I love a good kebab. I may love them too much. Although in Copenhagen shawarma, falafel and other Middle Eastern fare are sometimes seen as the equivalent of fast food (or drunk food), I am going to have to raise issue on this one. A kebab done well has few betters in the food world and though they can be hard to find in Denmark, they are worth the search.
So Scandinavia Standard, that beacon of personal discovery, has done the digging so that you don’t have to. No, no, don’t thank us. Your full bellies and smiling faces covered in food are thanks enough (but seriously, wipe your mouth, that’s gross). Here are our favorite places for a kebab to-go or a plate complete with tabbouleh and hummus.
Liban Cuisine
Liban Cuisine has made a name for itself in a neighborhood where kebab shops are dime-a-dozen. The fresh ingredients, strong spices and generous helpings may have something to do with it. Their shawarma in particular is cooked and seasoned to perfection.
Rantzausgade 1
2200 Kobenhavn N
Opening Hours:
Mon – Thurs 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Fri & Sat 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Sun: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Ahaaa Den Arabisk Madhus
Ahaaa Den Arabisk MadhusA great place for either a take away or a sit-down meal, Ahaaa is especially good at meal plates including meat or falafel, salad, dips and warm pita bread. Reasonable prices to boot!
Norrebrogade 51
2200 Kobenhavn N
Opening Hours:
Mon – Weds 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Thurs – Sat 11:00 am – 5:00 am
Sun 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
Kebabistan
Don’t expect to sit down, or even stand inside, after ordering at this kebab stand. Occasional long lines (that move quickly, don’t worry) and the enticing smell of cumin are indicators of the neighborhood popularity that Kebabistan has long experienced. For a more filling treat, have your shawarma or falafel on warm Turkish Bread. It is outrageous.
Opening Hours
Sun – Thurs 11:00 am – 1:00 am
Fri & Sat 11:00 am -5:00 am
Dürüm Bar
The best, cheapest falafel you can get (in my humble opinion) in Copenhagen. This is the real deal, with mountains of parsley stuffed inside and a spicy kick. I don’t know how the rest of their food is because I never get anything else. If you try another menu item, let us know how it goes!
Norrebrogade 195
2200 Kobenhavn N
Opening Hours:
Sun – Weds 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Thurs – Sat 11:00 am – 5:00 am
Kebabish
A restaurant that has both Indian cuisine, pizza and kebabs may not immediately sound exciting, but don’t be fooled by the extensive, slightly confused menu. The shawarma here is top-notch.
Vesterbrogade 13
1620 Kobenhavn K
Opening Hours:
Mon – Thurs 11:00 am – 11:59 pm
Fri 11:00 am – 2:00 am
Sat 12:00 pm – 2:00 am
Sun 12:00 pm – 11:59 pm
Kösk Kebab
Simply some of the best grilled meat you can get in the cit; tender, juicy and perfectly-seasoned. The falafel isn’t up to the same standard, but you can’t have it all. The prices are excellent and there’s lots of room in the restaurant if you’d like a sit-down meal.
Frederikssundsvej 23
2400 København NV
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Sat & Sun 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
Photos by Josef Brock