Iskender Kebab

Istanbul boasts of a wide variety of kebabs, and iskender kebab is one kind that you must never miss. Named after its inventor, Iskender Efendi of Bursa, iskender kebab is basically lamb kebab lovingly smothered with tomato sauce, topped with warm sheep butter, and finished off with a side of yogurt.

What you may notice is that people in Istanbul can be a bit intense about iskender kebab, with several eateries claiming to be the birthplace of the well-loved dish, or at least, to be a descendant of the great Iskender Efendi, who changed the landscape of kebab in this wonderful city. It is that good!

Here are the best places to have iskender kebab in Istanbul:

• BURSA ISKENDER KEBASI | Sisli
  For iskender kebab that is the actual “real deal”
  What to order: Iskender kebab, Kemalpasa, Eggplant salad
  Price range: 11.50 to 44.50 TRY ($3.33 to $12.89)
  When: 06:00 – 22:00 Daily
  Where: Buyukdere Cad. No. 153/A, Zincirlikuyu, Sisli, Istanbul
• KASAP OSMAN | Sirkesi
  For kebabs that are masterfully crafted by a butcher
  What to order: Iskender kebab, Tavuk sis (Grilled minced chicken), Sutlac
  Price range: 11 to 20 TRY ($3.19 to $5.79)
  When: 09:00 – 23:00 Daily
  Where: Hoca Pasa Mh., 34112, Sirkesi, Istanbul
• MABEYIN | Uskudar
  For enjoying kebabs in an elegant 19th century mansion
  What to order: Iskender kebab, Pastrami, Cig kofte
  Price range: 15 to 60 TRY ($4.34 to $17.38)
  When: 12:00 – 23:00 Daily
  Where: Burhaniye Mahallesi, Eski Kisikli Caddesi, No. 7, Uskudar, Istanbul