Doner Summer York Review | Vegan Junk Food

Ahh, Döner Summer! If you’re looking for a unique and delicious dining experience in York, then Doner Summer York is the perfect place to eat. Doner Summer offers a wide range of vegan junk food options, great news if you’re craving indulgent, plant-based meals.

I started eating plant-based about 6 weeks ago. So when I met a friend in York for a visit to Fairfax house and then for food, I suggested Doner Summer. I had Doner Summer Takeaway about 6 weeks ago, delivered to my house via Deliveroo. I was really impressed with it so couldn’t wait to go back again. But did it live up to my high expectations after that delicious first taste of the vegan junk food?

About Doner Summer

Doner Summer York first started in Spark in 2019 and has since moved its own store unit and expanded to include locations in Leeds, Hull, and Manchester. With its growing popularity, it’s no surprise that the restaurant has become a must-visit destination for vegans and food lovers.

Tucked away on Gillygate, Doner Summer York is just a 15-minute walk from the train station, near the historic city walls. The restaurant’s location offers a refreshing break from the bustling city centre, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed and enjoyable meal. Due to the location, I doubt people would just stumble upon it, as it’s just outside the walls.

Indoor and Outdoor Seating

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor beer garden, known as the “Garden of Vegan,” has spacious tables and booths with heat lamps for cooler evenings. This space is perfect for large group gatherings, offering a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.

Inside, the restaurant’s decor is modern and inviting. There are twinkling fairy lights, beautiful plants, and vibrant artwork. Doner Summer York is very cute.

The Vegan Junk Food Menu

Doner Summer York’s menu is a vegan food lover’s paradise. From vegan doner kebabs to flavourful fried “chicken,” there’s a decent choice for junk food lovers. In the image above, you can see a photo of the Doner Summer menu.

Doner Kebabs with a Vegan Twist

One of the standout dishes at Doner Summer York is the Chick ‘n Parm Kebab. Served on a garlic and coriander flatbread, this delectable dish features crispy buttermylk-fried chick’n, creamy Philly cheeze sauce, tangy tomato relish, and a drizzle of dill pickle mayo. The combination of flavours and textures is expertly balanced, making it a must-try when visiting the restaurant.

Another popular option is the Bad Girl Kebab, which includes doner and garlic chili “chicken,” fresh vegetables, scotch bonnet sauce, pink aioli, and sesame seeds. This dish is not only eye-catching but also incredibly flavorful and satisfying.

Loaded Trays and Sides

For those craving something slightly different, Doner Summer York offers a variety of loaded trays, such as the Doner Teller. This dish consists of a generous portion of fries topped with vegan doner “meat,” pink cabbage, pickles, scotch bonnet sauce, and pink aioli. The combination of flavours and textures is both delectable and visually appealing.

Of course, no meal is complete without some tasty sides. The restaurant offers options like tater tots, garlic fries, and vinaigrette slaw to complement the main dishes. The Salt & Pepper Buttermylk Fried Chick’n is a highly recommended side, featuring a crispy exterior and a deliciously seasoned coating.

Fried “Chicken” and Dipping Sauces

Doner Summer York is also renowned for its Buttermylk Fried Chick’n, which comes in six mouth-watering flavours such as Korean BBQ, Salt & Pepper, and Honey Butter. To further elevate the dish, diners can choose from eight accompanying dipping sauces.

While the fried “chicken” may not be as crispy as traditional fried chicken, it still offers a satisfying texture and incredible flavour. I was surprised how much this tasted like proper chicken. I’ve tried a lot of plant-based alternatives and this wins hands-down.

Chick’n Burgers

Of course, there’s burgers. There’s 4 buttermylk patti burgers to choose from, dressed in vegan sauce with cheeze and a vegan bun.

My Doner Summer Experience

Takeaway

We had a takeaway when my plant-based friend visited. We each couldn’t decide what to get, so we got 4 things and shared them between us.

We got:

• What’s Garlic in French (burger)
• Garlic Chilli Chick’n Teller (loaded chips)
• Chick’N Gyros Kebab
• Spicy Friend Chicken

I LOVED the burger. It was delicious, there was just the right amount of sauce on it and it tasted so good. It wasn’t dry like you would expect a vegan chicken burger to taste. It was one of the best burgers I’ve ever had and I was kind of mad that I was having to share it!

The kabab was also really nice, the bread was soft and the dressing and the sauces worked really well together.

The Teller tray was another win. It was an extension of the burger and had so much topping on it. Delicious.

I was so surprised by the fried chicken. I second-guessed whether it was vegan or not. There was so much in the box too, plenty to go around, I’d absolutely recommend sharing the fried chicken and teller trays unless you are getting them as a main for yourself as there’s a lot.

Eating in at Doner Summer

So the second time, I went with my friend. We both got the garlic burger and we shared the Korean BBQ 2.0 teller tray.

It pains me to say that the burger wasn’t as good this time! The chicken tasted quite dry and overcooked and there wasn’t enough sauce on it. It wasn’t as juicy and delicious last time. Also, the cheeze wasn’t melted and I’m sure it was last time! Visually, it just looked a bit like fake plastic cheese on top of the burger – cheese ALWAYS looks and tastes better melted on burgers. I’m not sure whether having it in the takeaway box and getting it delivered to us melted it and made it softer but it was nicer that way! Also, the chick’n tasted more like a vegan substitute this time than actual chicmen but I’m not sure if my taste has changed since going plant-based or if it was just masked last time by the extra garlic sauce. I do think there were just more toppings and flavours in general before so it didn’t stand out as much.

The Korean BBQ teller tray was delicious! But again it could have used more sauce.

I was quite disappointed the second time I went. If I was to go again, I’d go for a kabab next time and I would ask for extra sauce for sure.

Drinks Menu

To complement its delicious vegan food, Doner Summer York also offers an extensive drinks menu. From fruity cocktails and gins to sodas, beer, and wine, there’s something for everyone.

Service and Staff

The service at Doner Summer York was lovely. It was very quiet when we visited on a Tuesday afternoon. The staff member was friendly, attentive, and efficient. We felt comfortable and well-taken care of during their visit.

Additional Information

Opening Hours:

Day	Hours
Monday-Thursday	12pm – 9pm
Friday-Saturday	12pm – 10pm
Sunday	12pm – 4pm (Outdoor Seating), 9pm (Indoor Seating)

For more information or to make a reservation, visit the Doner Summer York website.

In the end

Although I didn’t enjoy the food as much the second time, Doner Summer York is still a great choice for anyone seeking delicious vegan food in York. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to try something new, Doner Summer York is the place to go for a scrumptious and satisfying meal. So, the next time you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and indulge in their incredible vegan junk food offerings.