When it comes to finding generous portions of hearty food that burst with authentic flavours from the Middle East (at prices that won’t break the bank), then look no further than Istanbul Kebab. A traditional Turkish food restaurant right here in Jozi!
And, as Istanbul Kebab opens up their new branch in Melrose Arch where Moyo was once located, Turkish food is truly set to make its mark on the Joburg food scene.
If you like your food spicy, then turn up the heat and try the Adana Kebab. It’s made of finely chopped beef, fresh red pepper and spices that are all mixed together and then moulded onto a metal kebab stick to grill over smoking hot coals.
Pair your meat dish with a selection of delicious sides like Turkish rice, hummus, or a yogurt, cucumber, mint and olive oil dip called haydari.
Ever heard or Turkish pizza? No? Well, say hello to a dish called lahmacun. It’s a crispy, flat bread topped with meat, onions, peppers, a special sauce and parsley made in a wood-fired oven, with the option of adding cheese.
But, if you really up the pizza-factor, then you need to order a pide. It’s also a flatbread dish, except it’s shaped like a long boat and is topped with melty cheese along with chicken, beef mince, spinach, or doner (thin slices of marinated kebab meat).
If you’re feeling adventurous, wash your meal down with a glass of savoury Ayran, a traditional drink made of yogurt with a touch of salt and water.
Even when you think you’ve reached your stomach’s limit, we all know there is most certainly always space to tuck into something sweet.
So, to finish your meal off, indulge your taste buds in one of the exotic-tasting, and truly Turkish desserts on offer at Istanbul Kebab as you sip on a cup of freshly brewed coffee, served Turkish-style in a cezve (a small copper pot with a long handle).
From the familiar baklava, a sweet and syrupy pastry made from layers of finely chopped pistachio nuts, paper-thin sheets of phyllo, and butter. To the ultra-cheesy künefe, a sweet, baked street-food dessert made from layers of buttered kadayif noodles filled with unsalted cheese and soaked in syrup and best served piping hot.
To find out more, be sure to check out Istanbul Kebab on Instagram and Facebook, or on their website on www.instanbulkebab.co.za
Meat lover’s paradise
While there are vegetarian options available, meat is what’s highly recommended on the Istanbul Kebab menu. And, the best part? Everything is SANHA certified, so you don’t need to worry whether or not food items are halaal or not. So, while you sit back, relax and smoke a Turkish nargile, (that’s a shisha, hookah or hubbly to you and me) dig into one of these mouth-watering and meaty meals and, while you wait, sip on a steaming hot cup of Turkish tea steeped with apple, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon.
If you like your food spicy, then turn up the heat and try the Adana Kebab. It’s made of finely chopped beef, fresh red pepper and spices that are all mixed together and then moulded onto a metal kebab stick to grill over smoking hot coals.
Pair your meat dish with a selection of delicious sides like Turkish rice, hummus, or a yogurt, cucumber, mint and olive oil dip called haydari.
Turkish ‘pizza’
Ever heard or Turkish pizza? No? Well, say hello to a dish called lahmacun. It’s a crispy, flat bread topped with meat, onions, peppers, a special sauce and parsley made in a wood-fired oven, with the option of adding cheese.
But, if you really up the pizza-factor, then you need to order a pide. It’s also a flatbread dish, except it’s shaped like a long boat and is topped with melty cheese along with chicken, beef mince, spinach, or doner (thin slices of marinated kebab meat).
If you’re feeling adventurous, wash your meal down with a glass of savoury Ayran, a traditional drink made of yogurt with a touch of salt and water.
Turkish Delight
Even when you think you’ve reached your stomach’s limit, we all know there is most certainly always space to tuck into something sweet.
So, to finish your meal off, indulge your taste buds in one of the exotic-tasting, and truly Turkish desserts on offer at Istanbul Kebab as you sip on a cup of freshly brewed coffee, served Turkish-style in a cezve (a small copper pot with a long handle).
From the familiar baklava, a sweet and syrupy pastry made from layers of finely chopped pistachio nuts, paper-thin sheets of phyllo, and butter. To the ultra-cheesy künefe, a sweet, baked street-food dessert made from layers of buttered kadayif noodles filled with unsalted cheese and soaked in syrup and best served piping hot.
To find out more, be sure to check out Istanbul Kebab on Instagram and Facebook, or on their website on www.instanbulkebab.co.za
