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It’s not often I get asked to review the motorway services but today was one of those days. German Doner Kebab has just opened at the Swavesey Services (just off the A14), replacing the Ed’s Easy Diner that used to be there.

A service station rarely gets a foodie excited because it is often littered with fast food chains but I was genuinely excited about this one, as German Doner Kebab seemed like a refreshing change. I have never visited one before but I have spent a lot of time in Germany and I absolutely adore the kebabs out there, which are worlds apart from the ones found in the UK.

Was it going to be as good as the ones in Germany?

Are they as good as your local kebab van?

Is it going to stand out from other fast food outlets?

Who knows! I had lots of questions but I was determined to find out!

A menu of innovation

I was genuinely surprised by the menu. When you go into a kebab van, you will usually get the choice of chicken or lamb kebab (and perhaps a burger). But here, there was a wide selection of options, including their waffle kebab, a more healthy rice bowl option, spring rolls, and dough balls. Smash burgers and wraps were even available, making this a very diverse and interesting menu.

The waffle kebab

We kicked off with their signature waffle kebab. I genuinely had no idea what to expect with this, and frankly, I didn’t think it was going to work. 

It comes with two savoury waffles instead of your classic pita bread. It is not as large as the kebabs you’d get from the local food van but I was surprised at how well the waffle held together, especially considering how packed it was. The meat was very lean and garnished with the usual cabbage and lettuce you would expect. I must admit it was probably the highlight of the evening for me, as the waffle (though quite soft) was stiffer and with a slight crispiness when compared to pita bread…and it really worked.

A surprising star of the meal were the chips, which were slathered in an American style cheese.  It isn’t the sort of cheese I would usually order myself but it tasted incredible with the chips. Speaking of chips, they were light and chunky, and thanks to the cheese had a wonderfully gooey texture, that made them impossible to put down.

The only issue I had with them is that the cheese was slathered on top but underneath was bone dry. If the chips were covered throughout then this would be an excellent dish.

Kebab spring rolls

The kebab spring rolls come as a choice of chicken, doner, or a mix of both. They are quite large, probably about 6 inches long, with a beautifully crispy skin that flakes off as you bite into it, which then reveals the hot tender kebab meat inside.

Doner rice bowl

If you thought visiting a kebab shop was an inevitable end to your diet – then think again! German Doner Kebabs also offers rice bowls with a mixed salad of lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, and onions.

I was surprised at how healthy this bowl was. The doner meat is lighter and cut thinner than many other kebab vans, making it a balanced meal without leaving you feeling bloated. The garlic sauce added a nice texture and flavour, with the bowl making it easy to eat on the go.

Kebabs as you have never seen them!

I left the Swavesey Services pleasantly surprised. Not only had I enjoyed a pleasant meal but I had experienced a variety of interesting takes on the classic dish. I don’t think it will impress you like the kebabs in Germany and many will still prefer their dirty doner from the village van but German Doner Kebabs offers something unique, innovative, and delicious!

I’ll definitely be back!