Every night, as the pubs close, thousands queue outside stalls and shops waiting for a moment of Turkish delight.
Mouthwatering - Durali Asan slices off the lamb. Picture: NICK ANSELL ESKYR
We are talking about the humble kebab which has become one of the cornerstones of British life since it first hit our streets almost 35-years-ago and is being championed as part of National Kebab Week.
Since then the number of kebab shops and restaurants has increased by more than 100 per cent with every town boasting at least a dozen eateries locals can chose from.
And Southend is no exception. Alibabas Kebabs in Southend was one of the first take-aways to start selling the 'exotic sandwich' to residents in the town.
Ali Asan, speaking for the restaurant, said: "We were one of the first kebab shops to open in Southend. Kebabs really have taken off in this country and are a bit of an institution."
Published Friday October 11, 2002
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