Chicken Döner vs Meat Döner in Side — Which to Order at Hawaii

Both are worth ordering at Hawaii Restaurant in Side. Chicken döner is lighter, milder and juicy — the crowd-pleaser for kids and hot days. Meat döner is richer, more savoury and satisfying. Both are halal-slaughtered, freshly carved from the vertical spit, and served daily.

Two döners, one honest choice

If you're wandering Side old town and can't decide between the two döners on our board, you're in good company — it's one of the most common questions our guests ask. At Hawaii Restaurant & Karaoke Bar (512. Sk., open daily 10:00–02:00), we carve both the Chicken döner kebab and the Meat döner kebab fresh from the vertical spit. Neither is "better" in any absolute sense — they simply suit different appetites and moods. Here's the honest breakdown to help you order with confidence.

Chicken döner: lighter, milder, juicy

Our chicken döner is the gentler of the two. The meat is tender and mild, with a clean, savoury flavour that doesn't overpower — which is exactly why it tends to win over children, lighter eaters, and anyone dining in the Side afternoon heat when a heavy plate feels like too much. The outer edges crisp up on the spit while the inside stays juicy. If you're not a fan of strong, gamey flavours, or you're introducing fussy family members to Turkish food for the first time, chicken döner is the safe, satisfying pick.

Order chicken döner if: you like it light and mild, you're feeding kids, it's a hot day, or you want a lunch that won't slow you down for the rest of your afternoon in the old town.

Meat döner: richer, deeper, more satisfying

The meat döner is the classic — bolder, more savoury, and altogether more filling. It carries a deeper, roastier flavour from the wood-fire and charcoal side of our kitchen, and the fat that renders on the spit gives every slice more character. This is the one to reach for when you want a proper, sit-down meal that leaves you genuinely full. It stands up well to a cold drink and a football match on the screen — and yes, we show live sport including the Premier League, Champions League, Formula 1 and hockey.

Order meat döner if: you want a richer, more filling plate, you love a deeper savoury flavour, or you're making an evening of it.

Both are halal — and a note on how we run the kitchen

An important point for many of our guests: all the meat and chicken we serve is halal-slaughtered, and that applies to both döners equally. We're a family-friendly restaurant, and we take this seriously. In the interest of full honesty, we should also be clear that Hawaii is a bar as well as a restaurant — we serve alcohol, including more than 30 cocktails, so we're not an alcohol-free venue and we don't claim to be. Pork is only prepared on request, in a separate area with dedicated equipment. For most tables, that simply means: order either döner and you're ordering halal meat. If halal is your priority, our full guide to halal food in Side covers everything.

Still can't decide? Split the difference

Here's the local tip: come with a friend or as a family, order one of each, and share. That way you get the light, juicy chicken and the rich, savoury meat on the same table — and you'll quickly work out which becomes your regular. Both döners also share the menu with our burger line-up (the Hamburger, Cheeseburger and our signature Hawaii burger, all with chips) and simple favourites like an Omelet, so there's something for every appetite around the table. See the full menu for the current line-up and portions.

Where and when to eat at Hawaii

You'll find us in the heart of Side old town, open every day from 10:00 to 02:00, which makes either döner a great call whether it's a midday break from the beach or a late supper after a stroll along the harbour. Döner is one of the best-value, most reliable choices for a quick, tasty lunch in Side. If you want to go deeper into how Turkish döner is made and served, our döner kebab in Side guide is the place to start, and first-time visitors will find our Turkish food guide for tourists handy for the rest of the menu.

Come and taste the difference

We offer free hotel pickup from selected hotels plus an affordable two-way transfer, serving Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Sorgun, Titreyengöl, Gündoğdu, Ilıca and Manavgat. Message us on WhatsApp at +90 533 930 12 83, or book a table and settle the great chicken-versus-meat debate for yourself.