Doner test: three shops compared
We tested three different kebab shops in Herdecke (Laylam, Istanbul Restaurant and Döneria) and rated them based on several criteria: meat quality, bread, sauces, freshness of the salad, value for money and service. Here are our detailed ratings:
1. Laylam - Rating: 3-
Laylam impresses with very tasty, fresh bread, which forms a good basis for the kebab. The salad is also crisp and fresh, which ensures a pleasant texture. The sauces are well-balanced in terms of taste and complement the kebab well overall.
Unfortunately, the meat is not of particularly high quality, which is noticeable in both the taste and the consistency. It seems dry and not juicy enough, which makes the whole kebab taste a bit bland. This is particularly unfortunate, as the other components are actually promising.
The staff are friendly, but the relationship with the guests is somewhat lacking - you don't really feel welcome or particularly valued. In terms of price, Laylam is in the middle range, so neither particularly cheap nor expensive.
Comparison:
• Better than Döneria in terms of bread and salad, but weaker in terms of meat.
• Worse than Istanbul Grill, as the meat is dry and the overall package seems less harmonious.
2. Istanbul Grill – Rating: 2
Istanbul Grill scores with a very good overall concept. The bread is delicious and fresh, the meat juicy and tasty. The salad is crisp and fresh, which gives the kebab a pleasant lightness.
One small point of criticism is the amount of sauce - here they exaggerated a bit, which means that the rest of the kebab's taste is a little lost. A touch less sauce would probably have made the kebab perfect.
The staff deserves special mention: very courteous, friendly and attentive - you really feel welcome as a guest here. In terms of price, however, Istanbul Grill is in the higher segment, but this is at least partially justified by the good quality.
Comparison:
• Better than Laylam in terms of meat quality and service.
• Better than Döneria because the sauces and salad are fresher, but a bit too dominant.
3. Döneria – Rating: 3+
The Döneria has one great strength: the meat. It is the best of all the shops tested – crispy, well seasoned and perfectly prepared. Unfortunately, the other components are a little weak: the salad no longer tastes particularly fresh and the bread seems to be a few days old. That's a shame, because with better bread and fresher salad, the Döneria would have a very good chance of getting a top rating.
The staff are rather reserved, but the kebab is prepared very quickly, which is a clear plus point for hungry guests. In terms of price, Döneria is the best choice – you get the most for your money here.
Comparison:
• Better than Laylam in terms of meat quality, but worse in terms of bread and salad.
• Cheaper than Istanbul Grill, but less harmonious overall picture.
Overall conclusion:
Every kebab shop has its strengths and weaknesses:
• Istanbul Grill offers the most well-rounded overall package, but with a little too much sauce.
• Döneria has the best meat, but is weak when it comes to bread and salad.
• Laylam scores with bread and salad, but loses out because of the dry meat.
Which shop is the best in the end depends on what you value most. Juicy meat? Then go to the Döneria. Friendly service and a balanced experience? Istanbul Grill. Crisp salad and good bread? Laylam.
We spontaneously decided to eat here today and were really pleasantly surprised. The food is very tasty and the portions are generous. The service staff is also very friendly and accommodating. Definitely a recommendation!
A school class from home visited Markthalle 9 - and everyone got something to eat to their liking. I chose the Manti and I have to say: excellent! Really spicy, really aromatic and simply delicious. Of course I can't say much about the service - it's just a sale at the stand. The ambience is that of a market hall. We were lucky to find a bar table.
frau an der kasse ist unfreundlich, obwohl ich ein kunde bei ihr war, und zwei getränke gekauft habe, hat sie mich und meinen mann aus dem laden rausgeschmissen und die fantas wieder ungeöffnet zurück genommen, weil ich kleinen snack von einen anderen laden in der center dabei hatte.
Leider konnte ich deshalb zum Essen nichts sagen aber wer so unfreundlich ist den Kunden gegenüber, und dies ist dem Chef verschuldet oder der Verkäuferin, der hat einen Laden in der Stadt nicht verdient. nach ihre aussage ist das von ihrem chef beschlossen worden.
ich finde es sehr kunden unfreundlich, da ich der darauf hin angeboten hatte ein essen bei ihr zu kaufen, dies verneinte sie auch und meinte wenn ich das hier kaufe dann solle ich es auf der straße esse und nicht in laden.
Ich esse regelmäßig im Defne und könnte dort sogar täglich essen – nicht nur, weil die Gerichte meinen Geschmack perfekt treffen, sondern auch, weil die Portionen sättigend sind und die Preise fair. Zudem bleibt das Personal selbst bei vollem Haus stets freundlich.