BRUSSELS. Well, Döner Fans, it’s the end of another year. A time to reflect, a time to look back on one’s highlights and achievements, to revisit the moments that brought the most joy and mull on what might have been. Here, then, is Dr Döner’s list of kebabs that made their mark in 2022. Enjoy, Döner Fans! And see you for more gristle-fuelled gluttony in 2023!
Best kebab
The kebab shop that stole the show this year was Mangal Gemüsekebap in Cologne. The mere memory of its crunchy, saucy, meaty contents fills my heart with joy and my mouth with drool. The Gemüsekebap is a speciality that has not yet made it to Belgium, and it was a delight to sample it again.
Worst kebab
The worst kebab of 2022 was barely a two-minute walk from the best kebab. I am talking, of course, about Yaprak Döner, also in Cologne. Its salty, offal-tinged flavours still elicit a little twinge of disgust when I think about it. I have since discovered that ‘yaprak döner’ is a specific style of döner, and is made differently to a standard döner kebab. But more on that in a future post sometime next year…
Most exotic location
Dr Döner prides himself on bringing you kebab reviews from far-flung locations. No kebab shop is too remote or obscure! Whether you consider Bologna to be far-flung, remote or obscure is up to you, but it entered the records as the first Dr Döner review from Italy, and has thus earned itself a place on the list. Bella Istanbul 3 was a surprisingly delicious treat, lurking modestly behind Bologna Central Station, and is well worth a visit if you get tired of all the pasta.
Most nostalgic kebab
The kebab that brought a nostalgic tear to Dr Döner’s eye was from Hakiki on Kantstraße in Berlin. Ah, the heady days of yesteryear… Nothing recalls the golden age of Dr Döner’s youth than a mouthful of döner and a hearty swig of Berliner Pilsner. Berlin is where this blog started 10 years ago. Here’s hoping for more reviews from Berlin in 2023, Döner Fans!
And the rest
Of the seven kebabs reviewed in 2022, only one was in Brussels (Dr Döner’s current HQ). This isn’t to say that Dr Döner only ate kebabs on trips! No, there are several stalwart Brussels kebab joints whose food was reviewed long ago, to whom Dr Döner regularly returns. Many thanks go to my old favourites Turkuaz, Chez Bal and Mozaik for feeding me throughout the year. Long may your meat-logs glisten at their grills!
All the best for the New Year, Döner Fans.
Love,
Dr D.
The Dr Döner Guide To Kebabs 