A SOUTHEND couple will appear on Channel 4 next week as they compete for the chance to sell their Turkish kebab marinade in 1,000 Aldi stores across the country.
Husband and wife, Yuksel and Lil Salih, beat hundreds of hopefuls to feature on the fifth episode of the series “Aldi’s Next Big Thing”, set to air next Tuesday.
The couple are owners of “The Kebab Club” which sells specialist sauces and marinades to help people experience restaurant quality Turkish food in their own homes.
Inspired by Yuksel’s Turkish-Cypriot father, who pioneered his own fast food journey with a kebab shop in Romford in 1983, the pair are replicating his success, but with a tasty twist.
The showstopper in their arsenal is the “Chicken Shish Marinade”, a Mediterranean concoction of chargrilled red peppers, paprika, oregano and lemon, crafted from Lil’s kitchen.
Lil, 31, said: “At The Kebab Club, we specialise in crafting authentic Turkish marinades and sauces.
“The humble kebab is the nation’s favourite takeaway - 1.3 million kebabs are consumed every single day.
“Despite this, Turkish cuisine is not represented on retailer shelves.”
Yuksel, 37, echoes his wife’s sentiments highlighting their shared culinary passion, adding:
“We’re passionate about kebabs and we’re passionate about Turkish food.
“I’m really proud of Lil and what she’s done.”
The second season of Aldi’s Next Big Thing is hosted by Anita Rani and Chris Bavin and sees domestic suppliers compete in various categories with a chance to secure retail space in Aldi’s nationwide stores.
Julie Ashfield, managing director of Buying at Aldi UK, said: “What’s most exciting about the world foods category is the breadth and what’s possible.
“World cuisine presents an affordable alternative to eating out or takeaways.”
The supermarket chain purchased an additional £1.3 billion in merchandise last year from British growers and suppliers.
To see if The Kebab Club’s Chicken Shish Marinade lands a spot on Aldi’s shelves, tune in to the episode airing on April 30 at 8pm.
The series will broadcast every Tuesday at 8pm, continuing until May 7.
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