Close your eyes and imagine the sizzling sound of kebabs on a grill, the fragrant aroma of spices wafting through the air, and the sweet, sticky taste of honey-soaked baklava melting in your mouth. This isn’t a daydream; it’s the reality of exploring the vibrant Turkish food scene in London. With its diverse population and rich cultural tapestry, London has become a haven for authentic and innovative Turkish cuisine, offering everything from humble street food to refined dining experiences.
This article serves as your comprehensive guide to the best Turkish restaurants and dishes London has to offer. We’ll journey through the city’s Turkish culinary hotspots, revealing hidden gems and established favorites, catering to a range of palates and budgets. Whether you’re a seasoned lover of Turkish food or a curious newcomer, prepare to embark on a delicious adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. The article will focus on restaurants in areas like Green Lanes and Dalston, plus categorizing some of the best by the food they specialize in. Please note that this article is subjective, and based on current trends and popular favourites.
A Taste of Turkey: Understanding Turkish Cuisine
Turkish cuisine is a captivating blend of flavors and traditions, a legacy of the Ottoman Empire’s vast reach and its influence from Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. This culinary melting pot has resulted in a diverse and sophisticated food culture, rich in history and bursting with deliciousness.
Key ingredients form the cornerstone of many Turkish dishes. Lamb and beef are frequently used, often grilled, roasted, or slow-cooked to perfection. A vibrant array of vegetables, including eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, add freshness and depth of flavor. Spices like cumin, paprika, oregano, and mint play a crucial role, lending warmth and aromatic complexity to the dishes. Yogurt, a staple in Turkish cuisine, provides a cooling counterpoint to the richness of the meats and spices. Olive oil, especially in the Mediterranean regions, is used generously, and nuts, such as pistachios and walnuts, add texture and richness to both savory and sweet creations.
Common cooking methods include grilling over charcoal, stewing for long hours to develop deep flavors, and baking in traditional ovens. This combination of ingredients and techniques has produced some of the most beloved Turkish dishes, each with its own unique story and character.
These include succulent kebabs (Doner, Shish, Adana), an assortment of flavourful Mezes (cold and hot appetizers ideal for sharing), Pide (Turkish pizza) and Lahmacun (Turkish flatbread pizza). Finishing off a meal with Baklava & Turkish Delight is a must and washing it all down with Turkish Coffee & Tea.
London’s Turkish Culinary Hotspots
London boasts several areas that are particularly renowned for their Turkish food offerings. Each area has its own unique character and culinary landscape.
Green Lanes: A Turkish Food Paradise
Located in Harringay, North London, Green Lanes is arguably the heart of Turkish cuisine in the city. This bustling street is lined with a plethora of Turkish restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and grocery stores, creating a vibrant and authentic atmosphere.
One standout is Gökyüzü. This popular restaurant is known for its generous portions, reasonable prices, and consistently delicious kebabs. Their Iskender kebab, featuring thinly sliced doner meat served over pita bread with tomato sauce and yogurt, is a must-try. The atmosphere is lively, making it perfect for a casual meal with friends and family.
Another excellent choice is Antepliler. This restaurant specializes in dishes from the southeastern Turkish city of Gaziantep, famous for its pistachios and its rich culinary heritage. Their lahmacun, thin and crispy flatbread topped with minced meat and vegetables, is considered one of the best in London. The price range is moderate, offering good value for money.
For a more relaxed vibe, Hala Restaurant offers a great selection of classic Turkish dishes.
Dalston: A Modern Turkish Twist
East London’s Dalston offers a more contemporary take on Turkish cuisine. While still rooted in tradition, many restaurants in this area incorporate modern techniques and ingredients, resulting in innovative and exciting dishes.
Mangal 2 is a prime example. This restaurant has gained a loyal following for its refined take on traditional Turkish grilling. They source high-quality ingredients and use innovative cooking methods to create dishes that are both familiar and surprising. While slightly pricier than some of the other options, the quality justifies the expense.
Oklava, while technically inspired by Cypriot cuisine, offers dishes with clear Turkish influences.
Other Notable Areas
Beyond Green Lanes and Dalston, other areas of London also offer excellent Turkish food experiences. South London boasts a few hidden gems, while Central London has several upscale Turkish restaurants catering to a more discerning clientele. Each neighborhood offers a unique perspective on Turkish cuisine, adding to the diversity of London’s food scene.
