KEBABS are no longer just for revellers stumbling out of nightclubs in the early hours.
The UK offers a huge variety of kebab-style meals at takeaway shops across Britain and many are upping their game.
Phillip Davis is a chef with over 20 years experience.
She worked at the Michelin-starred River Cafe, where Jamie Oliver was discovered, and Moro restaurants before setting up her own family-friendly London cafe called The Mud chute Kitchen.
She now works as a private chef, travelling the world to cook for high-profile clients.
But we sent Philippa across Britain in search of the best kebabs.
“My biggest joy of this adventure is all the new restaurants popping up that are taking on kebabs,” she says.
“Many modern ones are opening that really understand the cultural heritage of kebabs but there are also some slightly fancier ones where the food is as good as anything you’d get in a classy restaurant.
“It was hard to pick just ten, though Manchester was a real strong hotspot in terms of the quality on offer.”
Here, she shares her top 10:
1. MATINA
- The Glass Arcade, St Nicholas Market, Bristol, BS1 1JQ
MATINA is located in an old Georgian arcade[/caption]
LOCAL LOWDOWN: Set in vibrant St Nicholas Market’s Georgian arcade with it’s glass-triangle skylight and blue, white and earth-coloured tiles, Matina feels like a true Middle Eastern market stall.
Queues are often long and it’s easy to see why.
Chef’s hand-stretch and slap your naan before baking to order and then it is passed down the line for dips, sauces and salads before being high with smoky, juicy spiced meat and wrapped tight.
PHILIPPA SAYS: This was my absolute favourite. The queue is always busy, mixed and lively with everyone from yummy mummies to local workmen, in hi-vis jackets standing in line.
The naan bread was the star of the show – soft by slightly crisp and beautifully cooked in a tandoori oven.
I said yes to everything, sauces, dips and salads. The home-made sweet chilli sauces is excellent.
Overall it was incredible value, too. They nailed every aspect that makes a kebab extraordinary.
PHILLIPPA’S PICK: Char grilled Chicken Naan Wrap (£8.80), which had a well-balanced flavour and a lovely meaty flavour with just the right amount of seasoning.
2. SQEW
- 7 Duncan Street, Leeds. LS1 6DQ
Sqew Kebabs combines flavours from across the Mediterranean[/caption]
LOCAL LOWDOWN: Sqew takes inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of the Levant, a region of the eastern Mediterranean that includes Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine.
It’s authentic with ingredients sourced from the Middle East and recipes inspired by the greatest shawarma restaurants in the world.
Shawarma – thinly-sliced, spiced meat – is served on flatbread with salads and sauces.
PHILLIPA SAYS: It was a joy to watch the meat slowly turning, juices dripping and to smell the aromas in this Leeds restaurant, which is fresh clean, bright and buzzing with energy.
There’s as mouthwatering selection of sauces and salads including tahini, pomegranate molasses, hot harrisa, parsley and sumac onion, pickled cabbage, cucumbers and tomatoes.
If you want extra carbs you can pay extra to tuck a few few fries into the wrap, though its already plenty full.
The wrap is particularly neat and tight and has the textbook twisted paper top, so when it opens it bursts with spicy aromatics.”
PHILIPPA’S PICK: Lamb Shawarma Wrap (Prices start at £6.90) and the tangy pomegranate molasses sauce really stood out too.
3. FALAFEL GUYS
- 47 Briggate, Leeds. LS1 6HF
Falafel Guys is located in the heart of Leeds[/caption]
LOCAL LOWDOWN: Very cool location down the steps of an old school turned beer hall. Inside the red-brick walls and ceiling lined with dangling tin pendant lights creates an easy going effortlessly cool vibe.
There are long tables with benches for groups as well as more nooks and crannies for a more intimate experience in the mezzanine, speakeasy and ‘cinema’ areas.
PHILIPPA SAYS: A masterpiece wrapped in a simple piece of paper. It looked very simple wrapped in a plain paper but when unwrapped this meal really revealed its magic.
The bread was satisfyingly chew and tender but stable enough to hold everything in, which is where many fail.
It had not one but three types of hummus, smoked charcoal using hickory, original and a fun bright pink beetroot option.
Each one added earthy tones to my wrap and balanced the richness of the gorgeous garlic mayo.
The chicken was tender and flavourful and I loved the bright fruity notes from the pomegranate molasses which added some zine and lifted the entire dish.
Text-book squeaky halloumi.
