bizSanDiego the business of san diego county

Europe’s Hip Dish Hits Downtown posted on November 1, 2007

Fact: There are more than 1,000 kebab shops in Finland, 12,000 in Germany and 20,000 in the UK. Not to mention, the total number of kebab shops in Germany have higher revenue than McDonalds, Burger King and Wienerwald combined.

Now the question is, will a kebab shop catch on in San Diego? Aaron Langolf sure hopes so. The owner of The Kebab Shop, an authentic European-style kebab and shawarma eatery, opened his first location in downtown San Diego at 630 Ninth Avenue on June 2, and it’s a rare experience to be sure.

“Kebabs and shawarma are the number-one fast foods statistically in Europe, and they’re all over the world,” Langolf explains. “We’re the second shop I know of in the United States, and since we’ve opened, we’ve had people calling us every day and telling their friends that döner ke- babs are finally here!”

But for those who aren’t yet singing the praises of this exotic cuisine, here’s a quick lesson in what you’ll be eating. A kebab is your choice of spiced lamb, marinated chicken or falafel, a mix of fresh veggies and a creamy garlic yogurt sauce all wrapped in a warm blanket of flat bread. Add homemade hot sauce for extra spice and flavor.

You can get these same ingre¬dients shawarma style, which means served on fluffy, crusty bread instead of wrapped in flat bread. Shawarma comes from the Turkish term çevirme, which means “turning something.” On the other hand, döner means “turning itself.”

Ready to experience Europe’s most popular fast food right here in down¬town San Diego? Stop by today and support this family-run business, which is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Kebab Shop
630 Ninth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
www.thekebabshop.com
(619) 525-0055
Meals: $3 to $8.50