How many times have you had a sudden craving for something tasty and the first thing you think of is to look for a “kebab near me”? It’s that irresistible mix of flavors, with the juicy meat, the spices and that fresh touch of the sauce, that makes kebab a perfect choice for when the craving hits hard. Whether you’re strolling the streets of Barcelona or relaxing at home, kebab always seems to be the ideal solution for a quick and delicious meal. But have you ever wondered where this famous dish that has conquered the world comes from? Let’s discover the best Kebabs in Barelona and then the fascinating story behind the kebab, that dish that is always just a click away or a short walk away to satiate those sudden cravings. Let’s go for it!
Turkish Barcelona does exist. So if you are craving food from this part of the world, eating kebabs in Barcelona either with your hands or served elegantly on a plate accompanied by rice, is an excellent idea.
Kebab is a Turkish term meaning “skewer of grilled meat”, vertical and elongated, either lamb, chicken, beef cut into strips and wrapped in a typical roll. It is then served with vegetables, pita bread and in some places with rice. We help you answer the typical question: “where is a kebab near me”.
Before analyzing each of them, let’s see on the map of Barcelona where the best Kebabs in Barcelona are located.
MUSTAFA’S GEMÜSE KEBAP’.
Carrer de la Creu Coberta, 15, Sants-Montjuïc
Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap has managed to stand out in the fast food world thanks to its commitment to freshness and quality ingredients. Each kebab they prepare is seasoned with a special blend of spices and herbs that give it a unique flavor, captivating all those who decide to try it. The experience at this place is further enriched by their attention to detail; the chefs prepare and cut the ingredients before the eyes of the customers, adding an air of authenticity to each meal.
Mustafa’s dürums are priced at around five euros, while kebabs are around four euros. Diners say that Mustafa’s proposal is different from other restaurants in the city. They emphasize a smoky vegetable flavor that makes the difference, along with a quality that is really perceived. Originally from Germany, the founder, Mustafa, opened his first kebab stand in Berlin years ago, gaining popularity for the freshness and exquisite taste of his dishes. Later, he decided to open a branch in Barcelona, bringing with him the same essence that made him a reference in his native country.
Doner Kebab Show
Address: C/ de Sardenya, 330
Strategically located in the urban fabric of Barcelona, Doner Kebab Show has earned a place of honor on the list of must-visits. Upon entering, diners are greeted by an atmosphere that exudes warmth, with décor that combines rustic with modern touches, creating a space where everyone-from families looking to enjoy a quiet evening to groups of friends craving a meal full of laughter-feels at home.
Doner Kebab Show dishes are a testament to fidelity to traditional methods. The ingredients, carefully selected for their freshness and flavor, are the basis on which the master kebapçıs – the kebab experts – orchestrate a symphony of flavors that dance to the rhythm of the most emblematic spices of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Snack vending machines take over the subway and El Prat
Every kebab served is a promise of taste and quality delivered. From the succulent meat options, perfectly seasoned and cooked to the peak of tenderness, to the innovative vegetarian offerings, which challenge the imagination with a blend of grilled vegetables, homemade sauces and aromatic herbs. Doner Kebab Show understands that each customer is unique and strives to satisfy all tastes and dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
Sannin
Address: Carrer de l’Encarnació, 44, 08024.
This great Turkish delicacy is prepared by an authentic Lebanese with more than 22 years of experience in its preparation. The best known is the shawarma version, which is delicious when accompanied by cheese, spinach or meat patties.
Bellako
Address: C/ de València, 450, 08013 Barcelona
In Bellako you will be able to taste a renewed and reinvented kebab, keeping a very important attraction: the price. The most expensive one costs 9 euros and the cheapest 5’8.
The Damascus Cook
If you go to El Cocinero you will find a queue to get in. Their kebabs are very popular not only for the filling, but also for the exquisite bread in which they wrap it. This bread is toasted before eating and therefore, you can enjoy it very crunchy.
Address: Carrer dels Templers, 2, 08002
The Caravan
Very famous for the sauces offered to accompany the kebab. You will feel at home not only because of the service and the place, but also because this Turkish delicacy is prepared directly by its owner. Their baklavas are also very popular.
Address: Carrer de Mozart, 15, 08012.
Bismillah Raval Kebabish
Address: Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 22, 08001.
Bismillah stands out for its commitment to quality, even preparing its own marinade for the meat used in the kebab. This place is not only limited to meats, but they also bake their own naan bread in an authentic tandoor oven. These breads are round and fluffy, offering a culinary experience far above the flat, flavorless tortillas found at other kebabs in town. Each bite becomes a feast, as the liquid dripping from the sandwich as it envelops the marinated meat mixes seamlessly with the homemade sauces.
This place is a veritable palace of durum, where every menu option, whether it’s a sandwich or a plate of kebab (or a curry), promises to satisfy. Located in the Raval, it has earned its reputation as one of the best in the area and in the city. This recognition is all the more remarkable considering that, despite being located in the heart of Joaquín Costa, they do not sell alcohol.
On your own
Address: Carrer de l’Hospital, 78, 08001.
You can’t miss the delicious kebabs at A tu bola. They offer you different options: from the traditional one, to the bacon with lime and coriander sauce or the smoked chicken with pineapple. A treat for the palate.
Byblos
Address: Carrer de Marià Cubí, 209, 08021
An excellent option to enjoy an exceptional meal is the Byblos restaurant. This charming Lebanese eatery, whose name comes from the ancient city of Byblos, just 30 kilometers from Beirut, stands out for its “crusty crust on bread that gives glory.” This restaurant not only offers a culinary journey, but also connects with history, as terms such as library and Bible are derived from its Greek name.
