The shop owner warmly greeted me as I entered the store, and the aroma of roasting meat washed over me as I joined the long queue.
There is one word that comes to mind when describing the first bite of a Döner: satisfying. Each bite blended textures and flavors. The warm, toasted bread gave way to tender slices of spiced meat, crisp lettuce and cool yogurt sauce.
It wasn’t just the taste, though. After a long day of teaching and adjusting to life in Germany, I found it comforting to sit on the train platform and enjoy my foil-wrapped meal. I felt a sense of connection to the other commuters around me, each enjoying their own Döner, as though I’d become an initiated member of Germany’s workforce. I savored the last bite, proud that I managed to eat the whole sandwich without staining my sweater and excited to tell my students that their favorite meal in Dillenburg might just become my favorite, too.
Döner is the closest thing to fast food that Germany has, but it’s fresher and more satiating than a typical burger or fries. The meat (usually chicken, veal, beef or lamb) is layered onto a vertical spit and slowly roasted. When you order, thin slices are shaved off before your eyes and tucked into your choice of bread: either a soft flatbread or wrap.
Then comes the fun part: toppings! Reminiscent of ordering a sub at Publix, you can customize your Döner with a selection of crisp lettuce, onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes. The Döner is then seasoned with your favorite herbs, spices, and sauces. After paying, your Döner is skillfully wrapped in foil and handed to you with a smile and a napkin, ready to eat.
