What’s in the marinade for meat kebabs in Istanbul restaurants, and do they use mayo or animal fat?

One traveler noted that food in local restaurants can feel quite rich because many dishes are cooked with olive oil. If you are sensitive to heavy food, it is worth asking about the cooking method in advance.

According to a review of Rame, the meat flavor there is not overwhelmed by spices: seasoning is moderate and the meat stays the focus. The doneness was also praised as well-balanced rather than dry.

Based on the chat description, the red marinade for chicken in Istanbul kebab places is usually made from tomato paste, yogurt, red pepper flakes, and vegetable oil. Lemon, sumac, and other spices may be added, but mayo is typically not part of it.

The same traveler added that animal fat is generally not included in this type of meat preparation. They also mentioned that in some places the skewers are openly visible in the kitchen, so you can visually check how the food is being prepared.