I have people from out of town staying over and I want to take them to the best kebab joint in town. Should I take them to Kebabs on Bell?
Glenroy Kebab was a great local joint growing up but I've read the owners have changed. My research keeps leading me back to Kebabs on Bell but I feel like maybe Im falling for influencer hype.
The best things about Glenroy Kebab at the time were the perfect combination of juicy REAL (stacked) meat that was cooked a second time to give it crunchy bits and the thick, spongy turkish bread. The generous bread and meat to salad ratio was perfect.
When I visited GK a few years ago wasnt nearly as good as Id remembered. Meat content wasnt nearly as generous as Id remembered and overall it was just OK. Is Kebabs on Bell as good as it gets?
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I'd say the top 20-30% of kebab places are all as good as each other.
Yeah, I hear ya. If you know of any joints serving up the good stacked meat (not skewer style or processed spam style meat) on fresh turkish bread in the eastern suburbs please let me know.
Lambs on Lygon St is still one of the best places to get proper lamb on the spit, charcoal grilled kebabs. On pita, not pide style bread.
They do old school Greek style (i.e no chips in your kebab, thank god) so I guess it's technically a gyro. But it's been there for a million years and still kicking out amazing food.
It's not doner, not Turkish, definitely not processed 'spam' type meat.
What's more it has some classic Melbourne ambience and decor, and a liquor licence.
Damn, I've talked myself into it, I might go get one tonight!
Expensive though
I used to enjoy Lambs on Lygon until I heard about the disgusting food safety breaches, just google it. 🤢
It's all the same meat cone and pre-packaged sauces.
Yep
Kebab is kebab.
Kebab is not kebab.
^ This 100%
As I'm getting older and less of a drunk I find my self seeking a kebab for an actual meal opposed to life support.
The difference between good kebab and shit kebab are worlds apart, I'm getting pretty good at getting a read on a joint these days.
It's all in the vibe....oh and check out what meats on the spin.
Lebanese Kebab joint for drunks, Turkish kebab joints for connoisseurs.
Y'all can't handle the truth!
The best kebab is the one most convenient to you when you want a kebab.
They all taste the same when your drunk and off your nut anyways hahaha
*when you're drunk
You caught me 😂😂😂
Now back to more important things like literally anything else
Live in the area. Think Glenroy is fine but I prefer original Roxy’s. Haven’t tried Katik but hear great things
Katik is really nice but has lines half the time.
I second Katik, 10am before trady smoko. Delicious
Of all the the kebab shops in Melbourne I feel that katik is hard to rival, their Adana kebabs are the best
Melbourne Kebab Station in Coburg is the best one. Fresh bread, mad dips. Chicken, Capsicum Dip, All Salad + Tabouleh is my order.
Ozzie Kebabs on Bell St is also great. Wrap energy, but good meat and best kebab shop chips IMO
Hard to disagree. MKS slaps. If it’s too busy, the Afghan Chicken place a couple of doors down will suffice
+1 Melbourne kebab station. The chilli dips 😋
I like these guys, but Half Moon Cafe around the corner in Victoria St Mall gets my vote
Just jumping in to to add that for the veggies and vegans, MKS' falafels suuuuuuuuuuck. Chips are fine though.
Fair call. But for falafel I personally think that you should go to a falafel specific place (it’s the only place I think they’re actually any good)
Yeah but cash only is a pain
Cash only = legit tho
MKS is so expensive for the layout of the shop, you're better off going to Roxy and having a nicer dining experience for the same price.
what does wrap energy mean
MKS are nowhere near as good as they were 10 years ago. If you want a generic kebab the go here. There are other places that use better meat and sauces and you can taste the difference.
What's your personal fav and why?
Katik opposite the old Ford factory on Barry road was the gold standard and not far from Glenroy
A mate of mine who had worked at a Tek Foods facility told me that Katik allegedly bids for the near expiration date batch of meats since they’re way cheaper and with Katik’s high order output I can see why they’d opt for that business model but it turned me off from ever going back. This was years back though and this may not be the case anymore but just thought I’d give my two cents.
Prior to me knowing that they purchased cheap cuts of meat, I was a staunch supporter of their business.
Till this day, I’ve been unable to find an equivalent but MKS Dallas and Roxy Kebabs are definitely up there!
Cheap cuts of meat? It's meat paste stuck to a lamp post. Hardly filet mignon.
Katik isn’t known for that specific style of meat you’re referring to.
Their specialties are in Turkish cuisine like Iskender, Adana, Chicken Shish, Lahmachun and last but not least Shish kebabs, these are somewhat filet Mignon in the fast food industry in my opinion, especially for some of the prices around Melbourne.
And yes, unfortunately they do serve that putrid “meat paste” but it isn’t what you’d typically order when placing an order there
Thanks for correcting my generalisation. I don't eat kebabs because everyone i see is the type that gives me heartburn. Would consider one that has proper meat.
