Restaurants

Critics' choice Kebabs

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Contemporary Indian
Amaya
In addition to an imaginative range of kebabs cooked in tandoor (clay oven), sigri (charcoal grill) and tawa (iron skillet), it also offers fabulous vegetarian versions, such as tinda (baby Indian squash stuffed with spiced halloumi cheese).
Amaya, Halkin Arcade, Motcomb St, SW1X 8JT (020 7823 1166) Knightsbridge tube.

Turkish
Mangal 1 Ocakbasi
The best Turkish kebabs are to be found in Green Lanes and Dalston. This caff offers two dozen varieties – ranging from authentically prepared döner to several versions of shish.
Mangal 1 Ocakbasi, 10 Arcola St, E8 2DJ (020 7275 8981) Dalston Kingsland rail/76, 149, 243 bus.

Shawarma
Ranoush Juice Bar
Owned by the Maroush chain, this utilitarian Lebanese café is renowned for its shawarma (with or without flatbread, with optional houmous) – ideal for takeaway.
Ranoush Juice Bar, 43 Edgware Rd, W2 2JR (020 7723 5929)
Marble Arch tube.

Souvlaki
The Real Greek Souvlaki & Bar
Specialising in meats cooked on a charcoal grill, this lovely restaurant lists a good selection of grilled meats, fish and vegetables served in paper with Greek flatbread, tzatziki and tomato sauce.
The Real Greek Souvlaki & Bar, 140-142 St John St, EC1 4UA (020 7253 7234) Farringdon tube/ rail.

Traditional Indian
Tamarind
For cheap and cheerful authentic Indian kebabs, head to Southall. But if you’re looking for something classier, you can’t beat Tamarind’s seekh and shammi kebabs cooked in a tandoor oven.
Tamarind, 20 Queen St, W1J 5PR (020 7629 3561) Green Park tube.

Iranian chello
Yas
This smartish but homely Iranian restaurant specialises in a large variety of kebabs cooked in a clay oven. They’re served with saffron rice topped with butter and raw egg, and fronds of fresh dill and mint.
Yas, 7 Hammersmith Rd, W14 8XJ (020 7603 9148) Olympia tube/rail.