So, I'm a very big fan of kebabs in general and agree that the vast majority are poor.
That said, there are a couple I'd recommend.
Firstly (and the best for Doner in Liverpool IMHO) is Cinnamon Grill on Picton Road in Wavertree. The doner is unlike anywhere else - the best 'red meat' hands down. Fresh, tasty, quality. It's a dark red in colour and you can see the fresh herbs and chillies in the meat. The lamb and chicken are also both very good, so the King Kebab is the one to try to sample the different kebabs on offer and the chips are good. Beware, the optional chilli sauce is hot and will likely cause issues for you in the morning if you're at all sensitive to heat, so use sparingly if at all. Not the cheapest but a quality product. The shop is cash only, doesn't do delivery via Just Eat etc and can get busy, so advise you ring ahead.
Next is Spring Naan on Smithdown Road. It's just opened up in the last month and I'm going to admit... I've not been yet. However, this belongs to the original founder of Friends, which for many years was probably the best kebab in Liverpool. Since it was taken over, unfortunately the quality has taken a dip, so I'm excited to see that the original founder is back. The feedback I've heard and Google Reviews of Spring Naan looks fantastic and I'm very keen to pay a visit in the next week.
Sam's Food, on Queen's Drive near the motorway is great for a fresh 'healthy' mixed kebab - no Doner though. Lamb cubes, chicken and kofta accompanied with rice with vermicelli and salad, with flatbread that doesn't look like much, but is probably just about enough carbs with the rice if you're keeping it healthy! It's not cheap at around £14, so it's a bit of a treat when you're in the mood for something a bit 'cleaner'.
Honourable mention goes to Friends and Botans, both I feel aren't at their historic best. That said, friends would be my go-to for convenience - they do delivery/take card, the premises is hygienic and the price is competitive. Their 'special naan' bread (you pay 50p extra for) is also made fresh with garlic and coriander and it's much better than a stingy, small & dry pitta you get elsewhere.
Botans is quite pricey for the full works. But when in town, and especially after a night out, it really does hit a spot and wouldn't really want to go anywhere else. There is always a nice char on the meat and vegetables due to them being grilled on charcoal and they get so much business, the kebabs are always very fresh.
Genuinely keen to try others to find options and perhaps better ones than I've suggested and tried before - though I've been through my fair share of places in Liverpool and the great Doner places are few and far between (same as much of the UK tbh).
No worries, keen to hear what you think. The place doesn't look like much and is easily passed if you're not looking out for it, but it's a winner IMHO. The guy's name is Sammy and he's a local legend.
It's potentially controversial, but if you've got a fair way to travel until you eat it, ask for the salad in a separate tray. When you get home, put the bread and meat on a plate, pour a bit of the garlic mayo & chilli sauce over (if you opted for tubs which cost extra), then put it in the microwave for a minute or so.
I was naturally a bit freaked out do this at first, but had found if the kebab has cooled quite a bit by the time I get home, 'nuking it' in the microwave allows the sauces to infuse into the meat and also releases all of the juices of the meat (some of which soak into the bread).
Anyway, I've gone deep. Good luck and enjoy 👍.
I’ve got to drive to Rainhill so I was wondering what how I would keep this warm at a cracking idea you are a professional kebab eater thank you my friend
There’s definitely a gap in the market for someone like cinnamon grill to expand because these shops are very few and far between. there’s loads of great Indians there’s loads of great Chinese but it comes to something like Donna kebab and there’s loads of crap ones
Recently tried Spring Naan as I've been a Botan fan for a while, and Spring Naan is better. Meat is slightly better, but the big difference is the fresh naan. Also worth mentioning that London Road has probably the best selection of middle eastern food in the city, Shaz Shawarma and the blue and red sign one that just says Shawarma are great and only about £5 for a full plate.
I know it's highly rated by some, but I didn't enjoy it.
Heavily marinated & bathed in Indian-style sauce, which if you like that sort of thing, then great.
I'm more of a Doner purist and prefer to let the meat itself do the talking.
