Doner G is no stranger to me, their Anaheim location has been the spot for Yelp get-togethers including a birthday celebration for a Yelper several years ago. So when I heard they had opened a location in Irvine, I was excited and also, not surprised by their expansion. I had been meaning to pay them a visit but didn’t get around to it yet when I received an email from owner Yalcin Aslan (whom I’ve met several times at the Anaheim location) asking me to join him with other media folk for a tasting.
This fast casual spot is situated at Crossroads where the influx of new eateries recently has included Veggie Grill and Urban Plates. When I arrived, Yalcin (pronounced “yal-chin”) immediately greeted me and remembers, after at least four years’ lapse in our last encounter, my love for his lentil soup which he apologizes for not having at this location.
The menu is pretty simple. Everything is cooked fresh and assembled to order. Two huge spits, one with chicken and the other, beef, is rotating and bits of meat is sliced off as it cooks. The meat is then in turn, assembled into bread or on a plate depending on what you order.
Although there is a lot on the menu, at lunch time, I see most people come in and order the Gyro Value Meal ($6.99) which includes a doner kebab pita sandwich with a side of French fries and a fountain drink.
That same sandwich is $4.99 a la carte and like the value meal, offers you a choice of either chicken or beef.
Doner Kebab ($8.99) plate is usually my choice because I like to put my own mouthful together, not already assembled into a sandwich by someone else. Yes, I’m OCD like that! The meat is very flavorful and if you like spice, make sure you add some of the hot sauce they have (ask for it!). You can have chicken…..
…..or beef.
Or if you can’t make up your mind, go for the Doner Kebab Mix ($9.49) which offers you both chicken and beef on one plate.
However, having introduced you to all of the above, I love the Adana Kebab ($8.99) best. Ground lamb is seasoned with herbs and formed into a “skewer” before it is grilled. The savory combination is piquant and the meat, juicy! I don’t detect any heat to the meat, but those of you who don’t like spicy food might find a kick there. Served with rice, salad, jajik and Doner G sauce.
Most dishes come with both the jajik and the Doner G sauce. Jajik is similar to tzatziki and each culture’s variation is slightly different.
If you’re looking for something light, the Fettush Salad ($5.49) is a great option. Romaine lettuce, red onions, tomatoes and cucumbers are tossed in a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing. A handful of crispy pita chips are combined together to give it a beautiful crunchiness.
Of course, you mustn’t leave without trying some of their sides such as Dolma ($4.39/4pcs), fresh grape leaves stuffed with rice, parsley, onions and herbs.
One of my favorites is the babaghanoush, or there is the Hummus ($3.49/12oz) made fresh and served with pita bread.
Those with a sweet tooth can end their meal with Baklava ($2.99/2pcs), a little different to the ones available here. Imported from Turkey, these are smoother in texture and less sweet.
Doner G
3800 Barranca Pkwy
Irvine, CA 92606
Tel: 949-861-2626
I’ll put this on my list when I come back for a visit to OC. Soon!
It’s nice to know they’re doing well! I think I saw you at that event for Chad, right? 😀
yes, Chad’s birthday many years ago. so sad about Chad 🙁