Döner Prices in Berlin See Slight Decrease in Some Eateries
Berlin, March 8 – After years of steadily increasing prices, some döner kebab establishments in Berlin have begun to slightly reduce their prices. According to Erdogan Koc of the Association of Döner Producers Germany, these reductions are currently sporadic and range from 50 cents to one euro per döner.
Chicken Döner Leads the Price Drop
The most significant price adjustments are observed in chicken döner, a popular choice in Berlin. “We have seen significant price reductions in the purchase of poultry meat in recent months, which has temporarily given businesses some leeway,” Koc explained.
However, this is not a widespread phenomenon across the city. The situation varies considerably across Berlin’s districts. New döner shops, in particular, are using price as a competitive tool, while established businesses tend to maintain stable prices.
Oversupply and High Costs Persist
Koc highlighted an oversupply of döner shops in Berlin, with many new establishments continuously opening. “Some providers are trying to position themselves through price or compensate for weaknesses in demand,” he noted.
Despite these localized reductions, a sustained overall decrease in costs is deemed unlikely. The fundamental cost drivers, especially for beef and veal, personnel, and rent, remain high. Data from the Federal Statistical Office indicates that beef prices, for instance, rose by almost a quarter in January compared to the previous year.
Döner Remains Popular Despite Price Hikes
The era of a 3-euro döner is long gone. In recent years, kebab prices have soared nationwide. Paying 7, 8, or even more euros for a filled flatbread is now commonplace. Yet, this has not deterred demand.
In 2025, the average price for a meat döner across Germany was 7.11 euros, a 47 percent increase from 4.85 euros four years prior, according to market research institute YouGov. Despite this, the number of döner orders increased by 15 percent between 2021 and 2025.
A survey conducted by YouGov in May 2025 revealed that approximately one-third of Germans (35 percent) eat döner at least once a month, while nearly half (48 percent) consume it less frequently. This survey included both meat and vegetarian variants.
The döner kebab, alongside currywurst, is one of Germany’s most beloved fast-food items. However, the industry has not been immune to the rising costs of food and energy in recent years. Prices, like those of many other products, have significantly increased.
The current price adjustments in Berlin offer a glimmer of hope for döner enthusiasts, but the underlying economic pressures suggest that these may be temporary fluctuations rather than a long-term trend.
Source: dpa
