Bosphorus Kebabs | Lucky 13



2019 is the 13th anniversary of tikichris.com. I’m marking the seemingly inauspicious milestone with Lucky 13: a yearlong miniseries about 13 places to eat and drink that helped shape and define what I love about the London food and drink scene.

Next up on the roster is Bosphorus Kebabs, a South Kensington stalwart that’s been serving kebab shop basics of lamb and chicken kebabs made to a high standard since 1974.

When I first moved to London I lived in South Ken and passed by Bosphorus pretty regularly. The place always seemed to be doing a brisk business. When I inevitably dropped in to have a taste for myself I realised why so many folks flocked there so often. Prices were nice, portions were nicer and quality of meat and sauces were topnotch.

Lamb and chicken are de-boned onsite with all dishes are prepared fresh. Even the doner is leaner, juicier and more flavoursome than what you might expect at most kebabs shops around town. I’m not sure if the hot sauce is made in house but it’s awesome too.

A recent visit confirmed that little has changed at this tiny eatery. Prices have gone up a bit since my first of many forays. But a satisfying meal still can be had. Most satisfying of options is the large mixed grill, which at £8.50 is quite the bargain (particularly in such a prosperous and touristed part of west London) and comes with ample salad on the side as well as a rather bland pita (which actually does do a pretty good trick when sopping up what’s left at the end of your meal).

Almost as much as the food, I love the space which Bosphorus occupies. It is teensy but well organised with much of its walls papered with index cards of reviews handwritten by customers over the years. These days pleased patrons might be more apt to ‘gram their appreciation (though I don’t think Bosphorus has its own Instagram account). Once upon a time, these index cards served as analogue social media and the best outlet for expressing foodie enthusiasm.

Service has been swift and appreciative whenever I’ve visited.

Bosphorus Kebabs is located at 59 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3JS. Find out more at bosphoruskebabs.co.uk.

Still hungry? I’ll be back soon with another taste of a Lucky 13 place to eat in London.