Tavuk Dürüm

Tavuk Dürüm is a Turkish street-food staple consisting of marinated, grilled chicken wrapped in a thin lavash or yufka flatbread. Its origins lie in the broader döner and dürüm traditions of Anatolia, where meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie is rolled into a portable wrap. The dish is especially iconic in Istanbul, where it is served from countless casual eateries and late-night stalls.

Key ingredients include thinly sliced or shredded chicken—typically marinated in yogurt, tomato paste, and spices such as paprika, cumin, and black pepper—grilled over charcoal for a smoky char. The wrap is filled with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled peppers, and often a squeeze of lemon, with optional additions like sumac onions or a drizzle of garlic-yogurt sauce. A great version is distinguished by the chicken’s tenderness and deep, smoky flavor, a lavash that is lightly crisped on the griddle, and a balanced ratio of meat to vegetables so that each bite is moist but not soggy.

Regional variations abound: in Istanbul, dürüm is often served with a side of ayran and extra chili flakes, while in Gaziantep, the chicken may be seasoned with isot pepper for a fruity heat. Mark Wiens, visiting Dürümcü in Istanbul, praised the wrap for its “incredible char” and “perfectly balanced” garlic sauce, highlighting how the best versions rely on high-quality meat and a hot, well-seasoned grill.