Protection for the kebab: a culinary legacy in danger?

Protection for the kebab: a culinary legacy in danger?

The effects of the kebab protection initiative on Berlin gastronomy

The discussion about the traditional kebab takes a new turn. An initiative of the International Doner Federation (Udofed) from Turkey has submitted an application to the European Union, which could possibly have far -reaching consequences for kebab shops in Germany, especially in Berlin. The central question that arises from this is: What happens to the beloved flatbread when the kebab is protected as a "traditional specialty"?

The essence of the kebab: What makes him special?

A kebab, as is often served in Berlin, consists of a triangular flatbread, different sauces and a colorful mixture of fresh vegetables. The popular ingredients such as crunchy iceberg lettuce, red cabbage and tomatoes are inseparable from the kebab taste for many. Nevertheless, the Udofed does not see it this way: it emphasizes that only certain types of meat can be used for a real doner kebab, such as lamb or beef that have to follow special requirements.

The dangers of the EU regulation for local companies

If the application is successful, kebab shops would be forced to adhere to strict regulations that regulate the processing and type of meat. Birkan Yilmaz, a kebab owner from Wedding, is skeptical about the initiative. "If it actually happens, I will simply switch to Shawarma," he explains humorously. This statement illustrates the creative ways of how local businesses could react to the change.

a place in the list of traditional specialties

The initiative aims to include the kebab in the league of the world-famous, protected food, which also includes the Spanish Serrano ham and the Neapolitan pizza. The aim is to increase the international reputation of the kebab and to recognize it as equivalent to these specialties. For many kebab lovers, this could mean that they will be pondered in the future if they order a piece of their favorite dish.

confusion through name changes?

If the initiative is successful, many kebab shops could face the challenge of renaming their dishes so as not to violate the original recipe. A conceivable name would be the "rotary skewer", which would lead to a new categorization of the almost iconic food. The everyday life of the Berliners could soon become a little more complicated if they say: "I'm going to the shooting man."

government call for active participation

The Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food has already filed an objection to the application. It is of the opinion that a renaming of the popular food should not be discussed. This shows how strong the connection of the Germans is with their eating culture. The EU now has six months to decide how to proceed with the application.

conclusion: the essence of the kebab remains untouched?

Ultimately, the kebab is more than just a dish; He plays a central role in the food culture of Berlin. Even if the naming and the ingredients had to be revised, the magic that the kebab is for his audience remains. The question remains whether the protection of tradition can also consist of the dynamics of modern gastronomy, which made the kebab to what it is today.

- Nag