As for the food, its lamb shawarma is one of the stars of the menu and has managed to conquer all who enter its cozy green-painted space. A great advantage is that Byblos is open until two in the morning, which makes it an excellent option for night owls. You can’t miss the labneh they prepare with mint, it’s equally recommendable!
Istanbul stop kebab
La Rambla, 121, 08002 Barcelona
Located on the iconic La Rambla, Istanbul Stop Kebab stands out among the plethora of fast food joints. This place always has a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, a testament to its unique and delicious offerings. One of the most popular dishes is the one that includes meat accompanied by grilled vegetables, a specialty that has won over diners. 
This establishment has earned a reputation as one of the best in town, and its popularity is evident by the long lines that often form at its entrance. Despite the stiff competition in the area, customers choose Istanbul Stop Kebab time and time again. If you decide to visit, you can’t miss their famous roasted vegetable dish, which is simply irresistible!
The origin of the kebab: a dish for warriors
The kebab as we know it today has its roots in 18th century Turkey, but its earliest versions date back to the ancient Ottoman Turkish soldiers. These warriors, who spent a lot of time on the move, used the points of their swords to grill meat over open fires. This practical method of cooking allowed food to be prepared quickly while on campaign. The technique evolved and, to prevent the fat from dripping onto the fire and creating unwanted flames, warriors began to cook meat vertically. This is how the vertical roasting technique was born, which would eventually become the basis for the popular doner kebab. Although the technique of skewer roasting already existed in other ancient cultures, it was in Turkey that this cooking method gained notoriety and was perfected. Over time, this way of cooking meat spread beyond Turkey, and the kebab began to appear in different versions in other corners of the Middle East, adapting to local preferences.
Kebab in the Middle East: a feast of flavors
The Middle East is considered the spiritual home of the kebab, where the dish has maintained its popularity for centuries. In this region, the kebab has evolved in many forms, from shish kebabs, which are small pieces of meat skewered and grilled, to kofta kebabs, made with minced meat and spices, shaped into sausages and grilled. Shish kebab is a favorite in this part of the world, especially in countries such as Turkey, Lebanon and Syria. Chunks of lamb or beef marinated in spices such as cumin, coriander and paprika are skewered on sticks and grilled for a smoky, juicy flavor that diners often accompany with rice, pita bread or fresh salads. Another popular variant is the kofta kebab, which mixes minced meat (lamb, beef, chicken or turkey) with spices and herbs. These kebabs are usually served with sauces, such as a spicy tomato sauce or a refreshing yogurt sauce, which perfectly complement the intense flavor of the grilled meat. Of course, the doner kebab has been a major player in Turkey. This iconic dish is prepared by stacking thin slices of meat on a vertical spit, which slowly cooks as it rotates over a fire. As the meat cooks, it is cut into thin strips that are served in pita bread or lavash, accompanied by salads, tomatoes, onions and a yogurt sauce. It is a favorite for both a quick lunch and a hearty dinner.
The arrival of the kebab in Europe: from tradition to fast food
While the kebab is deeply rooted in the Middle East, its arrival in Europe marked a milestone in its global popularity. Much of this phenomenon is due to Turkish immigrants who arrived in Germany in the 1960s. They brought their culinary traditions with them, and soon the doner kebab became a resounding success in cities like Berlin. The version of the kebab found in Germany, and which has spread throughout Europe, is more of a fast food than a traditional dish. However, its popularity has not waned, and today it is common to see kebab stands in almost any European city. In places like Germany, kebab is served in a pita or large flatbread, filled with meat, fresh vegetables and sauces that can range from spicy to creamy. This shift towards fast food has led to some prejudice about the quality of the ingredients, as it is associated with fast and cheap food. However, in recent years, many establishments have worked to improve the quality of their kebabs, using fresh meat and authentic spices, which has helped restore the dish’s reputation in some European countries.
The expansion of kebab in Asia
In Asia, the kebab has also had a significant impact. In countries such as Pakistan and India, kebab has been adapted to local flavors. For example, in Pakistan, seekh kebab is very popular. This dish is made with minced meat, mixed with a variety of spices and aromatic herbs, and then cooked on skewers. It is often served with warm naan bread and a spicy yogurt sauce, creating a unique taste experience. In India, kebab has also found its place in the local cuisine. Indian kabab can vary in ingredients and techniques, but it is common to find it made with chicken, lamb or even fish. In this country, kebab is served both in restaurants and at street stalls, where it is one of the favorite foods to enjoy outdoors. Over the years, kebab has managed to adapt to the different palates and culinary traditions of Asian countries, without losing its essence as a simple but flavorful dish. The versatility of kebab is one of the reasons why it has managed to remain relevant in so many different cultures.
The rebirth of kebab as a gourmet option
Although kebab has sometimes been labeled as low-quality fast food, in recent times there has been an effort to elevate it to the level of gourmet options. Today, it is common to find high-end restaurants serving kebabs made with fresh, quality ingredients and cooked using traditional methods. This kebab renaissance has allowed the dish to regain some of the respect it deserves. Chefs are experimenting with new flavor combinations and cooking techniques, from vegetarian versions to more exotic interpretations with game or rare spices. All this is helping the kebab to regain ground as a delicious and healthy option, not just as fast food.
The kebab legacy: from street dish to global favorite
Today, kebab has evolved from a dish cooked by Ottoman warriors on the battlefield to a global dining option. Its ability to adapt to different cultures and its irresistible taste have allowed the kebab to remain relevant throughout the centuries. From the streets of Istanbul to the fast food stalls of Berlin, the kebab remains a dish that unites cultures, lifestyles and culinary traditions. What began as a practical necessity for Turkish soldiers has gone on to become one of the most loved and consumed foods around the world. [updated October 17, 2024]
