Nestled along the quiet corner of Poblacion, Makati, lies Dirty Hands. A dining spot breaking away from traditional street food expectations. Co-owned by Hussain Turan, the concept reflects his personal journey and dual heritage. Born and raised in Germany with Turkish roots, Turan later moved to Manila after running a dessert dining concept in Singapore, where he met his Filipina wife.
The idea was not to call it something-something shawarma or Hussain’s shawarma house,” Turan explains, describing the brand’s identity.
Drawing from the rich culinary traditions of the Ottoman Empire, where döner or shawarma originally signified rotating meat, Turan observed how Turkish guest workers in Germany adapted the dish into an accessible staple.
We wanted our guests to get their hands dirty while eating the shawarma.”
Dirty Hands translates this Turkish-German street food culture into a playful dining experience where authenticity meets global adaptation.
Beyond the Traditional Wrap
While shawarma is a familiar staple in the local food scene, Dirty Hands sets itself apart through customizable bases and globally inspired flavor profiles. Guests can build their meal from the ground up by selecting a foundation, such as signature sourdough tombik bread, traditional lavash wraps, or buttered rice. Pairing it with chicken or beef.
Beyond the base, the menu highlights international influences across its signature offerings.
Adding a South American twist, the bom dia comes loaded with robust chimichurri and rich burnt onion mayonnaise. Meanwhile, the restaurant keeps things dynamic through its rotating Dirty Special, a seasonal creation currently presented as Korean-inspired soul food layered with kimchi mayonnaise, stewed kimchi, turmeric-pickled radish, and seaweed flakes.
To round out the meal, guests can explore small plates like the fried hummus, crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside alongside a mezze mix filled with muhammara, consisting of roasted bell pepper and walnut dip. Their murtabbal, which is a smoky eggplant with tahini. Feta with lemon, and the crowd favorite, their Turkish rolls stuffed with beef and cheese.
Vibrant Aesthetics and Atmosphere
The establishment’s interior draws direct inspiration from the coastal town of Alaçatı in Turkey, incorporating a crisp white-and-blue color palette alongside design elements echoing the lively restaurant culture of Istanbul.
Choosing a quieter strip of Poblacion was a deliberate move for Turan, offering a welcome alternative to the neighborhood’s loud and vibrant center. By setting up on Quinto Street, Dirty Hands carves out its own distinct space. One that invites diners to slow down and savor the experience rather than rush through it.
They’re just happy to receive something new, a new concept, a new location.”
Something new.”
Turan envisions Dirty Hands as a welcoming neighborhood spot where visitors can gather for drinks, share plates, and either kick off or wind down their evening. As Turan puts it, the goal from day one has simply been for guests to;
Come over, have fun, have drinks… and, of course, get your hands dirty.”
The Proof is in the Mess
Dirty Hands operates in Poblacion, Makati, from Tuesday through Sunday, opening at 11:00 a.m. until sold out.
Whether you’re lining your stomach before a big night out or winding down over mezze and a cold drink, it fully delivers on its promise. Honest street food stripped of pretense, packed with global soul, and rooted in rich story and heritage.
So leave the cutlery at the table, lean into the mess, and make sure to grab a few extra napkins, because you’re definitely going to need them.
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