Street food

From official visits to discussions about trademarks and economic policies, "döner," an indispensable meat dish cooked on a rotisserie, has been at the forefront of the political agenda in Türkiye, Greece and Germany.

Döner has become the talk of the town lately. Some claim that it has "changed the face of a nation," while others see it as a sign of cultural integration. First gaining popularity in Germany during the 1970s, döner spread throughout Europe, gradually evolving from a popular fast food into a political symbol.

Türkiye takes a critical step toward culinary recognition as the European Union enlists "döner," a quintessential taste of Turkish cuisine, as a "traditional specialty guaranteed" in the EU Official Journal.

The announcement marks the beginning of a three-month objection before the product's official recognition.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on April 22 arrived in Istanbul as he embarked on a three-day tour to Türkiye, marking his first visit to the country in his seven-year duty as the head of the state.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, German Ambassador to Ankara Jürgen Schulz and Turkish Ambassador to Berlin Ahmet Başar Şen welcomed Steinmeier at Istanbul Airport.

The increase in the cost of Turkish specialty döner kebab, reaching $10.90 a portion in Germany and $15.5 in Türkiye, has caused controversy as people take to social media complaining over the cost of living and food prices.

The increase in the price of meat has come back on the agenda as the price of döner kebab has risen to 10 euros in Germany.

Türkiye's leading online food delivery application, Yemeksepeti, has announced that the most preferred food in Türkiye is chicken doner kebab, called "tavuk döner dürüm" in Turkish, in its latest data.

Taste Atlas, an online guide for traditional foods and known for annually showcasing the world's best kitchens and dishes, has sparked debate with its lists of the best and worst Turkish flavors.

Danish People's Party (DPP), a nationalist-conservative party in Denmark, has lashed out at Turkish club Vatanspor for selling doner kebab at a stadium in Aarhus, the country's second biggest city, the daily Milliyet has reported.

"Traditionally, pork sausages are sold at Danish stadiums. This would disintegrate society," said Pia Kjaersgaard, the leader of the party.

A Turkish man has said he is selling some 400 Adana kebabs a day in his Miami restaurant, which has entered the Michelin Guide in its first year.

"Our restaurant, Doya, was opened a year ago, and we succeeded to enter the Michelin list with Turkish food," Erhan Köspeten said.

Abosede Ruth, a 25-year-old Nigerian national, has been enrolled in a culinary school in the southeastern province of Gaziantep for four months.

She is planning to open a restaurant in Canada after completing the eight-month training and an eight-month internship program.

"I love cooking and tasting. I want to be a big chef and I want to open a restaurant in Canada," she said.