Turkey to European Union: seeks protected status for döner
When people think of Turkish cuisine, they think of döner. Turkish cuisine has so much more to offer, but still: döner is probably the best-known dish from this cuisine. With estimated annual European sales of 3.5 billion euros! Understandably, the whole world wants to have a literal and figurative taste of it. Turkey wants to put a stop to that by safeguarding the authenticity of this popular snack and has therefore submitted an application to the EU.
I still sometimes dream about Michelin-starred chef Chris Naylor’s döner pop-up. During one of the year’s most enjoyable parties, Hotel Night, he made the ultimate döner sandwich. With three types of meat (chicken, veal chuck and leg of lamb), homemade bread, and grilled and pickled vegetables. Then topped with chilli and garlic sauce—heavenly!
Authentic döner
If Turkey’s application is approved, döners like Chris Naylor’s may no longer be sold as döner. Snack bars and restaurants that deviate from the traditional preparation method will no longer be allowed to use the name döner. This is how Turkey wants to safeguard döner’s authenticity. According to EU rules, only döners that meet the strict requirements, prepared with specific ingredients and methods, would be allowed to use the name. This includes both red-meat varieties such as beef and mutton, as well as chicken varieties.
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Best Döner
To score a genuine döner, which is also named the tastiest in Amsterdam by our Snackspert, head to Beste Döner at the Dappermarkt. “The wonderfully soft bread roll brings to mind the finest pillows ever, filled with exceptionally tender lamb. This is craftsmanship: the way he carefully assembles the sandwich, the way he handles the sauce so neatly—everything is just right,” says Snackspert.
Also read:
- These are the tastiest restaurants in Antalya on the Turkish Riviera that you’ll want to visit now
- Know before you go: 10 Turkish delicacies you may want to avoid
- Incroyable! New world record for longest baguette
Source: VRT
