Bursa Zoo & Botanical Park
A Fun and Peaceful City Getaway Surrounded by Nature
HOME > CITY GUIDE > ISKENDER KEBAB
When Bursa is mentioned, the first flavor that comes to mind is undoubtedly the world-famous İskender Kebap. Starting in the mid-19th century, in 1867, in Mehmet’s son İskender Efendi’s small shop in Bursa, this journey has turned into a deep-rooted gastronomy legend spanning over 160 years. Changing the tradition of roasting lamb horizontally in an oven, İskender Efendi discovered the vertical döner system, removing bones and nerves from the meat to stack it on a vertical skewer and cook it over a wood fire. Becoming the symbol of our city, this flavor stands as one of the top gastronomy stops you must experience during your visit to Bursa.
The name İskender Kebap is protected under trademark registration and patent by the descendants and family heirs of its inventor, İskender Efendi. Due to this official patent protection, restaurants outside the İskender family cannot directly use the name “İskender Kebap” on their menus and signboards. This situation has led to the same dish being served under the names “Bursa Kebabı” or “Döner Kebap” throughout Bursa and Turkey.
Mavi Dükkan (İskender® – Heykel): Located on Atatürk Street, this historic small shop is the iconic venue of İskender Kebap (Cevat İskenderoğlu heirs). Famous for its queues in front, you can enjoy your meal in a nostalgic atmosphere.
İskender® Ekspres & Restoranlar (Cevat İskenderoğlu): Corporate branches representing the family heritage in Downtown AVM, Korupark AVM and Istanbul Nişantaşı.
İskender Efendi Konağı (Botanik Park): Traditional service is offered in a spacious garden atmosphere inside the historic wooden mansion restored by the İskender family. Yavuz İskenderoğlu and his sons also have additional branches in Istanbul Akaretler and London.
Yavuz İskenderoğlu (Kebapçı İskender): Registered locations operated in partnership with other branches of the family, serving at Ünlü Cadde, Balat, Karacabey Oksijen Service Area (Izmir-Istanbul Highway) and Istanbul Kadıköy.
Uludağ Kebapçısı (Cemal & Cemil Usta – Tarihi Kent Meydanı / Santral Garaj): Serving since 1964, Uludağ Kebapçısı is one of the most established and famous places that comes to mind when İskender/Bursa Kebab is mentioned in Bursa. With the quality of its meat, skillfully frothed butter, and historic tradesman restaurant atmosphere, it is a frequent destination for local and foreign tourists.
Traditional Beverage: Do not forget to order ice-cold Şıra made from traditional grapes alongside your kebab, and taste Kemalpaşa Dessert (Mustafa Kemal Paşa Tatlısı) after the meal.
Avoiding Queues: Since there may be queues during lunch and dinner hours—especially at spots like the Historic Blue Shop (Mavi Dükkan) and Uludağ Kebapçısı—it is recommended to plan your visit during quiet hours before 12:00 or between 15:00 and 18:00.
A Fun and Peaceful City Getaway Surrounded by Nature
A Peninsula on Lake Uluabat: Colorful Fishing Boats and Century-Old Trees
The Heart of Ottoman History and Faith
Traditional Anatolian Culinary Heritage, Palace Recipes, and Social Life Destination
A Journey of Art and History on the World’s Oldest Covered Bazaar Bridge
The Heart of Bursa Simit, Centuries-Old Bakery Aroma, and Traditional Square Breakfast
The Symbol of Bursa and Early Ottoman Elegance
Six Centuries of Majesty and a Refreshing Break in Nature
Marmara’s Most Enchanting Lake, Sunken Basilica, and 8,000-Year Civilization Heritage
The Ottoman’s Last Royal Park and Haven of Tranquility
A Journey Through History and the World’s Largest Full Panoramic Museum
A Deep-Rooted Palace Structure on the Slopes of Uludağ with Magnificent Views of Bursa
Southern Marmara’s 15,000-Year Historical Treasure
A Green Breath in the Heart of the City
A Peak Experience in Four Seasons
A Scenic Journey to the Peak of Uludağ
Turkey’s Automotive Heritage and Industrial History Surrounded by Greenery
A Unique Panoramic Viewpoint Above History and the City
A 7,000-Year Journey Through History and Culture in Turkey’s First City Museum
Spiritual Guardian of Bursa and the Birthplace of the Celvetiyye Order
Ottoman’s 6-Century-Old Double Bath and Today’s Art Stop
The Heart of Trade from the Silk Road to Present
Panoramic Bursa View at the Foot of Mount Uludağ, Sports Complex, and Peaceful Walking Paths
A Natural Wonder Formed by a Fault Line and a Refreshing Escape
700-Year-Old Living Ottoman Village & UNESCO World Heritage Site