I would definitely recommend Roxy Kebabs in Coolaroo or MKS in Dallas.
Go for the large mixed meal plate at either shop along with an ice cold ayran and enjoy!
Real meat, good portions and incredibly flavourful
You could get almost expired meat anywhere.
Getting harder to find, I think Colesworth are buying it all....some of the shit I've seen on those shelves. 🤮
This particular meat was stated to be rather rancid if my memory serves me correctly
Bit of a worry if meat is rancid *before* its expiration date.
Ahh I see, your thinking industry quality control standards like Coles or Woolworths.
No, these are facilities that employ and underpay underage workers within the local community.
And yes it can go rancid if temperature controls are not maintained to food quality and control standards.
Yeah, we’re in agreement - that’s why I said it’s a bit of a worry!
Because the meat is heavily spiced and cooked over charcoal, it tends to mask any rancid smell. But unfortunately this method is commonly used by a lot of restaurants and take away businesses to reduce overheads in inventory.
Doesn’t sound believable
Yeah I woke up today and felt like making up false allegations against a local business…
Like I said in my first reply, this is just my two cents mate and all I’m relaying is my friends word during his employment at their facility
Katik makes their own meat 🤣
Didn’t know Katik had an abattoir attached to their tiny space. The confidence in your stupidity is priceless man keep it up
Marinating, skewering meat, processing lamb mince and trimming your meat doesn’t require an abattoir genius. They source their meat from many wholesale butchers. Tek foods are great and supply the majority of Melbourne with ready to go kebab meat.
Yeah I was wondering where this shop was producing beef and poultry out of thin air, the marinading/seasoning process is a seperate in-house speciality.
Your welcome to have your remarks on TekFood as am I, but keep your poorly written attempts at sarcastic remarks to yourself because you explained something that’s common knowledge ya dweeb
Their adana maybe but their donair is incredibly mid, the lamb is very processed. Bizzler which is a few stores down has a much better donair, Katik gets busy because it's super cheap.
Roxy Kebabs in Mill Park. Real meat, not the doner sausage meat stuff. Fresh baked Turkish bread. Can't go wrong.
I'm in the north-east and haven't tried Roxy's yet. Is there any specific thing I should ask for? What's your order? I'm a kebab newbie.
My go to kebab order:
Mixed kebab. Lettuce. Tomato. Garlic sauce. Add Cheese.
Their hot chips are great, too!
How doner is acceptable here is crazy. It's fucking gross.
Glenroy kebabs haven’t changed owners. Same as when I lived there 15 years ago. Went there last week specifically for a kebab and it was well worth it. Just check they’re not closed for the holidays
Good to know. Haven't been there in ages and it was legit 10 years ago.
Yeah, might have just been a bad day. It was similar to 20+ years ago but not the same as when I was a kid. I used to dream about visiting GK when I was living in Qld. Sad to say it didnt hit the mark for me about 5 years ago.
I’m really into Knafeh Nabulseyeh in Coburg
Desserts look great there. Are they serving kebabs in wraps or turkish bread?
Housemade flatbread wraps - highly recommend it
Im by no means a connoisseur but good bread does it for me every time. Have you tried one with fresh turkish bread?
I have, and tbh it’s not my ideal - I find it too bready personally!
Glenroy kebabs still my go to, otherwise Coburg kebab station.
I was about to say kebab station. Go for the kebab. Stay for the bread lol
So good. If you haven’t already try a peynirli, delicious 🤤
G’S Kebab is normally my go to (near Gowrie station). it's about more pricey than katic but the quality is miles better.
Same - my go-to latenight kebab stop
Best kebab I’ve had is hotspot kebabs on the corner of Station street and Darebin Road in Thornbury Sober or not they’re 10/10 every time
Kebabs on Bell is very influencer hyped, it’s not bad but far from how they make out it is. I’ve mentioned this on a previous post that most kebabs are very similar since they mostly get their meat from Tek food, Kebabs on Bell included. Think Roxy and Katik are the places to go. After recently visiting Istanbul all influencers are either paid are have zero idea since I went to a few hyped up and they weren’t good in Australia and overseas
I'm not aware of their social media doings recently, but they were quite decent a few years ago, so their reputation isn't unfounded.
That said, their prices aren't so competitive any more, and I find quality probably isn't the same.
Thanks for your input. I dont know if I should be searching for a specific style of kebab or not. I wish I knew.
I feel like kebabs in a wrap are more souvlaki style and dont quite hit the same. And every time I get one with spam style meat or skewer meat I cant help but feel a little bit sad.
Elite kababs need to be good stacked meat in a spongy, slightly chewy fresh turkish bread roll.
