Durum (Turkish Barbecued Meat Wrap)

Durum is common Istanbul fare. It is one way of preparing kebab, in which the grilled meat is wrapped in a flatbread called lavash. Lavash is excellent for durums as it is sturdy enough to hold in the meat, veggies, and sauce but not too thick that it becomes a bread-y experience. Lavash is light, chewy, and is the perfect complement to the flavorful grilled meat.

Durum is considered a complete meal in itself as it has bread, meat, and vegetables. The sauce – usually yogurt-based, perfectly binds the whole components into one delectable experience. Some durumcus amp the experience by grilling the durum before serving it – this gives it an extra crisp and a layer of charred, smoky flavor.

Here are the best places to have durum in Istanbul:

• KARADENNIZ DONER | Besiktas
  For massive durums
  What to order: Doner durum, Iskender kebab, Doner sandwich
  Price range: 9 to 24 TRY ($2.55 to $6.79)
  When: 10:30 – 18:00 Daily
  Where: Sinanpasa Mahallesi, Mumcu Bakkal Sokak, No. 6, Besiktas, Istanbul
• DURUMZADE | Beyoglu
  For Bourdain-approved durums
  What to order: Adana durum, Urfa durum, Taruk durum
  Price range: 8 to 16 TRY ($2.26 to $4.53)
  When: 08:00 – 17:00 Daily
  Where: Huseyinaga Mahallesi, Kamer Hatun Caddesi, Topcekenler Sokak, No. 1, Beyoglu, Istanbul
• CANIM CIGERIM | Beyoglu
  For one-of-a-kind liver durum
  What to order: Liver durum, Chicken durum, Baklava
  Price range: 8 to 26 TRY ($2.26 to $7.36)
  When: 12:00 – 24:00 Daily
  Where: Asmalimescit Mahallesi, Minare Sokak, No. 3/A, Beyoglu, Istanbul