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: Jackie Restaurant in Riyadh

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Updated 07 December 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Jackie Restaurant in Riyadh

  • For mains, the wagyu burger was the table’s winner, juicy and well-seasoned with a soft bun that held everything together without falling apart

Jackie Restaurant at the St. Regis in Via Riyadh is one of those places that immediately gives you the sense that you are in for a well-curated evening. The setting feels polished and modern, with warm lighting and a lively atmosphere that would work well for a relaxed dinner or a more celebratory night out.

I visited on a busy evening, yet the service remained smooth. The staff welcomed us with genuine warmth and walked us through the menu. Their suggestions felt natural, not rehearsed, which made choosing easier. Jackie clearly puts effort into both flavor and presentation, and that becomes obvious once the food arrives.

We started with the tuna tartare, which was fresh, bright, and layered with citrus notes that kept it light. The truffle fries were another early favorite, crisp and fragrant with just enough truffle to elevate without overwhelming. The burrata with roasted tomatoes was also a standout, creamy and balanced with a sweet acidity from the slow-roasted tomatoes.

For mains, the wagyu burger was the table’s winner, juicy and well-seasoned with a soft bun that held everything together without falling apart. The black truffle pasta was rich and aromatic, though slightly heavier than expected. The grilled sea bass offered a cleaner, more delicate option and was cooked to a perfect flaky texture.

Dessert was a highlight, especially the chocolate fondant. It arrived warm, with a molten center and a scoop of vanilla ice cream that tied everything together. The lemon tart was another pleasant surprise, sharp enough to contrast the richer dishes.

If there is one drawback, it would be the pricing. While the quality is strong, some dishes, such as the truffle pasta, feel a bit too expensive for what they offer. It makes Jackie feel more like an occasional treat rather than a weekly spot.

Overall, with good service, memorable dishes, and a refined atmosphere, it is easy to see why Jackie has become a popular choice.