So true, you lose me when it’s not made with Turkish bread. The bread at Bells was Turkish and again it was a pretty good and safe option but nothing special to get the hype it does. My opinion is katik, Roxy’s, or Glenroy kebab house. If you want to be extra adventurous I would suggest a lasagna kebab from Furlong road in sunshine. Once you drain out the oil it’s actually pretty good haha their own style of in-house bread is pretty good too, you’ll either love it or hate it and not to mention their kebab pizza.
Kebab on bell is shut until 12th next year
I remember fondly just how ahead of everyone Glenroy Kebab was way back when. I have heard it's not as good from various hearsay since but haven't confirmed. I don't think anyone has said it's bad though?
MKS Coburg is still pretty damn consistent after all these years so that would be my choice.
I don't know about Kebabs on Bell but from just looking it up now it looks like influencer hype.
Yeah, Im starting to get a bit old. My memories are from 20+ years ago. I visited maybe 5 years ago? I wouldnt go out of my way again unless it was just a bad day.
Are we talkin chunky, fresh turkish bread with lots of meat at MKS?
Yeah no doubt, some of the freshest fluffiest bread there is and plenty of juicy meat. Been a local main spot forever and like I said, still consistent. I'd probably go more often but they only take cash which I barely ever carry on me these days.
Then look at some gold shops while you're on Sydney Rd and even check out the Pentridge Plaza or Coburg Lake. Sounds like a good day out for your out of town friends.
I used to love Coburg lake when I was a kid. Pulled a carp out of the lake once and it was a huge park coming from Broady. Ill check it out, thanks!
Generally to me most kebab places are pretty similar. To the point that I genuinely beleive that the vast majority are supplied by the same suppliers.
Souvlaki/Gyros places have a much larger variance in terms of quality, taste and style.
Not your 'normal' Aussie kebab, but a short drive away from Glenroy is Latif's Street Foods in Campbellfield - they do proper Turkish doner cooked on a wood fire. Delicious real meat, I recommend their traditional one on flat bread but they do one with salads and sauce if that's your jam, but the meat is the star. Bit expensive but it's the only place doing it in Melbourne that I've come across.
If you want nice adana on fresh bread, Miksa is a short drive away, and Cuppa Turca has a stand there for dessert after either.
Is there anything decent out croydon way?
Yep, Nikos Greek restaurant do excellent take away souvlaki.. small or large
Melbourne Kebab Station - Sydney Road, Coburg.
Nah changed owners and not been the same since
When did they change owners? The guy behind the counter has been serving me for 10+ years
I think Tek was the first owner of Coburg kebab station
Yeah it was around 10+ years ago. They were the bomb kebab around mid 2000's then it went to a very average kebab around 2012ish. I loved not far so have been going regularly all those years.
Have you visited Kebabs on Bell too? Id be keen to hear why you like MKS more.
Fuck yeh!!! That place was around when I was a wee child in the 90's. Is The Chicken Machine still there? And Glenroy Guitar School??
Glenroy Music Centre? Unfortunately it’s closed! Bought my first instrument at that place as well!
Chicken Machine is still going strong, some of the same people are still there and it’s still as good as ever.
Nnoooooooo that genuinly makes me sad. I was a kid learning guitar when Bob Petts(?) Owned it and it was amazing. My dad, my uncle and my Gran all learned from him. What a sad loss. Not surprised though, the Australian musical instrument industry had been dying since the merger of Billy Hydes and Allans Music.
That said, I'm glad the chicken machine is still going strong.
Yeah, late 90's early 2000's was when I was there too. It was unbelievable value back in the day.
They had all the instruments!
Kebabs on Bell was really really good. They make them on pide which they make in house. Solid.
Fk them, they try and impose tips. Bought once, never again. Also the taste wasn't that much different than other kebab joints around.
Kebabs on Bell is my local, I think it’s great. They make all the Turkish themselves and it’s some of the best I’ve had. The meat is great but it’s similar to other places out there, some people say it comes from the same supplier which would make sense. I’d definitely recommend trying it, I prefer it over katik which is meant to be god tier kebab.
I go out of my way for a trip to Katik.
I've been swearing by Alasya for 30 odd years now. Glenroy Kebabs are genuinely top-tier, but Alasya have remained consistent for decades. I no longer get kebab cravings like I used to, knowing that most joints offer the same mediocre product, but always make the effort to book in lunch or dinner whenever I'm around Sydney Road.
Alaska is okay if you want a kebab at 2am. But I don't understand why you would want to eat there during the day, when other places like Tiba's are open. It just doesn't make sense.
Tibas looks good, I love a good set menu. What do you normally go for?
Tiba’s shawarma is top tier (in Brunswicks least)
Spani….oh nevermind
Katik is the best. Haven’t been anywhere else that comes close.
I must admit I havent been there but they do pop up a lot. Whats so good about their kebabs?