PHILIPPA’S PICK: I loved the Chicken Shawarma and Halloumi Wrap (£9.45) or choose a kebab made with locally-brewed Faith, a light, fruity, refreshing modern pale ale with a touch of hops affectionately known as the ‘Champagne of the North.’
4. BAB NQ
- 14 Little Lever Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester. M1 1HR
LOCAL LODWON: The restaurant has a clean, fresh look with leafy-green coloured tiles and a soft plum toned work, cool modern bare hanging lights and a mix of counter, high tables and regular seating.
Overall , a fun, friendly energy and knowledge staff.
The menu consists of mezze, snack and mains which include ‘Bab’ style kebabs or open babs with salads and sauces.
Owners claim to provide a kebab ‘worth sitting down for’.
PHILIPPA SAYS: I tried the Harissa and Pomgerantate Lamb baba with salad, minted mayo and a generous helping of fires and it was sensational.
The lamb is slow cooked with spice, yogurt and herbs, then shredded. Super tender with a real depth of flavour.
There are about 12 sauces to choose from and wrap itself was chewy yet pliable and served flat.
Philippa’s pick: Harissa and Pomegranate Lamb Bab with salad, minted mayo and fries, which was excellent value as a £10 lunch special.
There are also some good veggie options including Broccoli and Za’atar Chickpeas Bab and the Tandoori Roasted Cauliflower Bab.
5. GREEK VILLAGE
- 1 Caroline Street, Cardiff. CF10 1FF.
LOCAL LOWDOWN: Set on lively Caroline Street in Cardiff, Greek Village is casual and friendly with easygoing charm.
Inside, whitewashed chairs and ship wheels on the wall nod to a Greek nautical theme.
Expect traditional Greek gyros, marinated pork or chicken on a vertical split, sliced into pitta with tomato, onion, fries and tzatziki.
PHILIPPA SAYS: Expect a warm welcome from the chefs and staff. This place does pork gyros right.
Tender, flavourful rich meat with just the right amount of fat all thinly sliced and stuffed inside a loosely rolled pitta with fries, crisp lettuce, tomato and red onion.
Sauces include tzatziki, house ‘village’ sauce, cheddar cheese or feta sauce and tirokafteri, a traditional spicy feta dip with roasted peppers and chilli.
The alcoholic drinks list is entirely Greek with beer, red, white and rose wines and ouzo.
PHILIPPA’S PICK: Pork gyros wrap with tzatziki (£8). The Avarino Greek white wine was also a great pick and good value at only £5.
6. MUGHLI CHARCOAL PIT
- 30 Wilmslow Road, Curry Mile, Rusholme, Manchester. M14 5TQ.
Mughli Charcoal Pit is located on the renowned Curry Mile in Manchester[/caption]
LOCAL LOWDOWN: This place on Manchester famous Curry Mile nestles into the neon lights, sizzling grills and spice-laden air.
The interior has Bollywood vibes – a playful design, yellow-faded posters, garlands, and tabletops covered in old newspaper clippings (including one about Ed Sheeran’s visit).
There is a semi-open kitchen so you can watch chefs squeeze the seasoned meat onto skewers and char it expertly over the glowing coals.
Expect Indian, Seekh kebab with spiced minced lamb or chicken pressed onto skewers and grilled over hot coals.
PHILIPPA SAYS: I tried both lamb and chicken seekh and as is Indian tradition it was served with a lemon wedge, not wrapped in bread.
I added to my order a sharp red onion salad, raita topped with crispy boondi puffs and a garlic naan – which was exceptional – light, fluffy, crisp-edged and garlicky, possibly one of the best I’ve had.
Fun, delicious, and very repeatable. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
PHILIPPA’S PICK: Chicken or Lamb Seekh Kebab (£8.50) with garlic naan (£4.30) which was pricey but light, crispy and one of the best I’ve ever eaten.
7. SHAWARMA KING
- King Street, Glasgow. G1 5RB
LOCAL LOWDOWN: A lively, characterful spot tucked away on King Street serving Shawarma marinated meat with flatbread, salads, pickles and sauces.
Three glowing spits turn behind the counter.
Bread is made to order, dough slapped and stretched, fired in the tandoor, then pressed and finished crisp with golden bubbles.
The chefs work with precision, expertly carving the juicy meat with long, sharp knives.
PHILIPPA SAYS: A very old-school looking takeaway under a railway bridge with just a couple of seats outside, but they really nailed the food.
