It is a satisfying food that can be eaten almost anywhere and at almost any time of day. Dürüm has many varieties. It can be made with chicken, beef, or lamb, and it can also be prepared with only vegetables for vegetarians. If you want to eat dürüm, you can find it easily in Istanbul, whether at a kebab restaurant, around Taksim Square, or near busy areas such as the Grand Bazaar.
Popular Turkish Durum Varieties
Adana Dürüm
Adana dürüm is made with Adana kebab. Beef mince and ground lamb are mixed with onion and garlic and kneaded together. Chilli pepper, black pepper, and parsley are added. The mixture is skewered and grilled. Then kebab, tomato, and onion are placed in lavash. If you like vegetables, you can also add parsley and lettuce. After wrapping the lavash, it is ready to eat. Pickled hot peppers and ayran can make the experience even better. It first originated in Adana. It is just 282 calories per serving.
Urfa Dürüm
Urfa dürüm is also made with ground lamb. Black pepper, onion, garlic, and red pepper paste are added to the lamb. After kneading, it is skewered and grilled. Once the Urfa kebab is ready, it is placed on lavash. Adding tomato and onion can make it taste even better. The main difference between Adana and Urfa dürüm is that Adana is much spicier. Drinking ayran or şıra can complement the meal well. It is 192 calories.
Chicken Shish Dürüm
A chicken shish dürüm is a good option for people who do not prefer red meat. It is made with chicken breast cut into cubes and coated in a sauce of thyme, black pepper, cumin, and oil. The chicken is skewered and grilled, then placed in lavash dipped in herby oil sauce. After wrapping, it is ready. It is 395 calories.
Antep Dürüm
Antep dürüm is made with chickpeas. Chickpeas are boiled and mashed, then mixed with tomato paste and spices. The mixture is spooned into lavash, and vegetables such as lettuce and parsley can be added. For a more traditional touch, you can squeeze lemon into the wrap before rolling it. It is suitable for vegan and vegetarian eaters because it contains no meat. It became famous in Gaziantep. It is 350 calories.
Döner Dürüm
Döner dürüm is one of the most popular versions of this wrap, since döner kebab is among the best-known foods in Turkish cuisine. If you want, potato, onion, and tomato can be added to the lavash. Spices such as red pepper and sauces like ketchup and mayonnaise may also be included. Ayran goes very well with this food. This wrap is 320 calories.
Ciğer Dürüm
Ciğer dürüm uses liver. Liver pieces are covered with spices such as salt, chili pepper, and black pepper. They are arranged on a skewer, then baked and grilled. The cooked liver is placed on lavash, and a salad of onion, tomato, parsley, and sumac is added. You can drink şalgam or ayran with it. It became famous in Diyarbakır. It is 346 calories.
Mushroom Dürüm
Mushroom dürüm is for vegetarians and vegan eaters. It includes vegetables and mushrooms rather than meat. Onion, potato, pepper, tomato, and mushrooms are fried with oil. After adding the spices you want, the ingredients are placed on lavash. You can drink şıra, which is grape juice. Therefore, it is suitable for vegan and vegetarian people. It is 130 calories.
What Makes Turkish Durum So Popular?
Dürüm stands out because it is simple, filling, and easy to eat on the go. The bread keeps the ingredients together, while the fillings can be adjusted to different tastes, from spicy kebabs to lighter chicken or vegetable-based options. In this sense, it reflects the practical and flavorful side of Turkish street food. For a general overview of the dish and its background, you can also check Wikipedia's dürüm page.
Places You Can Have Dürüm in Istanbul
When you come to Istanbul, you can easily find restaurants serving kebab, lahmacun, and dürüm. Many neighborhoods have well-known spots, especially busy local food districts and central areas near places like the Spice Bazaar. Here are some of them:
Dürümcü Emmi
Here you can find kebabs, döner, dürüm, and other foods from Turkish cuisine. This restaurant is in Kadıköy. Dürümcü Emmi remains open 7/24.
Dürümcü Baba
Dürümcü Baba can be your choice for dürüm. Also, the restaurant’s concept is impressive. This restaurant is in Bakırköy.
Asmalimecit Dürümcüsü
Asmalimecit Dürümcüsü has provided service for years. Asmalimecit Dürümcüsü is in Beyoğlu.
Dürümcü Raif Usta
Dürümcü Raif Usta is a beautiful and boutique restaurant. It is always filled till closing time. You can eat street food and taste traditional Turkish dishes in this restaurant. It is in Mahmutpaşa.
Dürümzade
Dürümzade is in Beyoğlu. Their special lavash is covered with a special sauce.
FAQ About Turkish Durum
What is Turkish dürüm made of?
Turkish dürüm is made by placing a filling inside lavash or phyllo and wrapping it for easy eating. Fillings may include kebab, döner, liver, chicken, or vegetables, often with tomato, onion, parsley, lettuce, and spices.
Is dürüm always made with meat?
No. Many versions use meat such as lamb, beef, chicken, döner, or liver, but there are also vegetarian and vegan options. In this guide, Antep dürüm and mushroom dürüm are examples of meat-free wraps.
What is the difference between Adana dürüm and Urfa dürüm?
Both are made with kebab wrapped in lavash, but Adana dürüm is much spicier. Urfa dürüm is generally milder in flavor, even though both include similar ingredients such as meat, onion, and spices.
Where can you eat dürüm in Istanbul?
You can eat dürüm in kebab restaurants and at street food spots across Istanbul. Popular examples mentioned here include Dürümcü Emmi in Kadıköy, Dürümcü Baba in Bakırköy, Asmalimecit Dürümcüsü in Beyoğlu, Dürümcü Raif Usta in Mahmutpaşa, and Dürümzade in Beyoğlu.
