Many Turkish delights

Just back from a scrumptious weekend in Istanbul, where the six of us from Ottolenghi – or, otherwise very closely associated – ate our way through heaps of burek, baklava and beyaz peynir (the famous salty white cheese).
The best food we had was in simple, unassuming street stalls or basic restaurants, where the greatness of Ottoman food is evident in its simplicity yet strict adherence to tradition. The combination of flavours of Arab, central Asian and Balkan cuisines produces the most inspiring dishes.
Here’s a few of our favourites:
Kanaat Lokantesi in Üsküdar for simple home-style cooking and the best stuffed vegetables.


The Egyptian spice market that sells much more than spices, or actually, everything and anything you never knew you needed.



Balikci Sabahattin restaurant in Sultan-Ahmed for the freshest and, literally, the most delicious fish in the world, or as Itamar calls it, the Temple of Love.
The best burek we had at Asli Borek on Buyuk Postahane Caddesi, just off the spice market.
Namli, a shop full of Turkish magic selling and serving Ottolenghiesque style salads and much more. You must buy their tahini, halva and many cheeses!


At Hamdi Et Lokantasi we had the best lamb kebabs we have ever tasted, and that’s quite something.
We also visited Muzedechanga, where we sampled some amazing modern Turkish cuisine and got lots of tips from the lovely owners, Tarik and Savas.



Comments
next time you should also visit pandeli restaurant inside the egyptian bazaar. http://www.pandeli.com.tr/
Pastry with eggplant and almond cookies are delicious!
Thank you. Will definately add to my list, and it won't be long until we go again. It was so good!
If you happen to get up to Arnavutkoy, stop in for fish at Adem Baba or kofte at Ali Baba. Both spots do just one thing and they do them well.
Manti at Bodrum Manti (Arnavutkoy) and Casita Manti (Etiler) are also worth trying.
Your windows at Ottolenghi are works of art, and I'm so glad I've found your blog!
~ Annie @pithandpit.blogspot)
Turkish cuisine is very delicious
One of the best addresses çiya kebaps
http://www.ciya.com.tr/index_en.php
I'll be in London next week,I would like to visit you
Greetings from Turkey
@Ayse, Ciya is number one on my next visit list.
you guys are amazing, you should open a branch in Istanbul. Seriously :) and how come you guys didn t eat any ISKENDER KEBAP? Next time, if you ll be in town, you must try this establishment-
http://www.iskenderkebabi.com/
they have couple restaurants throughout in Istanbul.
and sultanahmet koftesi...
especially at this location-
http://www.sultanahmetkoftesi.com/