Why does chicken at some Istanbul kebab restaurants smell like lamb fat, and how can you avoid it?
Based on 1 discussion with 2 participants · Last activity: 10 days ago
TL;DR
At some Istanbul kebab places, chicken is coated with tail fat or grilled on skewers with pieces of lamb tail fat, which gives it a strong mutton-like smell. If you're sensitive to it, ask in advance whether they use kuyruk yağı and request a version without it.
What the community said
For dessert with ice cream, travelers mentioned Hafız Mustafa: when ordering baklava there, staff may ask whether you want it served with ice cream or without. It may not be the cheapest option, but it's a well-known choice if that's the style you're looking for.
10 days ago Hafız Mustafa
One reason chicken can smell unusual in some Istanbul eateries is that it may be brushed with tail fat before grilling rather than fried in it. That still gives the meat a distinct lamb-like aroma, especially noticeable if you're sensitive to it.
10 days ago tail fat / kuyruk yağı
Another common method is to skewer pieces of tail fat between chunks of chicken. As it grills, the fat melts and coats the meat with that flavor, so if you dislike it, it's best to ask in advance whether the kebab can be made without kuyruk yağı.
10 days ago skewers with tail fat