Dönerci Hamdi Usta preserves the craft that transformed a traditional way of cooking meat into a dish enjoyed around the world.
“The quality of the meat creates the flavour; cooking it properly is the skill of an experienced master.”
How döner began
1850
Hamdi Usta of Kastamonu is recognised as the creator of döner, a tradition whose history reaches back to the 1850s.
The master who changed the way meat was cooked
Until the middle of the nineteenth century, meat was generally cooked on a horizontal grill or spit. Searching for a better method, renowned kebab master Hamdi Usta began layering cuts of meat and cooking them vertically.
The meat rotated slowly in front of the fire, cooked evenly, and was carved into thin slices. This became “döner kebab”, later shortened simply to “döner” as the dish found its place in global food culture.
A craft passed from one generation to the next
Hamdi Usta became known through the dish he created. His apprentices and the generations that followed carried his technique, respect for the ingredient, and distinctive flavour into the present day.
The foundation of our flavour
Natural ingredients
A clear composition and careful preparation of every ingredient.
Halal selection
Products chosen with respect for tradition and for every guest.
100% meat
Additive-free Yaprak Döner carved into thin, whole slices.
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What we do every day
Our mission
To select meat with care, apply the traditional techniques of Hamdi Usta, and use a natural marinade that preserves the ingredient’s character. We prepare Yaprak Döner in thin, whole slices and serve it hot with lavash and thoughtful hospitality.
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Where we are going
Our vision
To preserve döner in the form handed down by Hamdi Usta and introduce this tradition to more guests. Our aim is to strengthen the culture of authentic döner and establish it among the most recognisable dishes of world gastronomy.
The tradition continues
Experience the story through flavour
Choose a dish from the menu or contact the restaurant — we look forward to welcoming you to Dönerci Hamdi Usta KG.
