Turkiye applies to have doner kebab protected under EU law

Above, a doner kebab restaurant during a heavy downpour of rain and hail at Taksim in Istanbul on July 27, 2017. (AFP file photo)
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Updated 05 May 2024
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Turkiye applies to have doner kebab protected under EU law

  • Meat-based dish could join the likes of Champagne, Serrano ham if approved
  • Bloc can apply protections based on heritage value, ingredients, method of production

LONDON: Turkiye has applied to have the doner kebab protected under EU law, Metro newspaper reported.

The bloc famously enforces strict regulations on certain foods — including French Champagne, Spanish Serrano ham and Neapolitan pizza — in order to safeguard their production and preserve regional culinary heritage.

Issues including the sourcing of ingredients, method and place of production all go into determining what can and cannot be labeled as a protected food, with harsh penalties for those found to be profiting from items deemed not to match the legal criteria.

The doner kebab will undergo a three-month evaluation process to determine whether it too will join the exclusive list of dishes and foodstuffs.

During the process, other countries will be permitted to challenge the application over similarities to their own products, as happened in 2021 when Italy voiced opposition to the Croatian sparkling wine Prosek receiving protected status due to its apparent similarities to Prosecco.

Traditionally formed of meat marinated in salt, pepper, a number of other herbs and spices as well as tomato puree and yoghurt, the doner kebab can contain beef, lamb or chicken.

It is placed on a skewer and rotated against a fire, with thin strips sliced off and served in a flatbread or pitta with lettuce, tomato and onion.

Beef and lamb slices should be 3-5 mm in thickness, while chicken should be thinner at 1-3 mm per slice.

The dish is believed to be worth around $3.6 million annually to Europe’s economy, according to the Association of Turkish Doner Producers.


Where We Are Going Today: Bait Al-Raha – authentic Egyptian and Arabic cuisine

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Updated 03 March 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Bait Al-Raha – authentic Egyptian and Arabic cuisine

Bait Al-Raha in Riyadh is a caterer that delivers an experience that goes beyond expectations, offering authentic Egyptian and Arabic cuisine that genuinely reflects the warmth and flavor of home cooking.

The dishes capture the essence of traditional family meals, making it an ideal choice for  iftar and special gatherings, particularly for those seeking comforting flavors reminiscent of home.

The buffet arrangement and table setup were executed with notable precision and professionalism.

Service was punctual, organized and attentive, contributing to a seamless hosting experience. 

Equally important is the refined manner of communication and the prompt responses to inquiries, which reflect a high level of professionalism and respect for customers. 

Among the highlights were kibbeh, jareesh and rice with chicken, all of which were flavorful and well-prepared.

Traditional favorites such as marqooq, stuffed vegetables, and chicken in cream sauce  particularly stood out.

However, the bechamel pasta, as well as the white and red pasta dishes, were noticeably higher in salt than expected.

The white and red pasta had a very strong garlic flavor that dominated the overall taste, to the extent that they could almost be described as “garlic pasta.” 

A point to mention is that the chicken meatballs contained limited visible chicken pieces, which may matter to some diners. 

Overall, Bait Al-Raha offers consistently delicious food and is my first choice for the gatherings I host. The standard remains steady and the presentation is elegant. Most importantly, the courteous treatment and quick communication make the entire experience reassuring and dependable.

Also available for online orders via Keeta.