döner kebab, Berlin

Smithsonian MagazineOct 3, 2025

How Shawarma Became a Soul Food of Syria's Diaspora in Berlin

The popularity of the humble street food is a testament to cultural survival for the hundreds of thousands of Syrians who arrived in Germany as refugees and asylum seekers in 2015

Popular fast food, credited to Kadir Nurman in 1972

7 things in this story

SonnenalleeNeighborhoodArab Street, popular Syrian shawarma spot in Neukölln
AldimashqiRestaurantPopular Syrian eatery with a growing queue
döner kebabFast foodPopular fast food, credited to Kadir Nurman in 1972
Alzaeem RestaurantRestaurantPalestinian-owned, prepares shawarma Syrian-style
Malakeh JazmatiRestaurantServes traditional food passed down from generations
Aleppo Supper ClubRestaurantOwner Samer Hafez chose locations away from Arab Street
RefueatFast foodLevantine catering company employing refugees

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döner kebab

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How Shawarma Became a Soul Food of Syria's Diaspora in Berlin