls – and the atmosphere here is always buzzing, particularly at weekends. Various street food dishes make up the extensive menu: from the house speciality Grass-fed Lamb Shawarma Wrap, served with fresh tomatoes, herby onion salad and pickles, to the Steak Shish with homemade tzatziki, chargrilled Turkish pepper and seasonal veg with green harissa – this kebab shop packs a punch. Veggies and vegans fear not, ‘Babs has plenty of sumptuous meat-free options that won’t make you feel left out. We recommend the Aubergine and Butternut Squash skewers (complete with a salty olive tapenade) or the ‘Steik Shish’: marinated, skewered and chargrilled vegan steak alternative with Zhug salsa verde. Yum!
The aim at Döner Haus has always been to bring the authentic taste of Berlin’s ‘Kebaps’-kebabs served on sesame seed sourdough fladenbrot or traditional pidas – to the UK. This place is certainly not one to miss: real highlights include the Checkpoint Cheesy Kebaps, made with mozzarella and cheddar cheese melted over Berlin döner served on a pida with onions, coriander and chilli sauce, and the vegan-schnitzel version, served with crushed avocado, lettuce, pickled cabbage, shredded carrot, onion and mint. There are, of course, other Berlin-style food offerings available: the currywurst is hugely popular and the Kreuzberg fries are truly delectable.
Located on Renfield Street’s iconic old cinema building, Döner Kebab originally opened in Berlin – over 30 years ago – where it spent decades perfecting its recipes and developing a unique blend of traditional spices that goes into all its cooking. The kebabs are made from quality ingredients and the ‘secret sauces’ are something to behold. All of the meat is imported directly from Germany to maintain quality and consistency, and all of the vegetables are locally sourced in Scotland. Perfect if you’re in a hurry or on the go, the kebabs are available for takeaway in special ‘doner boxes’. For a tasty meal with quick service, look no further.
Authentic as they come, Istanbul (as the name would suggest) is a Turkish kebab house, priding itself on homemade and fresh food. Wait times can sometimes be slightly lengthy, but we promise you it’s worth it. Prices are low (£5 will get you two kebabs) and the service staff are friendly. The meat is tender and succulent and portion sizes are generous. A real hidden gem, Istanbul is no-nonsense and seriously delicious.