Helen Shafer

Halal Doner Kebab and Culture: The Symbolism Behind the Skewer

Few street foods carry the cultural resonance and historical depth of the halal doner kebab. From its origins in the Ottoman Empire to its presence on city corners around the world, the doner is far more than a quick bite—it’s a symbol of identity, migration, tradition, and culinary artistry. The skewer on which the doner spins has become a metaphorical axis of cultural exchange, a representation of how food connects people across borders, generations, and beliefs.