A doner kebab chain with more than 170 locations across the globe is opening its first Virginia restaurant in Fairfax County this weekend.
German Doner Kebab (GDK) will host its grand opening celebration at 11 a.m. Oct. 3 in Idylwood just outside Falls Church City (7121b Leesburg Pike Ste R2), the restaurant recently announced via a social media post.
While enormously popular in Europe, doner kebabs are not very common in Northern Virginia. The origins of the thin-sliced, crispy grilled doner are contested, but the dish has become a favorite food in Germany.
“The word ‘doner’ comes from the Turkish word ‘dönmek,’ meaning ‘turning.’” National Geographic wrote in 2024. “To create the kebab, numerous stacks of seasoned meat are threaded through a vertical spit and cooked via an upright grill. Once the outer layers start to crisp, they’re thinly sliced and served.”
GDK offers kebabs in a wrap, or served on toasted sesame waffle bread; toppings include lettuce, tomatoes, onion and red cabbage. It also offers a version with a distinctly American spin: topped with Doritos and cheese sauce, placed on a bun. People can add yogurt, garlic, or spicy sauces.
To celebrate the grand opening, the restaurant is offering promotional $1 small or $4 regular kebabs for those who sign up for its newsletter. It is also hiring to fill various staff positions.
GDK did not respond to FFXnow requests for comment.
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