Istanbul Doner Kebab in Hoboken: A Turkish Delight Off the Beaten Path
Hoboken’s Turkish cuisine scene keeps growing, and the latest addition is Istanbul Doner Kebab, tucked away on 8th Street between Madison and Jefferson. If you’re familiar with DoneRight Döner Kebab, this might feel like a sibling spot—but the similarities stop at the doner. Unlike DoneRight’s fast-casual setup, Istanbul Doner Kebab offers a relaxed, sit-down experience with a cozy interior highlighted by stunning Turkish lamps.
At first glance, the restaurant might seem small, but inside, the dining area is surprisingly spacious, perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal. Their menu strikes a nice balance between meat and vegetarian options, featuring dips like hummus, babaganouj, cacik (cucumber and yogurt), and labneh, as well as Ezme, a zesty tomato-and-pepper salad. I did wish there was a sampler plate to try a little of everything, but the choices I made did not disappoint.
Starting off, I highly recommend the Cigara Borek ($11). These Turkish cheese rolls are delightfully crispy, never greasy, and make a perfect appetizer to kick off the meal. For vegetarians, the falafel options are worth exploring. Available in pita or lavash ($12) or as a side (4 for $8), these homemade falafels deviate from the classic spherical shape, offering a slightly crispy exterior and a moist, flavorful interior. While the sandwich was tasty, it could have used a touch more sauce—though diners can choose from cacik, tahini, garlic, or acili (spicy) sauces to customize their experience.
Salads also shine here. The Shepherd Salad—a refreshing mix of tomato, pepper, cucumber, red onions, and parsley—comes in a satisfying small portion ($9), perfect alongside a main dish or as a lighter option.
For meat lovers, the Iskender is a classic Turkish must-try. Layers of pita, sliced lamb, and tomato sauce, accompanied by yogurt, create a hearty dish. While interesting, I found it just okay: the pita leaned toward soggy, and the lamb was somewhat overpowered by the tomato sauce, which didn’t taste particularly homemade. However, the lamb doner sandwich ($15) was a redeeming highlight—the lamb itself was superb, even if the tahini sauce and accompaniments like pickles and onions were sparse.
Here’s a visual snapshot of some standout dishes:
- Pita – fluffy and perfect for scooping dips
- Falafel – crisp outside, tender inside
- Shepherd Salad – fresh and vibrant
- Cigara Borek – golden, crispy, and cheesy
- Falafel Sandwich – satisfying and flavorful
- Lamb Doner Sandwich – tender lamb, rich flavor
- Iskender – classic presentation, though slightly soggy
No Turkish meal is complete without beverages, and Istanbul Doner Kebab delivers. We tried the Turkish orange soda, sweet and refreshing, as well as Ayran, a traditional yogurt-based drink that pairs perfectly with flavorful dishes.
And for dessert? Of course, we indulged. The baklava was perfectly sweet and flaky, an ideal companion to a medium-sweet Turkish coffee. I also sampled Anne’s Helva, a semolina and tahini dessert topped with chocolate ice cream. While tasty, it’s not something I’d reorder—the baklava wins my heart every time.
- Baklava – flaky, sweet, and rich
- Anne’s Helva – unique but not essential
- Turkish Coffee – smooth, aromatic, and perfectly paired with desserts
Overall, Istanbul Doner Kebab offers a strong sit-down dining experience with a wider variety of dishes compared to DoneRight. While I might still head to DoneRight for a quick doner fix, Istanbul Doner Kebab is ideal for a relaxed meal, exploring Turkish flavors beyond the basics, and enjoying a cozy atmosphere in Hoboken.
Istanbul Doner Kebab
505 8th St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
