What is Kebab?
Kebab is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in the world, originating from the grilling traditions of the Middle East and Central Asia. The word "kebab" comes from the Arabic and Persian word for roasted meat, and it has evolved over thousands of years into one of the most diverse culinary traditions on earth. At its heart, a kebab is simply seasoned meat cooked over fire — but within that simple definition lies an extraordinary world of flavours, textures, and regional variations.
In Turkey, kebab has been elevated to a true art form. Turkish kebabs are celebrated across the globe, from the smoky Adana Kebap of southern Turkey to the buttery İskender of Bursa. At Istanbul Restaurant Pattaya, we bring these time-honoured traditions to Thailand, grilling our kebabs fresh over charcoal every day.
The History of Turkish Kebab
The history of Turkish kebab stretches back to the nomadic Turkic peoples of Central Asia, who would cook meat over open fires during long journeys across the steppe. As these civilisations migrated westward and eventually founded the Ottoman Empire, their culinary traditions evolved, blending with Persian, Arab, and Mediterranean influences to create the rich kebab culture Turkey is famous for today.
During the height of the Ottoman Empire, the imperial kitchens of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul employed hundreds of chefs who refined kebab recipes to extraordinary levels of sophistication. Many of the kebabs we enjoy today trace their lineage directly to these palace kitchens, where spices from across the empire were combined with the finest Anatolian lamb and beef.
The ocakbaşı tradition — meaning "by the hearth" in Turkish — refers to the style of communal charcoal grill cooking that has been central to Turkish food culture for centuries. At Istanbul Restaurant Pattaya, we honour this tradition with our authentic ocakbaşı setup, where every kebab is grilled to perfection over real charcoal.
Types of Kebab at Istanbul Restaurant Pattaya
Adana Kebap — ฿350
Named after the city of Adana in southern Turkey, the Adana Kebap is arguably the most famous Turkish kebab in the world. Made from hand-minced lamb mixed with red pepper flakes and spices, the meat is shaped onto wide metal skewers and grilled over hot charcoal. The result is juicy, slightly spicy, and deeply satisfying. Ours is served with baked potatoes, rice and grilled vegetables.
Beyti Kebab (Beyti Sarma) — ฿360
The Beyti Kebab originated at the famous Beyti restaurant in Istanbul. Seasoned minced meat is grilled on a skewer, then wrapped in lavash bread and sliced into rounds — a dramatic and delicious presentation. It's one of the most popular dishes on our menu and perfect for first-time visitors to Turkish cuisine.
Çökertme Kebab — ฿480
The Çökertme Kebab is a show-stopping dish from the Bodrum region of Turkey. Tender slices of beef are layered over crispy thin potato strips, then topped with a luxurious butter and yoghurt sauce with a drizzle of tomato. The combination of textures — crispy, tender, and creamy — is unlike any other kebab on our menu.
Mixed Grill (İstanbul Karışık Kebab) — ฿850
Our Mixed Grill is the ultimate kebab experience — a feast that brings together the best of our grill menu on one platter. Lamb skewer, Adana Kebab, Turkish Meatballs, chicken skewer, and chicken wings, all grilled fresh over charcoal. Perfect for sharing or for those who simply cannot choose.
Lamb Skewer (Kuzu Şiş) — ฿520
Marinated chunks of tender lamb, threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection over charcoal. The Kuzu Şiş is a kebab classic — simple, pure, and deeply satisfying. Served with baked potatoes, rice and vegetables.
Why Choose Istanbul Restaurant Pattaya for Kebab?
Finding authentic Turkish kebab in Thailand is not easy. Many restaurants claim to serve kebab, but few use real charcoal, proper Turkish spice blends, or the high-quality lamb and beef that make the difference between a mediocre kebab and a truly memorable one.
At Istanbul Restaurant Pattaya, we were founded with a single mission: to bring the authentic taste of Turkey to Thailand. Our team has deep roots in Turkish culinary traditions, and every kebab on our menu is prepared using recipes and techniques passed down through generations. We are also halal certified, making our restaurant one of the few places in Pattaya where you can enjoy genuine Turkish food with full confidence in its preparation.
Our location on South Pattaya Road is welcoming, our service is warm in the true Turkish tradition, and our prices are reasonable. Whether you are a long-time lover of Turkish food or trying it for the first time, we guarantee you will find something on our grill menu that will bring you back again and again.
How We Cook Our Kebabs
The secret to a great Turkish kebab is the fire. At Istanbul Restaurant Pattaya, we use a traditional ocakbaşı charcoal grill — a long, low grill where skewers rest over glowing coals. The charcoal imparts a subtle smokiness that is impossible to replicate with gas or electric cooking. Our chefs control the heat by adjusting the position of the skewers and fanning the coals, a skill that takes years to master.
The quality of the meat matters just as much as the cooking method. We source high-quality beef and lamb, hand-mince it for our Adana and Köfte (avoiding pre-ground meat which lacks texture), and season it with our own blend of spices. Nothing goes on the grill until it is perfectly prepared.
What to Order on Your First Visit
If you are new to Turkish kebab, we recommend starting with our Adana Kebap — it is our most popular dish and gives you the quintessential Turkish kebab experience. Pair it with a fresh Çoban Salata (Shepherd's Salad) and a cool glass of Ayran (Turkish yoghurt drink) for a complete, authentic meal.
If you are visiting with a group, our Mixed Grill (İstanbul Karışık Kebab) at ฿850 is the perfect choice — it lets everyone try multiple types of kebab and is genuinely impressive to receive at the table. For larger groups, our Family Tray (Tepsi Kebabı) at ฿4,500 serves 5-6 people and includes Adana, meatballs, lamb, liver, chicken, rice and nan bread.
Ready to Try the Best Kebab in Pattaya?
Visit our grill menu to see the full selection, or order online via Grab.
Visit Istanbul Restaurant Pattaya
27/25 S Pattaya Rd, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150
Open Tuesday–Monday · 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM · Halal Certified