A real clever touch, at Shawarma King they rub fresh bread over the tower as it cooks adding an extra layer of flavour.
This is simple but effective. The lamb was sensational – deeply flavoured, tender and succulent.
Every bite was juicy, crunchy, fresh and sharp. It’s the sort of food that leaves a group in rare silence.
PHILIPPA’S PICK: The Lamb Shawarma Wrap with all the pickles and sauces (£7.50), which was incredible value given the size and flavour.
8. LE BAB
- Top Floor, Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, London. W1B 5PW.
Le Bab serves modern Middle Eastern food in Soho, London[/caption]
LOCAL LOWDOWN: Le Bab sits on the top floor of Kingly Court in Soho, a lively spot abundant with good restaurants.
The owners say they apply ‘Michelin credentials’ on kebabs.
It serves modern Middle Eastern food, including Shish kebabs with contemporary sauces and pickles as well as mezze.
Ingredients are carefully chosen, ethical and sustainable – a menu like you’ve never tried before.
PHILIPPA SAYS: Although there are many famous kebab joints in London, I tried a few and was left disappointed.
Edgware Road and Green Lanes have lots of popular haunts but I love what Le Bab are doing and they are focus on ethical meat.
They are also the same price or cheaper than many rivals.
Inside you are squeezed on to a small table (it is central London after all) where you get to admire the swirly blue, white and green tiles on the walls and you can see the sky.
Loved the counter bar which curves around the open kitchen and you get a great view of the flames flickering on the grill. They play an upbeat soundtrack.
It’s very cheffy but not pretentious.
It’s a small, busy kitchen that sends out generous and colourful plates of food. The quality of the lamb shines through.
PHILIPPA’S PICK: The ‘Dirty Bab’ (£16.50), chargrilled Dorset lamb chump steak served with pickled cucumber, chilli sauce, sweet-chilli mayo, chimichurri, double-cooked fries, lamb’s lettuce, and a fondue sauce on the side.
It arrives as a beautiful, abundant plate, piled high with quality British lamb and ribbons of sauce.
The lamb is tender and deeply flavoured, the fondue is an indulgent, tangy, cheesy twist, purists may balk, but it works.
9. TZATZIKI (at The Queen Edith Pub)
- 152 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB2 8PB.
LOCAL LOWDOWN: A true hidden gem operating from The Queen Edith’s kitchen.
From outside it’s a cosy, old-school shabby-cosy pub with drink mats on the wall and regulars at the bar, but the Greek cooking is outstanding.
Souvlaki skewered cubes of marinated meat cooked over charcoal, served in pitta with salad, sauces and often chips tucked inside.
PHILIPPA SAYS: A warm, casual and lively restaurant serving better Greek food than I’ve had in Greece.
The menu is enticing and it’s hard to pick just one meal. I tried both chicken and lamb souvlaki and each was excellent.
Both came with a great ration of salad, chips and meat and the pitta held it all together beautifully.
But I’d love to go back for the flatbread with Greek sausage, tomato sauce, Gouda, olive mayonnaise’s and hot honey.
There are lots of loaded fries options too, with mushrooms, chicken or slow roasted pork.
PHILIPPA’S PICK: The lamb kofta souvlaki (£11) is the star of the show here though the halloumi side was outstanding, crispy on the outside, creamy within and not overly salty.
For dessert, loukoumades (£6.50), a huge portion of nine golf-ball-sized honeyed doughnuts, crisp outside, chewy inside, lightly cinnamon-spiced, is hard to resist.
10. GREAT BRITISH DONOR
- 61 Deansgate, Ground Floor, Manchester. M3 2BW.
Great British Donor in Manchester has American diner energy[/caption]
LOCAL LOWDOWN: American diner energy with baby-blue tiles, pops of red and fun neon signs such as ‘order here’ and ‘that’s a wrap’.
Order at automated tills and collect from the neon-lit till point when your number is called.
Turkish doner kebabs with vertically roasted meat shaved thin by a robot, served with salads and sauces.
PHILIPPA SAYS: Delicious, consistent in the quality of the food and family friendly.
The machine slices uniform, very thin meat and though the beef was fairly mild in flavour there was lots of it.
The salads are crunchy, colourful and crowd pleasing. All served in a large oval bread pocket, which was so stuffed full it feels generous.
PHILIPPA’S PICK: The Beef Doner Wrap (£8.90) served in Turkish pitta with GBD sauce and garlic and herb sauce, which really added some zing.
