Kebab is a word that can mean something very different depending on who you speak to. It can be the meat and veggies filled skewer that roasts over an open barbeque, it can be the juicy, saucy wrap filled with meat sliced from a vertical spit, strips of tender meat accompanied with rice or chips and smothered in fresh sauces or it could even just be the distant memory from that late night snack that changed your life after an epic night on the town. No matter how you remember it to look, taste or be served like, we all have that feeling of “yes, kebabs, I like those”. From Turkey to India to Greece, Cyprus, Armenia, the word of kebabs has certainly spread and Hong Kong now becomes a hub for keen foodies to delve into this Middle Eastern treat.
27 Kebab House
Lamb Shish Roll $65
What’s in it?
A plentiful combination of cubes of lamb, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes and sliced onion bursting with vibrant, saucy flavours. Spice and extra fillings are added in before being eloquently rolled into the precise, plump pita.
What is the secret?
The chefs at 27 Kebab House have taken the best aspects of Turkish and Indian cooking to create a fusion dish that will change your evening. The Turkish chefs have refined their skills in cooking the meats and keeping them juicy and fresh, before using Indian styled sauces to heighten the experience further.
What sets them apart?
This Kebab house prides itself on its street food vibe. As you approach the stall anytime during its opening hours of 10am to 6am, there will always be a range of people hanging out at the seating balcony people watching, sitting on the stairs close by enjoying a beverage from the nearby bars and shops or even grabbing a quick take away to enjoy solo. The staff always have smiles on their faces and are ready to serve all hours of the day.
Address: Shop D-E, 27 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/27-Kebab-House-Turkish-Restaurant/173395156189395Order Online
The Great Indian Kebab Factory
http://www.thegreatindiankebabfactory.com/
Dahl De Kebab $118
What’s in it?
Luckily for us, the chef, Dhiraj, was keen to hear about our kebab adventure and give us the low down on this traditional Indian dish. Using hang curd, cottage cheese, curry leaves, corn starch to bind, salt to taste, chopped ginger, chopped green chili and vermicelli for coating. All put together and presented flawlessly with homemade sweet and sour mango mint chutney.
What is the secret?
The chefs carefully extract the water from the hang curd, producing a creamy, smooth and soft texture to be combined with the ingredients. The lentils, pickles and spicy potato structure the snacks into bite size snacks.
What sets them apart?
After going up the secret lift to the 19th floor, you are greeted in the restaurant by bold, bright, beautiful colours, authentic décor and gracious staff that will lead you by the hand to your table as your eyes stay pinned to the view out the window. Large groups of friends arrive to try and get their share of every item on the menu as the Great Indian feast begins.
Address: 19/F, M88, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheGreatIndianKebabFactory
Order Online
Istanbul Express Turkish Restaurant
http://expressdoner.com/
Istanbul Doner with rice or chips $88
What’s in it?
Strips of beef taken straight from the vertical spit, still bubbling from the warm roast served with fragrant rice and salad. A basket of homemade sauces is brought the table to lavish the already aromatic flavours. Make sure you have a taste of the four options before the lathering as some are quite spicy!
What is the secret?
They pride themselves on the authenticity of the meals and use meat freshly imported from Belgium. The authentic cooking execution goes into every dish, and asking what the best on the menu is only leads to a conversation where about 14 items are pointed out. Guess we shall have to make a visit back soon. Have a pot of Hot Turkish Tea $58 to reset your taste buds between each mouthful so you can experience that happy first bite again and again.
What sets them apart?
A wide range of diners comes along to this hotspot for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even a late late night snack between bar hopping. Looking into the kitchen, the Turkish chef is keeping an eye on the satisfied customers while slicing with precision the meat for the next meal. The waiter, Addy, insisted we shan’t be leaving until we try their Baklava $38 which he claims to be the best in Hong Kong. We can’t exactly argue with him as we pick the plate dry of crumbs!
Address: G/F, 66 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Istanbul-Express-Turkish-Restaurant-131344036989655Order online
Born in London and whisked away to Hong Kong at 2 years old, I have grown up surrounded by fast paced cultures and international events. They have shaped my attitude to the world from a young age: the world is small and I want to explore it all.
