A popular local kebab shop has once again been crowned the Best Takeaway in London at the British Kebab Awards. Hakan Topkaya, takeaway manager of Archway Kebab, was delighted to snag the prize last week at the ceremony in the Park Plaza Westminster Hotel, hosted in association with food delivery giant JUST EAT.
The Junction Road takeaway is no stranger to winning this award, with this being the fourth time they have won in the 12 years the awards have been running. Mr Topkaya, manager of the beloved North London babby, said the win was solely down to “competence, passion, training and wisdom”.
Mr Topkaya explained how his staff start work at 6am every day to prepare.
“It takes discipline to put it all together”, he said. His chefs have over 100 years’ experience between them and have all previously owned their own businesses.
He said leading the kebab industry was about “setting trends” and that it was their excellent meat – sourced from Scotland and England, seasoned to perfection, and grilled on their state-of-the-art grill – that was the key to their success.
“Our grill is very special,” Mr Topkaya explained. Circulating the air in a vacuum system makes sure the oil from the kebab, when it drips, moves to the side rather than creating smoke that penetrates the meat, meaning the meat is less bitter.
“I did a lot of research to get the best grill and even tried to make one myself. It also saves us 70 to 80 per cent on gas costs.”
Mr Topkaya grew up in Islington and explained how much his community means to him. Archway Kebab is a family project, founded in 1982 by his uncle and father.
He said: “I love contributing to the community I’ve grown up in – it gives me contentment, which has only grown with age.”
And as for Mr Topkaya’s ideal kebab order? “I’d either go for a lamb doner or chicken doner, with a pitta. I’d have chilli sauce and all the salads.” Seems like the perfect choice.
