The heat is on for the UK’s best kosher kebab as finalists announced

Finalists for the British Kebab Awards 2023 have been shortlisted with a range of kosher shawarma restaurants and takeaways vying for top spot in February.

Dubbed “the most delicious awards in Britain”, the BKA introduced a kosher kebab category for the first time this year, following involvement from Jewish News.

The list is sprinkled with the best-known kosher kebaberies, including two from Manchester, but most are centred in and around the capital.

Those making the judges’ top ten include Reuben’s Restaurant, Pita, Bricky’s, Balagan, Balady Alaesh, Sami’s Restaurant, Sami’s, Sababa Borehamwood, and Habiba’s Deli & Smokehouse, plus Shefa Mehadrin in Manchester.

Just missing out on a top ten place were KASA – Bar & Grill, Ta’am, Balady – Camden, Hummus Bar, Delicatessen, and Bagels Bar Grill House.

The BKA has gone from fringe event to social calendar highlight, with hundreds of Parliamentarians now taking part alongside industry leaders, journalists, and other professionals. Founder Ibrahim Dogus said the awards “go from strength to strength… It’s a great way of bringing communities together”.

With 1.3 million kebabs sold every day, the British kebab industry is worth £2.8 billion annually to the British economy, providing around 200,000 jobs across restaurants, suppliers, and the wider food industry, but until now kosher kebab offerings could not compete for the coveted annual prize.

Dogus said a celebration of the kebab was a celebration of diversity and immigration into the UK, with Kurdish and Turkish communities among the most prominent.

Other categories include Best Restaurant by region, Best Kebab House by region, and Best Kebab Van, plus Best Fine Dining, Best Takeaway, Best Value, Best Lebanese, and Best Chef.