Beyond the Basics: Must-Try Turkish Dishes
While kebabs are undoubtedly the most recognizable Turkish dish, there’s a whole world of culinary delights waiting to be explored. Here are a few must-try dishes that go beyond the basics:
Iskender Kebab
As mentioned earlier, this dish is a symphony of flavors and textures. Thinly sliced doner meat is served over a bed of warm pita bread, generously drizzled with tangy tomato sauce and creamy yogurt, and finished with a drizzle of melted butter. The combination of savory meat, tart yogurt, and rich butter is simply irresistible.
Manti
These small, handmade dumplings are similar to ravioli and are typically filled with seasoned ground meat. They are often served with a garlicky yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of dried mint and chili flakes. Manti are a labor of love, and the best versions are made with thin, delicate dough and flavorful fillings.
Imam Bayildi
This vegetarian dish translates to “the Imam fainted” and is a testament to the deliciousness of simple ingredients. Eggplant is stuffed with a mixture of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs, then slow-cooked in olive oil until tender and meltingly soft.
Künefe
This decadent dessert is a Turkish specialty, consisting of shredded pastry dough soaked in sweet syrup and layered with cheese. It’s baked until golden brown and crispy, then served hot with a generous drizzle of more syrup and a sprinkle of pistachios. The contrast between the crispy pastry, the gooey cheese, and the sweet syrup is utterly divine.
When ordering Turkish food, don’t be afraid to ask your server for recommendations. Turkish menus can be extensive, and they’ll be happy to guide you through the options. Consider ordering a selection of mezes to share, allowing you to sample a variety of different flavors and textures. And be sure to inquire about any ingredients you’re unsure about, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
Sweet Endings: Exploring Turkish Bakeries and Cafés
No exploration of Turkish cuisine is complete without indulging in the country’s delectable sweets and beverages. London is home to several excellent Turkish bakeries and cafes, each offering a unique selection of treats.
Baklava
This layered pastry, made with thin sheets of filo dough, chopped nuts, and sweet syrup, is a Turkish staple. Different regions of Turkey have their own variations, with some using pistachios, others walnuts, and still others almonds. The best baklava is made with high-quality ingredients and baked to perfection, resulting in a crispy, flaky, and intensely flavorful treat.
Turkish Delight
Also known as Lokum, this chewy confection is made from starch and sugar, flavored with rosewater, lemon, or other ingredients, and dusted with icing sugar. Turkish Delight comes in a wide variety of flavors and textures, from the classic rose flavor to more exotic options like pistachio and pomegranate.
Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is a strong, unfiltered coffee brewed in a traditional cezve (a small copper pot). The coffee grounds settle to the bottom of the cup, leaving a thick, sedimented brew. Turkish coffee is typically served in small cups and is often accompanied by a piece of Turkish Delight.
Turkish Tea
Tea is an integral part of Turkish culture, and it’s consumed throughout the day. Turkish tea is typically brewed in a double teapot and served in small, tulip-shaped glasses. The tea is often served with sugar cubes and is meant to be savored slowly.
The ritual of drinking Turkish coffee or tea is more than just a caffeine fix; it’s a social activity, a chance to relax and connect with friends and family.
Turkish Food on a Budget
You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy delicious Turkish food in London. There are plenty of budget-friendly options available, from casual cafes to takeaway shops.
Look for restaurants that offer durum wraps, thin flatbreads filled with kebab meat, vegetables, and sauces. These are a quick, easy, and affordable way to enjoy a taste of Turkey on the go. Pide, Turkish pizza, is another excellent option, often available for a reasonable price and offering a satisfying and filling meal.
Also consider visiting Turkish supermarkets, where you can buy ingredients to cook your own Turkish meals at home. These supermarkets often carry a wide variety of Turkish staples, from spices and herbs to cheeses and olives.
A Culinary Journey to Remember
Turkish food in London is a vibrant and diverse experience, offering something for everyone. From the bustling streets of Green Lanes to the trendy restaurants of Dalston, the city is brimming with culinary delights waiting to be discovered. London’s Turkish culinary scene boasts authentic flavours and a cultural experience.
This guide has hopefully provided you with a comprehensive overview of the best Turkish food options in London, from the must-try dishes to the hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.
So, whether you’re craving a hearty kebab, a flavorful meze platter, a sweet treat, or a simple yet satisfying wrap, London’s Turkish restaurants have something to offer every palate and budget. Go out and explore – your taste buds will thank you!
