02.11.2026 22:50
While döner prices in many cities of Turkey rise to 200 to 300 liras, a business in Kilis sells a chicken döner wrap for 30 liras. Ali Karabalık, who has been in the döner business since 2008, explained the secret of the low price, stating that after all expenses he earns 5 liras per wrap. Karabalık, saying they sell 800 to a thousand wraps daily, aims to maintain the affordable pricing policy in 2027 as well.
Citizens who hear the price of döner show great interest in the business in Kilis. Ali Karabalık, a tradesman who sells chicken döner wraps for 30 lira, says that despite the low profit margin, he makes a profit thanks to the sales volume.
HE SELLS DÖNER FOR 30 LIRA IN 2026
Ali Karabalık, who practices döner mastery in Kilis, draws attention with his affordable pricing policy. Karabalık, who has run his own business since 2008, offers chicken döner wraps for sale for 30 lira. At a time when döner prices in different cities of Turkey have risen to 200, 250 and 300 lira, this price surprises customers. As citizens who want to buy döner queue in front of the business, Karabalık prefers to make more sales by keeping prices low. The tradesman, noting that there are customers especially surprised that döner is sold for 30 lira in 2026, states that they can make a profit even at the current price.
"5 LIRA REMAINS PER WRAP"
Karabalık, noting that three people work in his business, said that after covering electricity, water, tax and personnel expenses, he earns about 5 lira from each wrap. The tradesman, noting that they sell 800 to a thousand wraps per day, explained that he keeps his business standing thanks to the high sales volume. Karabalık used the following statements regarding his earnings: "If this won't save it, why should I sweat so much. We don't earn 20-25 thousand lira, we earn 5 thousand lira. Thank God. Let the citizens eat, the people are praying. After covering the money for my workers, electricity, taxes and all expenses, 5 lira remains per wrap. We earn from volume. When we sell 800-1000 wraps, we earn close to 5 thousand lira per day. Under today's conditions, this is also good money."
HE REACTED TO EXORBITANT PRICES
Karabalık also criticized döner prices rising to as much as 300 lira in some cities. The tradesman, arguing that the perception of prices has deteriorated, said that businesses raise prices citing cost increases but do not reduce them at the same rate when costs fall. Karabalık, especially drawing attention to changes in exchange rates, stated that some businesses that raise prices when the dollar rises do not lower prices when the dollar falls. Karabalık, noting that the cost of chicken döner is known, expressed that they will continue to sell at affordable prices against exorbitant pricing practices.
6 PEOPLE GET FULL FOR 300 LIRA
Citizens who come to the business in Kilis state that they are pleased with both the price and the taste of the döner. Karabalık, relaying that one of his customers said preparing food at home costs 400-500 lira, expressed that at his own business 6 people can get full for 300 lira. It was stated that some customers who see the affordable price, thinking they read it wrong, check again whether the döner is 30 lira or 300 lira. At the same time, different views on the price also emerged. Some citizens, comparing with prices in Gaziantep, expressed that they found 30 lira high.
HE AIMS TO KEEP THE SAME PRICE IN 2027 AS WELL
Ali Karabalık, who has been in the döner business for about 18 years, wants to continue his business model based on a low profit margin and high sales volume. Karabalık, stating that he is pleased with the citizens' interest, said that he aims to maintain the 30-lira döner price in 2027 as well.