The Rise of Döner Kebab in Germany
In Germany, especially in Berlin, döner kebab is everywhere. Approximately two million döner kebabs – invented by Turkish immigrants in West Berlin in the 1970s – are consumed daily in Germany, according to a catering industry association, a significant number for a country of 83 million inhabitants.
Indeed, it has even displaced the traditional dish, currywurst – grilled beef sausage with ketchup and curry powder – and is now the most popular fast-food dish in the country, according to a 2022 survey.
But what has led to the popularity of döner kebab in Germany? Its delicious combination of grilled meat, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauces wrapped in soft bread has captured the hearts and taste buds of Germans across the country. It has become a staple street food, offering a quick and tasty meal for people on the go.
The Changing Symbolism of Döner Kebab in Germany
For a long time, Döner kebab was a symbol of the cultural impact of Turkish migration in Germany. However, recently, as the dish has become significantly more expensive, it has come to symbolize something else: the struggle for money, as reported by Politico.
“I used to eat it twice a week during my lunch break, but not anymore,” said a 16-year-old high school student standing in line for a €7.50 Döner kebab outside a restaurant in the Kreuzberg neighborhood of Berlin, where there are…
The Rise of Kebab Prices in Germany
Many young students in Germany are feeling the impact of rising prices, especially when it comes to their favorite fast food – kebabs. “I used to eat kebabs all the time, but now they are just too expensive,” one 16-year-old student said while waiting in line at a popular kebab restaurant.
Since 2016, the prices of kebabs in Germany have increased by 75% (compared to an overall inflation rate of 24%), according to a study based on Google restaurant reviews. This sudden increase in prices has been particularly noticeable in the last two years, with the average price now much higher than it used to be.
The price of kebabs to increase in Germany
In 2022, the price of kebabs is set to increase from 5 euros to 7 euros by 2024. This has caused widespread dissatisfaction among German youth, leading to online petitions urging political leaders to take action to reduce prices.
“Eight euros for a döner!” seems to shout an angry man at German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Munich in a video posted on TikTok. “Speak to Putin! I want to pay four euros for a döner. Please!”
The issue has become so significant that some politicians are considering measures to address the concerns of consumers and ensure affordable prices for popular food items. The Left Party demands a “brake on döner prices”
Young people calling for affordable döner
“When young people demand: ‘Olaf, make döner cheaper’, this is not an internet joke, but a serious cry for help!” wrote Kathi Gebel, a member of the Left Party’s executive committee.
According to the report, the state should set a maximum price of 4.90 euros per döner – this would mean subsidizing each piece with 3 euros, resulting in the state burdening itself with 4 billion euros annually, based on the estimate that in the.
The Rise in Doner Kebab Prices in Germany
In Germany, 1.3 billion doner kebabs are consumed every year. The prices of doner kebabs have increased for the same reason as the prices of other goods: the rise in energy prices and basic raw materials, especially after Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine. Inflation further decreased to 2.2% in June, according to the initial estimates of the country’s federal statistical office, from 6.2% a year ago. However, this does not mean immediate relief in the cost of doner kebabs. Prices are not expected to go down anytime soon.
The Impact of Rising Döner Prices in Germany
Recent reports indicate that the prices of döner, a popular fast food in Germany, are on the rise. Economists warn that while this may lead to some economic benefits, it could also have negative consequences for consumers. If prices continue to increase, people may start consuming less döner, resulting in a slower growth for the industry.
Furthermore, economists also caution that a price brake on döner could potentially lead to a shortage of kebabs – an unintended consequence that could potentially cause more unrest, considering the significance of fast food in German society.
