What's the Deal with Döner?

Introduction:

When you hear the words "German food," what comes to mind?

Maybe you're picturing a freshly grilled wurst, smothered in mustard and served on a warm bun. Or a golden, crispy Schnitzel with a hearty side of mashed potatoes, delivering a satisfying crunch on the first bite. Perhaps a giant, chewy pretzel dusted with just the right amount of salt, or a decadent slice of Black Forest Cake layered with chocolate, cream, and cherries. These classics are all delicious, but my favorite German food is a simple street food that’s cheap, fast, and filling.

Allow me introduce you to the Döner Kebap.

What food did I try?:

Döner Kebap, or simply “Döner,” is a sandwich that was invented by Turkish immigrants to Berlin in the 1960s. Its popularity exploded, and Döner can now be found in every corner of Germany, including Dillenburg. Traditional Döner features shaved meat stuffed inside a flatbread with salads, tomatoes, onions and your choice of yogurt sauce. I like to order my Döner mit allem, meaning with every topping, and I'm a fan of the scharf, or spicy, sauce.

When I asked students for restaurant recommendations in Dillenburg, one clear favorite emerged from their suggestions: The Dillenburger Kebap Haus. Heeding my students’ encouragement, I headed to the Dillenburger after classes, conveniently located on my walk from school to the train station.

Pages