At the end of the 19 tramline are adana kebabs people travel far and wide for, waiting patiently as the intoxicating smell of spiced lamb and charcoal wafts from the Coburg North food truck.
Erin Icbudak and his wife Funda opened Adana Co. in 2022, serving their take on traditional Turkish recipes. Now, they’re set to expand into a permanent location in Caroline Springs.
“Adana Co is our way of honouring our family in Melbourne’s vibrant food scene,” Funda says.
Originating in the Turkish city of Adana, this kebab style is lamb mince wrapped around a sword-skewer, grilled over charcoal. Adana Co. uses grass-fed Spring lamb, for a gentler, less gamey flavour. The exact spice mix is a secret balance of seasonings, like paprika, capsicum and salt, and the best tail and rib fats—an essential ingredient.
“The charcoal flavour of the Adana is made when the fat drips over the coals and smokes the meat,” Funda says.
It’s pulled hot from the grill onto Turkish pide or lavash to soak up the red spiced juices, and rolled tightly with different fresh-to-order salads, such as zippy sumac onions and parsley in the Classic wrap. Heat-seekers, opt for Chilli Habits with house-pickled chillies and chilli sauce.
Switch it up with grilled cubed lamb or marinated chicken thigh, and a chargrilled eggplant option means vegos and vegans don’t miss out. Simple, but premium. No sides, just home-made baklava and drinks including Turkish sodas and ayran, a yoghurt-based drink.
The concept of Adana Co. is drawn from Funda’s childhood memory.
“My family and I were celebrating around our traditional New Year’s Eve barbeque feast whilst on a camping trip,” she says.
“The memory is of my grandmother making me an Adana wrap straight from the barbeque; my favourite person making me my favourite meal. It was bliss. I wanted to share this feeling through the menu.”
She says Erin is the drive behind the business and the “mastermind” ensuring quality. It was his idea to open Adana Co., leaving his job in logistics.
Soon, he’ll lead the launch of their new Caroline Springs store, while Ogeday Tuncer, a team member originally from Adana in Turkey, will take over the truck.
“I’m really impressed with Adana Co.’s mission to bring adana to everyone,” he says. “And most especially prepared with love.”
Find Adana Co. at 850 Sydney Road, Coburg North. They’re open from 5.30pm until 10.30pm Wednesday to Friday, 5pm-10.30pm Saturdays and 5pm-9.30pm on Sundays. The new store can be found at Shop 14, Northlake Centre, 114B Gourlay Road Caroline Springs.
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