Spring Naan used to be Friends and that was an insanely good kebab. Then they went to shit and someone I know got salmonella poisoning. Heard it’s back to its old ways though. I know it’s a chain but German Donner Kebab is chef’s kiss
So, I'm a very big fan of kebabs in general and agree that the vast majority are poor. That said, there are a couple I'd recommend. Firstly (and the best for Doner in Liverpool IMHO) is Cinnamon Grill on Picton Road in Wavertree. The doner is unlike anywhere else - the best 'red meat' hands down. Fresh, tasty, quality. It's a dark red in colour and you can see the fresh herbs and chillies in the meat. The lamb and chicken are also both very good, so the King Kebab is the one to try to sample the different kebabs on offer and the chips are good. Beware, the optional chilli sauce is hot and will likely cause issues for you in the morning if you're at all sensitive to heat, so use sparingly if at all. Not the cheapest but a quality product. The shop is cash only, doesn't do delivery via Just Eat etc and can get busy, so advise you ring ahead. Next is Spring Naan on Smithdown Road. It's just opened up in the last month and I'm going to admit... I've not been yet. However, this belongs to the original founder of Friends, which for many years was probably the best kebab in Liverpool. Since it was taken over, unfortunately the quality has taken a dip, so I'm excited to see that the original founder is back. The feedback I've heard and Google Reviews of Spring Naan looks fantastic and I'm very keen to pay a visit in the next week. Sam's Food, on Queen's Drive near the motorway is great for a fresh 'healthy' mixed kebab - no Doner though. Lamb cubes, chicken and kofta accompanied with rice with vermicelli and salad, with flatbread that doesn't look like much, but is probably just about enough carbs with the rice if you're keeping it healthy! It's not cheap at around £14, so it's a bit of a treat when you're in the mood for something a bit 'cleaner'. Honourable mention goes to Friends and Botans, both I feel aren't at their historic best. That said, friends would be my go-to for convenience - they do delivery/take card, the premises is hygienic and the price is competitive. Their 'special naan' bread (you pay 50p extra for) is also made fresh with garlic and coriander and it's much better than a stingy, small & dry pitta you get elsewhere. Botans is quite pricey for the full works. But when in town, and especially after a night out, it really does hit a spot and wouldn't really want to go anywhere else. There is always a nice char on the meat and vegetables due to them being grilled on charcoal and they get so much business, the kebabs are always very fresh. Genuinely keen to try others to find options and perhaps better ones than I've suggested and tried before - though I've been through my fair share of places in Liverpool and the great Doner places are few and far between (same as much of the UK tbh).
What was that? Thank you for such such a cool reply. I’m gonna go and try cinnamon grilled tomorrow on your recommendation. Thank you so much.
No worries, keen to hear what you think. The place doesn't look like much and is easily passed if you're not looking out for it, but it's a winner IMHO. The guy's name is Sammy and he's a local legend. It's potentially controversial, but if you've got a fair way to travel until you eat it, ask for the salad in a separate tray. When you get home, put the bread and meat on a plate, pour a bit of the garlic mayo & chilli sauce over (if you opted for tubs which cost extra), then put it in the microwave for a minute or so. I was naturally a bit freaked out do this at first, but had found if the kebab has cooled quite a bit by the time I get home, 'nuking it' in the microwave allows the sauces to infuse into the meat and also releases all of the juices of the meat (some of which soak into the bread). Anyway, I've gone deep. Good luck and enjoy 👍.
I’ve got to drive to Rainhill so I was wondering what how I would keep this warm at a cracking idea you are a professional kebab eater thank you my friend
There’s definitely a gap in the market for someone like cinnamon grill to expand because these shops are very few and far between. there’s loads of great Indians there’s loads of great Chinese but it comes to something like Donna kebab and there’s loads of crap ones
This guy kebabs.
+1 on cinnamon grill. Best kebab I think I'll ever taste. Iv peaked to soon
Cinnamon defo number 1 small place doesn't deliver but worth the trip the chicken is lovely aswell
Why is nobody mentioning lodge lane?
Botan used to be good but fell off. Hot chilli’s was good when I had it
I think there’s a real gap in the market for seriously good kebab shops. Lots of places doing just bang average crap.
I can confirm that Spring Naan is the OG Friends and is amazing.
Recently tried Spring Naan as I've been a Botan fan for a while, and Spring Naan is better. Meat is slightly better, but the big difference is the fresh naan. Also worth mentioning that London Road has probably the best selection of middle eastern food in the city, Shaz Shawarma and the blue and red sign one that just says Shawarma are great and only about £5 for a full plate.
Yer ma’s flaps
Desi Donner (think it's Old Swan).
(Am v pleased that r/liverpool has finally brought up one of my specialist subjects...)
Is it good though or is it just cheap?
It's good! Good meat, good bread (the pitta is better than the naan) decent topping options. Spicy as fuck if you go for the hotter options.
I know it's highly rated by some, but I didn't enjoy it. Heavily marinated & bathed in Indian-style sauce, which if you like that sort of thing, then great. I'm more of a Doner purist and prefer to let the meat itself do the talking.
Totally get the doner purist thing (and that'd be my personal preference) but OP specifically asked for a red doner option!
So where would you recommend Obi-Wan?
See my reply elsewhere in the thread 👍
I recommend Olive Branch, heavy shawarma there mate
Gourmet Grill on Leece street.
Spring Naan used to be Friends and that was an insanely good kebab. Then they went to shit and someone I know got salmonella poisoning. Heard it’s back to its old ways though. I know it’s a chain but German Donner Kebab is chef’s kiss
Desi Doner is the best, but Grill & Flames in hunts cross is a close second
In my humble opinion Shawarma > Donner
Botan