Dristor Kebap (Lipscani)

Dristor Kebap (Lipscani) is the Old Town branch of Bucharest's best-known shaorma chain, located at Strada Lipscani 41 in the pedestrian nightlife district of Bucharest, Romania. The chain began in the Dristor neighbourhood and became a local institution for cheap, filling food at any hour, and the Lipscani branch serves the crowds of the Old Town bars and clubs. The cuisine is Romanian-style shawarma, known locally as shaorma: shaved chicken or pork wrapped in lipie flatbread with cabbage, pickles, garlic sauce, chilli sauce and fries, a combination that differs from the Middle Eastern original. Signature orders include the shaorma special with all four sauces, chicken shaorma in lipie and a fries and soft drink combo. The dining format is counter service with limited seating, so the atmosphere is fast, loud and informal, with queues after midnight on weekends; there is no dress code and no reservations. The beverage offering is limited to soft drinks, water and sometimes beer, since the chain targets takeaway customers. Prices are very low by Western European standards, with a meal costing around 25-35 RON, about $5-8 USD, which is why the restaurant appeals to budget travellers and students. Opening hours run from about 10AM to 3AM daily, and some sources list closing at 4AM. The location, among the bars of Lipscani Street and a few minutes from Manuc's Inn, suits a late-night meal after drinks or a quick lunch between Old Town sights. Vegetarian shaorma variants are sometimes available, though staff should be asked, and larger groups usually order takeaway and eat nearby.