Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts sensation known as “Luke the Nuke,” has not only revolutionized the sport with his pinpoint accuracy but also captured hearts with his unabashed love for a quintessentially British indulgence: the kebab. Fresh off his meteoric rise to the world number two ranking and a historic 2024 PDC World Championship final appearance, Littler has partnered with Deliveroo to reintroduce the Best Kebab Award for the 2025 UK Restaurant Awards. In doing so, he’s shared his formula for the perfect kebab, revealing a simple yet precise recipe—and a condiment he simply can’t stomach.
Littler’s affinity for kebabs became a cultural phenomenon during his breakthrough at the 2023 World Darts Championship, where, at just 16, he celebrated victories with a £7.99 mixed doner wrap from German Doner Kebab near his London hotel. “I keep it simple and just have whatever I can find nearby the venue,” he said, describing his on-the-go dining habits during a whirlwind darts schedule. His post-match ritual of savoring a kebab, often paired with a Coke or Fanta, endeared him to fans, who saw the Warrington-born prodigy as a relatable everyman. “Everyone knows I love a cheeky kebab every now and then,” Littler grinned, explaining why he championed the return of the kebab category to celebrate the nation’s finest shawarmas, gyros, and shish.
So, what makes Littler’s ideal kebab? The formula is straightforward yet uncompromising: chicken or lamb, cooked to perfection over a charcoal grill, nestled in fresh naan bread with crisp salad, a generous drizzle of mayonnaise (strictly not garlic-infused), and a kick of chili sauce. “Mayo (not garlic), chili sauce, fresh naan—it was just so good!” he enthused, recalling a particularly memorable wrap. He’s not averse to a side of chips, either, adding a classic British touch to his meal. However, Littler drew a firm line at garlic mayonnaise, declaring it a flavor he can’t stand. “Posh kebabs aren’t for me,” he added, dismissing gourmet variations in favor of the authentic, flame-grilled experience. “I prefer the real thing—cooked over flames, full of flavor, proper portion. You can’t beat a classic charcoal-grilled shish.”
Littler’s kebab obsession has deep roots. His local takeaway in Warrington, Hot Spot, named a “Luke The Nuke Wrap” after him, featuring doner meat, lettuce, onions, and mayo—a nod to his go-to order. “That’s my mate’s place, and they’ve now got the Luke Wrap under my name,” he said proudly, noting how his fame has boosted the shop’s business, with orders for his signature wrap forcing them to restock doner meat every three days. The shop’s owner, Hamido, even offers Littler free haircuts at his barbershop, Hamidos, cementing a bond forged over shared community pride. “Whenever he comes back to Warrington, he tends to order the ‘Luke The Nuke Wrap,’” Hamido shared, describing Littler as a “top lad” who’s always welcome.
The darts star’s partnership with Deliveroo reflects his desire to shine a spotlight on the UK’s kebab culture, a passion that resonates with his grounded persona. “I have a really busy darts schedule, so am always ordering food on the move,” he explained. “Deliveroo has amazing options, so I’ve tried lots of different cuisines and am excited to be celebrating some of the best restaurants on the app.” His role as a judge for the Best Kebab Award, with voting open until May 9, underscores his influence beyond the oche, as he seeks to honor the unsung heroes of late-night dining. “Whether it’s chicken tikka or lamb, there are three steps to a tasty kebab,” he teased, hinting at his judging criteria.
Littler’s kebab love has also attracted quirky offers. In 2024, a London kebab chain, Kebhouze, promised him free kebabs for life if he won the World Championship, while a Turkish holiday firm jokingly offered him a role as a kebab taster for luxury hotels. Though he didn’t claim the 2024 title, losing 7-4 to Luke Humphries, Littler’s appetite for kebabs remained undimmed. He clarified rumors about his diet, admitting, “I had a kebab after my first win and didn’t have another in two weeks,” dispelling the myth that he indulged nightly. His manager, Martin Foulds, has since encouraged a healthier approach, with Littler now prioritizing pre-match meals like ham and cheese omelettes and pizza to fuel his performances.
As Littler prepares for the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt, his kebab crusade continues to charm fans. From inspiring a 50% surge in darts sales to earning endorsements from brands like BoohooMAN, the teenager’s authenticity shines through. “He’s just a typical 17-year-old boy,” one observer noted, highlighting his love for Xbox, FIFA, and, of course, a proper kebab. Whether he’s hitting a 180 or savoring a shish, Littler proves that greatness and relatability can go hand in hand.
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