When Bursa is mentioned, the first taste that comes to mind is undoubtedly the world-famous Iskender Kebab. This adventure, which started in the mid-19th century in 1867 in the small shop of Mehmet's son İskender Efendi in Bursa, has turned into a deep-rooted gastronomy legend spanning 160 years. Iskender Efendi, who changed the tradition of cooking lamb horizontally in the oven and discovered the vertical rotary system, cleaned the meat from its bones and sinews, placed it on a vertical skewer and cooked it over a wood fire. This flavour, which has become the symbol of our city, is one of the gastronomy stops you must experience during your Bursa trip.
According to İskender’s official statement, “İSKENDER” and related names are service marks owned by the İskenderoğlu family heirs. The dish is also served in Bursa under names such as Bursa Kebabı and Döner Kebap.
Where to Eat Iskender Kebab in Bursa?
1. Official Trademarks from the Descendants of İskender Efendi (İskender®)
Mavi Dükkan (İskender® – Heykel): Located on Atatürk Street, this historical little shop is the symbol of İskender Kebab. You can dine in a nostalgic atmosphere in the shop, which is famous for its queues in front of it (heirs of Cevat İskenderoğlu).
İskender® Ekspres & Restaurants (Cevat İskenderoğlu): Downtown AVM, Korupark AVM and Istanbul Nişantaşı are corporate branches that represent the family legacy.
İskender Efendi Mansion (Botanical Park): Traditional service is offered in a large garden atmosphere in the historical wooden mansion restored by the Iskender family. Yavuz İskenderoğlu and his sons also have branches in Istanbul Akaretler and London.
Yavuz İskenderoğlu (Kebapçı İskender): They are registered locations operated jointly with other branches of the family and serving in Ünlü Cadde, Balat, Karacabey Oxygen Facilities (İzmir-İstanbul Highway) and Istanbul Kadıköy.
2. The Icon of Bursa: Uludağ Kebab Restaurant
Uludağ Kebapçısı (Cemal & Cemil Usta - Historical City Square / Santral Garaj): Uludağ Kebapçısı, which has been in service since 1964, is one of the most established and famous places that come to mind when Iskender/Bursa Kebab is mentioned in Bursa. It is a frequent destination for local and foreign tourists with its meat quality, expertly frothed butter and historical tradesmen's restaurant atmosphere.
Transportation from Hotel:
Please contact reception for travel details, visiting hours and further information.
Don't Leave Without Doing:
Complementary Drink: Enjoy the kebab with chilled Şıra (Traditional Grape Drink) with your meal, then finish with Mustafa Kemal Pasha Dessert .
Tips:
Choosing a Time to Avoid Waiting in Line: It is recommended that you plan your visit before 12:00 or during quiet hours between 15:00 and 18:00, as there may be queues at lunch and evening, especially at points such as the Historical Blue Shop and Uludağ Kebapçısı.