Vegan Kebab Shop Nominated For Best Takeaway In National Competition

Vegan kebab shop What The Pitta is one of the finalists for Best Takeaway in the British Kebab Awards.  

What the Pitta was founded in 2016 by Cem Yildiz and his business partner Roj Gul. 

The pair got inspired by Roj’s uncle who had developed a tasty, meat-less Döner Kebab recipe which he sold in his vegan bar in Freiburg, Germany. 

They started selling their meat-free kebab and other Turkish inspired vegan treats in a small wooden cabin at Shoreditch's Box Park, and at the time it was the first vegan kebab shop in London. The owners say they took a risk with vegan food and it paid off. 

"People thought we were crazy," said Cem Yildiz.  

"Everybody's doing it now - this year's booming with veganism," he added. 

"When we first started, there was a lot of food markets and vegan nights in the area. We were in Box Park, which is all about inspiring new innovative dishes, and now there's three or four different vegan traders there."

"That alternative vibe brought people who were willing to try something new and experiment. I think that's what millennials want from their food - they want new experiences and flavours," he said.

Today, What The Pitta operates outlets in Hackney, Croydon, Brighton and Camden - with a fifth location opening soon.

The company believes you can still have a delicious tasting kebab that is meat-free, healthier and better for the planet.

The founders say their plant-based kebab meat is so tasty that attracts many meat-eaters, not only for vegans. Their kebabs are made with the best fresh ingredients.

Cem said: "Not all our customers are strictly vegan, there's a lot of non-vegans trying to reduce the amount of meat they're eating.

Winning a traditionally 'meaty' competition would help veganism and influence more restaurants to be more environmentally-friendly and sustainable.

You can vote for What The Pitta here.