Adana vs Urfa vs Şiş: A Guide to Turkish Kebabs
How to navigate a Turkish grill menu and order like a local.
5 January 2025•7 min read•By Turkish Food in London
A Turkish grill menu can be intimidating. Adana, Urfa, şiş, köfte, beyti—what's the difference? Here's how to decode the menu.
The Three Main Categories
- Şiş: Cubed meat on skewers
- Kebab: Minced meat on skewers (Adana, Urfa)
- Döner: Meat cooked on a vertical spit
The Şiş Family
Kuzu Şiş — Cubes of lamb, marinated and grilled. The classic.
Tavuk Şiş — Chicken, often marinated in yogurt and spices.
The Kebab Family
Adana Kebab — Hand-minced lamb with red pepper flakes. Should have a kick of heat.
Urfa Kebab — Same technique, but without the heat.
How to Order
Start with a mixed grill platter to taste several items.