Pattaya is known for its incredible international food scene, but finding truly authentic Turkish kebab in Pattaya can be a challenge. With so many restaurants claiming to serve Turkish food, how do you know which ones are the real deal? This guide will help you understand what genuine Turkish kebab looks and tastes like — and where to find it in South Pattaya.
What Makes Turkish Kebab Authentic?
Authentic Turkish kebab is far more than just meat on a stick. Traditional Turkish kebab involves carefully marinated meats — often lamb, beef, or chicken — that are seasoned with a blend of spices including cumin, sumac, and paprika. The meat is cooked slowly on a vertical rotisserie (for doner kebab) or over charcoal (for shish kebab), giving it a distinctive smoky, rich flavour that's impossible to fake.
One of the biggest giveaways of an inauthentic kebab restaurant is the bread. Real Turkish kebab is served in fresh, warm flatbread or lavash, not just any generic bun. The garnishes also matter: sliced tomatoes, onions, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of yogurt sauce are essential components.
Types of Turkish Kebab to Try
- Doner Kebab — thinly sliced meat carved from a vertical rotisserie, the most iconic Turkish kebab style
- Iskender Kebab — doner meat served over bread, drenched in tomato sauce and brown butter, topped with yogurt
- Shish Kebab — cubed meat skewered and grilled over charcoal
- Adana Kebab — spicy minced meat on a flat skewer, a favourite from southern Turkey
- Mix Doner Plate — a generous platter combining different kebab meats with rice and salad
Palace Istanbul Kebab: The Best Turkish Kebab in South Pattaya
Since 2015, Palace Istanbul Kebab on South Pattaya Road has been the go-to destination for authentic Turkish flavours in the region. The restaurant was founded by a Turkish family determined to bring the true taste of Istanbul to Thailand, and that passion is evident in every dish.
The doner kebab at Palace Istanbul is prepared fresh daily using a traditional vertical rotisserie. The meat is marinated for hours before cooking, resulting in that tender, flavourful bite that fans of real Turkish kebab will immediately recognise. The mix doner plate is a local favourite — generous portions of sliced doner over fragrant rice, served with fresh salad and garlic sauce.
Why Pattaya Locals and Tourists Love It
What sets Palace Istanbul Kebab apart from other restaurants claiming to serve Turkish food in Pattaya is the commitment to halal cooking, authentic recipes, and generous portions at fair prices. The restaurant is open daily from 10AM to 5AM, making it a popular late-night destination for tourists and expats who crave something more exciting than standard late-night fare.
Located at South Pattaya Road 27/25 Moo 10, the restaurant is convenient for visitors staying anywhere in South Pattaya, Jomtien, or near Walking Street.
How to Order
If you're visiting for the first time, start with the Mix Doner Plate to get a full taste of the menu. For delivery, Palace Istanbul is available on Grab Food, making it easy to enjoy authentic Turkish kebab from the comfort of your hotel or home.