Time Out Melbourne never writes starred reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills for reviews so that readers can trust our critique.
A quick internet search on Hanna’s Kebab won’t yield a mountain of information. Not to be confused with Ashburton’s Hannah Kebabs, this small food truck operating out of a Coburg parking lot doesn’t have a website, an email address or much in the way of Google results. This mysteriousness is quite surprising, given that it’s the only kebab shop in Melbourne I know of where you might have to wait more than an hour for your order, so popular are its super-packed wraps. In 2023, infamous Sydney-based YouTuber and street food reviewer Spanian even called it one of the best kebabs he’s ever had in his life. Hanna’s does, thankfully, have an Instagram grid – here’s a good reel that gives you an idea of the vibe.
The first time I visited I was astonished at how many people – couples, big families, teens – had packed into the parking lot, either queuing up to order or waiting for their number to be called. It was around 8pm and such was the feverish excitement that conversation began to flow excitedly amongst strangers, which led to my discovery that one young lady had driven all the way from Derrimut. “Best kebabs ever,” a man in trackies promised me.
So what is it that’s so good about this kebab? Well, one thing is the bread. It’s unique, not at all like the fluffy Turkish sandwich-style doner kebabs popular in south Berlin or the dry, floury naan of Afghan-style kebabs. Hanna’s is flaky, a bit like a pastry yet somehow reminiscent of roti in its thickness, and rubbed over the meat before it’s charred. The result? Gift wrapping that tastes almost better than what’s inside.
Not that the juicy fillings aren’t absolutely cracking, too. My favourite is the lamb, its gamey flavour a perfect match for the tart green pickles, parsley, tomatoes and rich tahini sauce packed alongside it. Other options include the chicken (which comes with lettuce, pickles and a garlic dip instead), a falafel wrap and a mix. It’s a pretty salty bad boy so you’ll probably want to smash a can of Coke to help wash it all down.
But half the fun of this place is just experiencing the energy of it all. You can watch the man inside the truck single-handedly preparing each kebab alone, and notice there’s a clear method to the madness of waiting. (I should note that on a second visit at around 6pm, my order only took about 15 or 20 minutes – so don’t let this bugbear deter you.)
It’s worth mentioning the chips here are also the bomb, liberally dusted with chicken salt and available in HSP form if you’re after an all-out, sauce-slathered feast.
Is Hanna’s Kebab making the best kebabs in Melbourne right now? If you’re hungry, it definitely hits the spot and there’s no question it’s something a bit different. While some reckon it’s overrated, others swear by it and are willing to travel long distances to get their fill. And as for you? Well, you’d better go and try one!