Price
Quantity
Quality
And bread
All top notch
Not a kebab but the best ive had was hannas.
Also tasty 44 is good!! They both use saaj bread
Anyone know if the fellow who had Broadmeadows Kebab Station has opened a shop anywhere else?
We were a bit fan of his restraunt.
He was so friendly and happy all the time.
RemindMe! 1 day
Tasty 44 in Richmond has Syrian style kebabs. Only been once but I’d definitely go back
LoC. Lamb on chapel Street.
Not a kabab as they use real meat.
I had one a little while ago and it was nothing special. It was fine but certainly not worth the hype.
I ate there once and it was one of the worst kebabs I ever had tbh. Glenroy local here.
Katik
I do not rate Glenroy kebabs at all, respectfully.
The best of the best: 1. Katik (Upfield/Campelfield) 2. Mustafas Kebabs (Geelong) 3. Atillas Kebabs (Keysborough)
Source: I’ve eaten a lot of kebabs.
I hear Kömür is great, Taksim Sq. Adana is nice to dine in too.
It’s but really a Kebab but try Adana Sofra in Reservoir. Extremely fresh Adana.
Kebab Kraze in Wollert is pretty good. Not the generic taste like all the other kebab shops in the area and they don't skimp on the meat.
"Local Eats" on YouTube tried the highest rated Kebabs in Melbourne
https://youtu.be/IJqoWa8q9xg?si=kr2B6lSynf_A6NTe
Never was.
Kebab's on bell. Also turkey street food
Cheeky kebabs in Sunbury
Rage bait thread
hachi's kebab always the best
Tibas kebab's are hands down the best and possibly the most authentic.
The lamb is chunks off the spit as opposed to the minced bullshit getting served up everywhere.
They do pickles, tabbouleh and chilli paste and their falafel and tahini is top notch (for the vegetarians/vegans out there).
Also a decent spot for a sit down meal with dips and bread (though I wish Tibas upped their bread game - Alasya down the road for some epic bread)
I've recently been told that Tasty44 in Richmond has good shawarmas but haven't been there yet.
Generally the more likely you are to be stabbed in an area, the better the kebabs in that area are.
Kalimera in Oakleigh, they’ve been mentioned in NY Times and all that. $13 and is hands down best in Melbourne.
That is not a Kebab, it's a Souvlaki. Souvlaki, Kebab Shawarma are different. Bread is different, meat is spiced differently and fillings can be different.
Souvlakis are superior to kebabs IMO, mostly because the meat is real meat. But, there are far and few souvlaki joints these days.
Eh, sometimes you want big fluffy Turkish bread with anything meat adjacent.
Yeah my bad misread that one.
Kalimera is over rated.
The best Souvlaki in the South East, can't speak for North side of town, is Pita Wrap it in Huntingdale Rd Huntingdale. It is far superior to Kalimera. Pita has been so successful opened 2 venues in Huntingdale, take away one side (on left towards station) and restaurant on right. Restaurant packed most nights, admit has gone down a bit lately bit still awesome meats and chips are delicious.
Kalimera is 1) not a kebab and 2) not even the best souva in Oakleigh
Whats the answer for 2)?
A) clarified b) wrong
What the fuck are you talking about? Nowadays Kalimera souvlaki you are lucky to have half a slice of tomato and 2 pieces of meat in your wrap.
My dude i go there ~3 x a week. It’s always stacked. Every time. So what the fuck are you talking about??
Look if you like dried meat, with 1 half slice of tomato. Go for it. But there are better options in Oakliegh... just saying.
The question is, are there worst options? Probably not.
Completely different from what I get. Do you boo
What is the recommended kebab around the area?? I heard there’s a good one in the Scoresby area at a petrol station??
edit; found it, it’s called Cypriot
Yeah, a joint in Scoresby (or nearby there) would suit me much better. The northern suburbs are a bit out of the way for me.
Try Marmaris 2 for doner
You're asking the wrong question. Souvlaki is superior in every way.
Which one? Orexi? Meat Me? Kalimera? Mega Yeeros?
You okay mate? You seem to have completely misread the question, think you've had a few too many beers
I wish!
haha need a hydralyte to go with your food, Greek food is pretty good but they drown it in salt 🧂
Kebabs@hoppers prob best Kebab in Melbourne atm
Love their bread
I moved from the Northern Suburbs to Altona this year and after trying a few kebab places the only one I liked enough to go back was Kebabs@Hoppers. I probably have them once a week these days, love them.
There's one in Coburg that's fucking good
Best kebabs in Melbourne are the charcoal ones like Lambs on Malvern/ Lambs on Richmond, etc! But if you are drunk any kebab will do 🤣
U can try Latif's street food, doner on wood fire Tried ones and loved it
Kebabs are disgusting.
More kebabs for the rest of us then...
Someone thinks they’re too good for a kebab…